DeWalt 5,300 rpm High Speed VSR Drywall Screwgun

First impressions and setup

Halfway through hanging a ceiling, you learn what a screwgun is really made of. The DW255 didn’t pretend to be anything it isn’t: a fast, lightweight, corded drywall driver designed to plant a mountain of screws quickly, with consistent depth, and without wearing you out. Out of the box, it’s compact and well balanced with a rubberized grip and a two‑finger trigger that makes feathering the start surprisingly easy. It ships with a single #2 Phillips bit, which will get you moving, though I’d grab a couple spares if you’re doing a full room.

The standout feature is the depth-sensitive nosepiece. Set your depth on a scrap sheet, twist the collar to where the bugle head lands just below the paper, and you’re supposed to be in “set and forget” territory. In practice, it’s “set and mostly forget”—more on that later. The variable-speed motor spins up to 5,300 RPM, which is right in the sweet spot for drywall. It’s a corded tool, and at 2.9 pounds it’s easy to keep aloft when you’re reaching overhead or running along long walls.

Driving speed and control

Speed is the reason to use a screwgun instead of a drill/driver and drywall stop bit, and the DW255 delivers. That 5,300 RPM translates into quick engagement, less time fighting wobble at the start of the screw, and fewer chewed-up paper faces when you’re moving at a good clip. The trigger has a smooth ramp that helps you ease screws into position before committing full speed. The front end has enough mass to help you keep pressure on the bit without feeling nose-heavy, which matters when you’re working overhead and lining up on factory edges.

In wood studs, the tool is downright brisk. With coarse-thread screws and a properly set nosepiece, I was hitting consistent depth across full sheets—even on seams where you tend to lean in and risk overdriving. Compared to using a drill with a drywall tip, I noticed less cam-out and fewer torn paper cones once I got my rhythm.

On light-gauge steel (up to 20 gauge), the screwdriver still has enough speed to pop through quickly. I dialed the speed down slightly on starts and used fine-thread screws. The motor’s torque isn’t the limiting factor; technique is. The high RPM helps the screw bite and stay on track, but you need steady forward pressure to keep the bit planted. If you drift off-axis, it will highlight sloppy technique faster than a slower driver would.

Depth control and consistency

Depth control lives or dies by the nosepiece. The adjustment mechanism on the DW255 is straightforward—twist to fine-tune, test, twist again—but I wouldn’t call it precision-locked. On long ceiling runs, I found the setting could creep slightly after a few dozen screws, especially if the nosepiece took a couple of bumps or if dust packed around the collar. It never wandered wildly, but I did have to re-check mid-sheet on a few occasions.

Two habits kept me on track:
- Set the depth on scrap, then mark the collar and housing with a Sharpie so you can spot drift at a glance.
- Blow out the nosepiece with compressed air every so often; fine gypsum dust will make any detent feel vague and can cause gradual movement.

When the nose was freshly set and clean, the results were excellent—flush, repeatable countersinks that avoided breaking the paper. Overhead is where the system gets tested hardest. The tool’s light weight helps you keep even pressure, but if you relax, the high RPM can turn shallow quickly. The “mostly forget” nature of the depth collar was the only thing that slowed me down.

Ergonomics and comfort

The DW255’s ergonomics are well thought-out for repetitive work. The two-finger trigger and rubber grip reduce finger fatigue during long runs, and the handle angle puts your wrist in a neutral position when you’re pushing forward into studs. Weight distribution feels centralized; it doesn’t tug down at the nose like some older screwguns. Vibration is minimal, and the motor runs with a clean, refined note typical of helical-cut gears.

Noise-wise, you’ll want ear protection. It’s not obnoxious, but any tool spinning north of 5,000 RPM is going to generate a persistent whine, and working inside reflective rooms amplifies that.

There’s no collated screw attachment here; this is a single-screw tool. If you’re used to collated systems for production hanging, you’ll miss the ability to feed without grabbing screws. For single-user jobs, remodeling, or a couple of rooms at a time, the trade-off is lighter weight and better visibility at the bit.

Build quality and durability

Internally, the helical-cut, heat-treated steel gears are the right choice for a tool that lives at high RPM. Under load, the drive feels smooth and precise. The housing is sturdy, and the chuck end tolerances are good—bits sit square, and there’s no slop that would encourage cam-out.

The weak point is the nose assembly’s locking feel. It’s made to be adjustable, but the detents aren’t as positive as I’d like, and fine dust doesn’t help. That’s a maintenance point more than a fatal flaw: keep it clean, don’t use it as a hook to hang the tool, and expect to tweak the depth occasionally. I didn’t experience any overheating or power fade during extended use. The motor warmed as expected but stayed consistent across a full day’s work.

Serviceability matters on a tool you might keep for years. Brushes and nose components are accessible, and it’s backed by a three-year limited warranty, a one-year free service plan, and a 90-day satisfaction guarantee. That’s a comfortable safety net if something isn’t right out of the gate.

Practical tips from the field

• Always set depth on scrap from the same batch of drywall you’re hanging; paper thickness and density vary.
• On ceilings, revisit your depth setting mid-sheet. Marking the collar helps you spot drift instantly.
• Use the right screws: coarse-thread for wood, fine-thread for steel up to 20 gauge.
• Keep a few fresh #2 Phillips bits on hand. A dull bit makes everything look worse than it is.
• Blow out the nosepiece regularly; a quick blast of air keeps the detent action crisp.
• Let the speed do the work. Start gently, get the screw biting straight, then give it the beans.

Who it’s for

If you’re a remodeler, handyman, or DIYer tackling several rooms, the DW255 makes a strong case. It’s lighter and more controllable than many drill/driver solutions, and it pays off in consistent results and speed once you get used to the rhythm. For full-time drywall crews or anyone who needs maximum consistency with minimal fiddling, a collated system or a screwgun with a more robust locking collar may be a better fit. The DW255 can absolutely keep pace on production, but you’ll spend a bit of attention managing the depth setting.

The bottom line

The DW255 hits the core drywall screwgun brief: it’s fast, light, and comfortable, with enough refinement in the drivetrain to keep starts clean and countersinks tidy. The variable speed and two-finger trigger provide excellent control, and the motor is happy living at high RPM all day. The depth nosepiece does its job but isn’t completely “set and forget”—expect occasional touch-ups to keep your countersinks perfect, especially overhead or when the tool gets dusty.

Recommendation

I recommend the DW255 for anyone who wants a reliable, corded drywall screwgun with strong speed and ergonomics, and who doesn’t mind keeping an eye on the depth setting. It excels at day-to-day drywall work on wood studs and light-gauge steel, reduces fatigue, and produces clean, consistent results once dialed in. If absolute “never touch it again” depth consistency is your top priority, or you’re outfitting a high-volume crew, consider alternatives with more positive-locking depth systems or a collated setup. For most users, though, this screwgun strikes a practical balance of performance, weight, and value—with a solid warranty to back it up.