DeWalt Drywall Screwgun and Cut-Out Tool Combo Kit

Why I reached for this combo

I’ve been hanging and patching a lot of drywall lately—full-room board on one job and a series of cut-outs and patch-ins on another—and I wanted a cordless setup that wouldn’t slow me down. This DeWalt drywall screwgun and cut-out tool combo promised brushless efficiency, multiple screwgun modes, and a high-speed cut-out motor in a compact package. After several weeks of real work, here’s how it actually performs.

The screwgun: fast, consistent, and mode-rich

The screwgun is the star of the kit. It’s compact and light, and the balance feels right with the included 2.0Ah pack—enough rear weight to keep the nose steady without fighting wrist fatigue. The adjustable nosecone clicks positively and holds depth adjustment well. Once I dialed in for standard 1-1/4 inch coarse-thread screws into studs, I could run full sheets with very consistent dimpling. I only had to tweak the setting slightly when I moved to 5/8 inch board.

Speed-wise, High stays brisk—reported up to about 4,850 RPM—and that translates to clean, quick entries without “walking” the screw head. In Low, it’s gentler for delicate faces or awkward angles. Where the screwgun separates itself is in its modes:

• Trigger (High) and Trigger (Low) operate as expected with precise variable control.
• PushStart lets you leave the trigger alone; the motor engages when you press the nose to the surface. It’s great on ceilings or for switching hands mid-run.
• Lock-On keeps the motor spinning without holding the trigger, ideal for production runs where you’re setting a lot of screws in sequence.

The top-mounted electronic selector makes switching modes one-handed and impossible to confuse with the forward/reverse switch. That forward/reverse slider is placed so you won’t bump it mid-drive; I never accidentally knocked it into reverse when dragging along a wall.

I did experience one moment where the top speed felt uneven. In my case, a nearly spent battery and a dusty nosecone were the culprits. Cleaning gypsum out of the nose and swapping in a fresh battery restored full pace. It’s a reminder that brushless tools throttle when the pack sags or when the safety systems sense resistance—if it feels sluggish, check your mode, your battery, and the nosecone.

The LED is bright enough to highlight screw heads along chalk lines, though the nose does throw a small shadow. For true low-light work, I still prefer a headlamp, but the onboard lighting is useful.

The cut-out tool: a capable, compact router for drywall

The cut-out tool is a strong complement. Its 26,000 RPM brushless motor spins up fast and stays steady through gypsum, even in double-layer or with paper-backed insulation tugging at the bit. I used the included 1/8 inch guide-point bit to trace boxes and can lights and the multi-material bit where I needed to zip through some layered patch materials. The results were clean, and the motor didn’t bog.

A few notes on setup and control:

• Bit/collet changes are straightforward. The tool accepts 1/8, 5/32, and 1/4 inch shanks, so sourcing bits isn’t an issue. Swaps are quick, and I appreciated not fishing for a tiny wrench mid-ceiling.
• The depth guide is more than an afterthought; set correctly, it keeps you from plunging too deep into hidden wires or backer. I keep the tip just proud of the board to minimize blowouts.
• Visibility is decent for a compact body, and the LED does help draw a clean line around boxes. As with most cut-out tools, dust becomes the limiting factor.

And that’s the main caveat: dust. At 26,000 RPM, this thing makes a cloud. There’s no integrated dust port in the kit, and while you can manage with a helper on a vac or a third-party shroud, plan for cleanup and PPE. I keep the room under negative pressure when I can and cut near the open window first.

Runtime and battery ecosystem

The kit includes two 2.0Ah 20V packs with 3-LED fuel gauges. On a mixed day, I could run the screwgun near continuously by rotating packs—one on the charger, one on the tool. The screwgun sips power, and the brushless motor does its part. The cut-out tool draws more current. If you’re making dozens of boxes in a row or trimming sheets at the ceiling, expect to swap batteries more often.

If you already own larger DeWalt packs, the cut-out tool benefits noticeably from a 4.0Ah or 5.0Ah battery. It balances fine with a mid-size pack, and the extra runtime reduces interruptions. For the screwgun, the 2.0Ah is ideal for weight and balance and still gives solid runtime.

The fuel gauge is a small but welcome touch. With the screwgun in Lock-On or PushStart, it’s easy to lose track of pack state; a quick glance stops you from unexpectedly running out mid-ceiling.

Ergonomics and build quality

Both tools feel tough without being overbuilt. Rubber overmold is where you want it, and there aren’t any sharp edges or odd seams. The belt clips are included and sturdy; on ladders, clipping the screwgun frees both hands to place the next board safely.

The screwgun’s trigger has a predictable ramp, and the mechanical noises are subdued—more whir than whine. The brushless motors start and stop quickly, which matters in PushStart and Lock-On modes where you want immediate response. Heat management is good; even on a long run, neither tool cooked my hand, and the handles didn’t get slippery.

The kit bag holds both tools, charger, batteries, and bits with a little room left for a small box of screws and a handful of cut-out bits. It’s a soft bag, so if you want crush protection, consider a hard case or T-Stack setup separately.

Where it shines—and where it could be better

Highlights:
- Consistent screw depth with a nosecone that stays put.
- PushStart and Lock-On genuinely improve workflow; after a day overhead, the fatigue savings are real.
- The cut-out tool has ample power and maintains speed through the cut, which translates to cleaner edges and fewer “oops” moments.
- Compact size and light weight make both tools easy to use overhead and in tight hallways.

Trade-offs:
- Dust control on the cut-out tool isn’t addressed in the kit. It’s the nature of the category, but buyers should plan a solution if they work in finished spaces.
- The included 2.0Ah packs are fine for the screwgun, modest for the cut-out tool. They work, but larger packs reduce downtime.
- The LED on the screwgun can cast a nose shadow; not a dealbreaker, just a small visibility quirk.
- If the screwgun feels underpowered, it’s usually a mode, battery, or maintenance issue. There’s a small learning curve to get the most from the modes and to keep the nosecone clean.

Who it’s for

If you’re a drywall pro, remodeler, or electrician who routinely hangs board, sets a lot of screws, and cuts out boxes, this combo makes a strong case as a core kit. It also fits serious DIYers tackling a basement finish or a multi-room remodel who want pro-speed results without a cord. The tools are straightforward enough to use immediately, but the extra modes reward users who take a minute to set the tool up thoughtfully.

Value and warranty

You’re getting two brushless tools, two batteries, a charger, and a bag under a 3-year limited warranty. That’s compelling for the performance on offer. The longevity and efficiency benefits of brushless motors show up not just in runtime, but in the consistent, repeatable feel of both tools day after day.

Recommendation

I recommend this combo kit. The screwgun is fast, accurate, and thoughtfully designed, and the cut-out tool has the speed and control to make clean, confident cuts. The package is light, compact, and genuinely reduces fatigue over a full day’s work. Plan on addressing dust for the cut-out tool and consider adding a higher-capacity battery if you do heavy cut-out work, but as a foundation for drywall tasks, this kit delivers the right mix of power, control, and usability.