Customer Reviews

Senco DS275-18 Cordless Collated Screwdriver

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The DS275-18 deserves 4 1/2 stars. I do not agree in giving a low rating just because a tool "isn't for you". If the tool performs as the manufacturer intended, then rate it for its purpose, not your feelings.

I used the DS275-18 unit to install 5/8" drywall and it performed very well. I'm not sure the batteries would hold up long enough to use the unit continuously all day as a wall board hanger would do. Extra batteries would over ride that concern. For the occasional handyman / remodeler, I would say you should be pleased with this screw gun.

I enjoyed using it to install 1/2" cement board in a bathroom and kitchen floor before tiling. It really saved a lot of time. Using 2" galvanized decking screws, I was able to screw in 12 sheets of 3 x 5 with 4" to 6" spacing before both batteries were exhausted. The unit worked VERY well. I messed up on a few screws because I angled the unit; I just followed up with a regular screw gun to correct the problem. Also keep the regular screw gun handy to back out any misplaced screws. Even thou the unit has reverse, it is not designed to go back and extract screws. The mechanism will advance another screw and time will be lost while you try doing so.

My only concerns with this unit are the battery charge time and it does not allow for an extension so you can stand straight up. The batteries lasted long enough for the 12 sheets, but the charging time seemed extensive. I took an early lunch and had at least one battery completely charged. If it had an extension handle accessory, my bending over while using the unit, would no longer be an issue. If your young and less than 6' tall, you may not care about the extension.

My DS275-18 was stolen about a month ago, because of the battery and extension issue; I will replace it with a DS300-S4. When I receive that unit, I will give it a review.

I have been satisified with SENCO products in the past. I think the DS-200AC screw gun is amazing. Unfortunately it only drives 1"-2" screws and I needed to drive 1 1/4 and 3" screws for a project. The DS300AC is really meant for subfloors and is too awkward for drywall, so that left the DS275-18. I was leary of a battery operated system, so I called SENCO and they stated that it could handle 3" screws without a problem. So I went ahead and bought it.

It powers through the 1" and 2" screws - not having a cord is very nice. However, on a fresh battery, it could only drive a couple 3" screws into 2x4's. The drive simply ground to a halt at the end. After the first two screws, it would only drive 2 1/2" of the 3" screw consistently. I guess a hint that this tool was never really meant to handle 3" screws was that the 3" screws do not fit into the screw guard - the instructions state to remove the screw guard - wish someone at Senco would have told me that.

So, your tired of putting in screws one at a time and having to have someone to help hold drywall. Your prayers have been answered. This thing rocks! No cords. Incredible speed. 30 round clips. What more could you ask for. The batteries charge fast and you get 2 of them. I may be heavy for some but if you are man enough to handle it, the power is worth the weight. If you wish something lighter go with the 14 volt. It still has decent power but the 18 volt can power through decking as well as drywall. Happy hanging.

...However- I was building a very large deck and I needed to screw down lots of composite decking. I was thrilled with the promise of this tool and I couldn't wait to get the thing. I happily got my new gun and charged my batteries. My first use worked very well right off the bat, but I could only drive about 25 or 30 screws before the battery died. I went to battery #2 and got similar results. (I was driving 2-1/2" composite deck screws.) I read the instructions again, and they stated that the batteries would hold a charge much better after 3 or 4 complete chargings. I really wanted this to work so I stuck with it a few more days. I gave the tool a fair opportunity to meet my needs, and I charged both batteries repeatedly over the next 3 days, but alas, The most screws I was able to drive before either battery died was around 50. I think the composite screws and decking materials are just too much for this thing to handle. I'm sure the tool would work very well with shorter screws and soft lumber applications like hanging drywall, but that wasn't why I needed the tool. Unfortunately, I was forced to send the tool back to Amazon. Now I'm back to scewing down the decking with my cordless drill and a metal screwguide. Oh well- It was worth a try. Maybe I should have bought the corded version...

While in the middle of a whole house remodle it became apparent that the "squeeky floor" had to go. Every room, entire house. I spent one day with a drill and a large box of screws in one room. Enough was enough. I ordered the Duraspin hoping that it would do the trick. I charged both batteries and loaded the first strip of screws. It was easy! After the second screw I got the hang of it. I placed 50 screws in the time it took to do 5 the old way. I was standing, not kneeling(knee saver). Each and every screw drove to the necessary depth. The battery lasted up to 400 screws. I had no stripped screws with the Duraspin.It is by far the best buy I have made in a tool in many years. I look forward to using it for years to come...if I can get it back from my neighbor...

I purchased this item a few months ago. Wow what a tool! I was considering buying a 14 volt but decided against it because bigger is better and this is the United States. The 18 volt screw gun I bought came with an extra battery and that is a necessity because when you are putting down flooring like I did after about screwing 300 screws the battery runs out. I have used this tool to drive over 2000 screws, what a time saver. This is one of the best purchases I made and with the free shipping and $25.00 off from Amazon I made a better deal than the ones on Ebay. Buy it, you won't be sorry.

I bought this tool for the sole purpose of constructing my fence. I was amazed at how well this tool handled. I chose it over the corded version because of the freedom from tripping over an extension cord. I chose the 18 volt because of the need of a longer lasting battery that would endure a torque filled job. This tool worked so well, my arms were sore from driving screw after screw after screw. Each battery would drive about 400 screws per charge. The feeding mechanism was simple to learn. The belt clip accepts a key chain sized carabiner which works very well with a belt hook. This tool was well worth the price.

I can't imagine ever doing another deck without this great tool! 2 Decks - 10'x28' and 30'x40'! over 2000 screws (2-1/2" Weatherex) and not a single problem. I don't know why previous reviewers had problems... I never had to wait for a battery to charge, took only a minute to figure out how to load the screws and a few practice screws to learn the way the gun works!

If you're only thinking about getting this tool - stop thinking and just buy it! I'm looking for other projects just so I can use this tool again!

First thing is that many sellers do not include battery with this tool so if you think you are getting a deal you may be getting ripped as battery is very expensive. There are also sellers who sell refurbished and the battery is junk which is why some people claim they can't even do a couple screws or just hate this tool. It is pretty much useless if the power source (battery is no good). So I strongly suggest not buying refurbished. You definitely should have 2 batteries so again need to check if seller includes 2 batteries or 1 or none. This is not always easy as many places do not want you to know they are not including battery so if any hesitation with an answer, RUN to different seller or place.

I bought mine new with 2 batteries and built 722 feet of 6 foot high cedar and treated privacy fence using all high quality thick boards, 3 rails, and 4x4 posts. I NEVER had a problem with this tool not living up to expectations. There were, however a few tricks I learned along the way, but certainly this tool did make it like I had a 3rd hand. 90% of the time the battery on charger was ready by the time battery on gun was dead, but even the few times it wasn't I only had to wait a few minute, go get a drink and take a break, and its ready. The tips were tough too. I used same 2 tips for entire project (3" & 1-5/8" screws had different heads).

SO the tricks I learned - if doing a deck its probably best suited and no need for any tricks. If doing horizontal screwing such as a fence then the angle is a big deal. if you are going at diagnal to wood (i.e. not squared up) then you will have problems getting screw all the way in, so keep it straight & square. Keeping it upright (top of gun up, battery end down) also helps keep screws from tangling and getting screws in all the way. It can screw with gun upside down but it takes patience and not as fast. On the top of gun there is gap near tip where I placed duct tape to keep empty plastic from catching - worked like a charm and so easy to do. I removed the removable plastic guard as it was just in way of loading screws. DO not slam or hit wood with gun as it makes tip and screw get off. Just place it there and give just enough pressure to engage tip with screw. This is not so easy to do as it seems slamming it feels right and gets screw started in wood, but a little patience and gentleness and habit is easy to acquire. It just seems like gusto and manliness works well when in fact the best idea is let the tool do the work. This also goes for how much you push it while it drives screws - let the tool drive them, not your arm. Lastly and probably least important is if going fast as I tried to do wanting and needing to get over 700 feet of fence done all alone, there is a pivot point on track that screws follow to gun tip. It is just before screw is in place for driving. I put small peice of electrical tape to help keep screw heads from catching. Screws not in plastic all the way (I would guess cheap ones dont work as well with this gun), or just working gun at angle or upside down cause head to catch sometimes and the little piece of tape make more gradual ramp for heads to go over. All these things I learned the first day, but they did have me wondering about the tool. Once I got to really know how it worked we were fast friends.

In summary I would HIGHLY recommend this tool for anyone who has a lot of screws to drive in fence, deck, drywall, or whatever. I cant think of any wood that is too tough for it. Just need to make sure you are getting 2 GOOD NEW (not refurbished) batteries, unless only going to work for 1-2 hours at a time then just need 1 battery. This is one of the best tools I have ever used and beats out any nailgun I used by a mile in all aspects except speed, but even then not by much.

I've been into new home construction and custom deck building for several years now and I am kicking myself for not getting this screw gun a long time ago. This gun is extremely easy to use and set up. Just pick which bit you want to use, slide the screws in, and go to town. Screw after screw after screw, it's amazing. If you're currently pre-drilling pilot holes and screwing each screw in by hand (as I was), this tool will literally take hours off of your labor time. I've used it for screwing down sub-flooring, deck boards, railing balusters, fencing, and dry wall and it handled all tasks equally well. Screw lengths of 1"-3" make this gun extremely versatile.

When I first got it and started to get ready to use it, I remember my boss (very old school) standing there at the house next door thinking how stupid my new tool was, he was extremely skeptical. After screwing down the first deck board in a matter of seconds (two screws per joist on a 14' board) I turned around and his jaw was on the floor...priceless!

The only bad thing about this gun is the battery life. It comes with two batteries and a 1-hour charger, and if you're doing any really big job you'll want to get a 3rd battery and a 2nd charger to keep you in the game. The only time I've needed the 3rd battery is when screwing down a 1,800 sq ft sub-floor. If that is your main use I would recommend getting a wired gun, but if your jobs aren't that big being cordless is a great benefit!!!