Milwaukee 2866-20 Drywall Screw Gun Review
The Milwaukee 2866-20 Drywall Screw Gun is a powerful and efficient addition to Milwaukee’s extensive lineup of power tools. Designed with the needs of professionals and avid DIY enthusiasts in mind, this drywall screw gun is aimed at making drywall installation and other fastening tasks more straightforward and less labor intensive.
In this review, we will delve into the features, performance, pros and cons of the Milwaukee 2866-20 and also compare it to similar Drywall Screw Guns on the market.
Key Features
Brushless Motor: The Milwaukee 2866-20 is equipped with a brushless motor, which not only extends the tool’s lifespan but also enhances its efficiency. This motor provides more power while consuming less energy, ensuring you get the job done faster and with less fatigue.
Depth Control and Fine Adjustment: This drywall screw gun comes with a depth control feature that allows you to precisely set the screw depth, preventing over driving or under driving screws. The fine adjustment feature further refines this control, giving you a high level of accuracy and consistency in your fastening tasks.
Collated and Non Collated Screw Compatibility: One of the standout features of the Milwaukee 2866-20 is its versatility in accepting both collated and non collated screws. This flexibility means you can use a wide range of screw types and sizes without needing multiple tools, making it highly cost effective.
Lightweight and Ergonomic Design: Weighing in at just 2.5 pounds, the Milwaukee 2866-20 is relatively lightweight, making it comfortable to use over extended periods. Its ergonomic design ensures a secure grip and minimal strain on your wrist and arm, further enhancing user comfort.
LED Work Light: The built in LED work light is a small but invaluable feature, especially when working in low light or dimly lit areas. It provides illumination to your work surface, ensuring you can see precisely where you’re fastening screws.
All Metal Gear Housing: The durable all metal gear housing adds to the tool’s longevity and helps it withstand the rigors of construction sites and heavy duty applications.
Performance
The Milwaukee 2866-20 Drywall Screw Gun offers impressive performance across various drywall installation and fastening tasks. Its brushless motor is notably powerful and remarkably efficient. This power translates into driving screws with ease, even into challenging materials like hardwood or metal studs.
The fine depth adjustment control is incredibly precise, preventing screw heads from being countersunk too deep or protruding, which can be a common issue with lower quality screw guns. The ability to use both collated and non collated screws adds to the tool’s versatility, ensuring you can tackle a wide range of projects with a single tool.
When put to the test, the Milwaukee 2866-20 demonstrated consistent and reliable performance. It effortlessly sunk screws into drywall, wood and other materials, reducing the need for manual adjustments and rework. The LED work light, although a seemingly minor feature, it greatly improves visibility and accuracy in low light conditions ensuring your work is consistently high quality.
Pros
Versatile Compatibility: The ability to use both collated and non collated screws makes this tool an attractive option for professionals who tackle a variety of projects, from drywall installation to general construction.
Precise Depth Control: The fine adjustment feature for screw depth prevents over driving and under driving screws, resulting in more professional and polished outcomes.
Comfortable Design: The lightweight and ergonomic design of the Milwaukee 2866-20 ensures that it’s easy to handle, even for extended periods.
Efficient Brushless Motor: The brushless motor not only increases the tool’s lifespan but also improves its efficiency, reducing energy consumption and increasing productivity.
Durable Build: The all metal gear housing ensures that this tool can withstand the demands of a construction site and heavy duty applications.
LED Work Light: The integrated LED work light is a practical feature, ensuring you can work with precision in low light conditions.
Cons
Price Point: The Milwaukee 2866-20 Drywall Screw Gun is a premium tool, which might be a drawback for budget conscious users. However, its performance and durability justify the price.
Battery and Charger Sold Separately: The tool does not come with a battery or charger, which means an additional investment if you don’t already own compatible Milwaukee M18 batteries.
Comparison
Milwaukee 2866-20 vs DeWalt DCF620B 20V MAX XR
The DeWalt DCF620B is another popular drywall screw gun on the market. While it offers impressive performance, it lacks the versatility of the Milwaukee 2866-20 when it comes to accepting both collated and non collated screws. The Milwaukee also has a more precise depth control system, giving it an edge in terms of accuracy.
Milwaukee 2866-20 vs Makita XSF03Z 18V LXT
The Makita XSF03Z is a formidable competitor, boasting a brushless motor for efficiency. However, it falls short in terms of versatility since it only accepts collated screws. Milwaukee’s 2866-20 has the upper hand here with its compatibility with both collated and non collated screws.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Milwaukee 2866-20 Drywall Screw Gun is a powerful, versatile and efficient tool that is a valuable addition to any professional contractor’s or avid DIY enthusiast’s toolkit. Its compatibility with both collated and non collated screws, precise depth control, lightweight design and durability make it a top contender in the drywall screw gun market.
While it comes at a premium price point, the performance and features it offers make it a worthwhile investment for those who demand quality and reliability in their power tools. Whether you’re a professional tradesperson or a dedicated DIYer, the Milwaukee 2866-20 will streamline your fastening tasks and provide consistent, high quality results.
