Pnuematic Screw Gun CT6030

[David Shinkle]

What happened to the pnuematic screw gun that was part of the Kreg line of products a few years ago?  Thought it was a good idea, particular that it wouldn't overdrive the screw.  Was it discontinued?  Also, do any members use or have used a pnuematic screw gun?  If so, what's been your experience?

[Ken Darga]

David, 

I've used pneumatic screw guns, in the past, for many fastening tasks.

They worked very well and were the tool of choice for driving threaded fasteners.

The pressure had to be monitored and constantly adjusted, so as to obtain the desired torque.

When the pressure dropped, the fastener wasn't properly seated.

You have to wait for the pressure to build up again, then proceed.  

Very large air pressure storage containers were needed---

not suitable for mobility.  A 20gal capacity tank is needed for continuous duty. 

We had and also used corded drivers; however they needed to be kept locked-up---

dam thieves would walk off with them.

Pneumatic screw guns are being replaced by the more favored cordless drivers.

These drivers feature a torque adjustment and provide more consistent torque, at a specific setting.

Most are heavier than a 2.5lb drywall screw driver.

The Milw M12 driver is very light weight.  I've used them nearly all day long, and my arms don't get tired.  

TIP:  use a holster or rig up a sling, akin to a sling on an AR15, or the like.

You don't have to worry about dropping it---

it's always in an at-the-ready location.

 

[Ken Darga]

BTW---

the Keg screw gun needs 16cfm @ 90psi.

It's like a typical drywall air-driven screw gun.

[Ken Darga]

Also, that screw gun can be used for drilling the pocket holes.

The gun features a quick-change bit---

change from drill to drive in a couple seconds.

Also it has an integral reversing feature.

[David Shinkle]

Thanks Ken. I have a Porter Cable driver that works well. It just doesn't have any adjustment capabilities; just have to rely on feel. I've run several screws through the wood. Looking for better control.

[Ken Darga]

David,

Without any adjustment feature, you'll have problems.

Some of those drywall drivers output is like 120 in lbs torque.

Are you using it to drive 5'' lag screws into landscape timbers?

For driving screws, the least expensive and reliable cordless driver is the Ryobi 18V model.

Does a great job for the money.

I've used 3 separate ones for quite awhile, and never experienced any issues.

This tool is also suitable for drilling, but limited to 1500 rpm.

[David Shinkle]

I drill the holes with a Dewalt corded drill. I set the screws with a cordless porter cable driver. I thought if I went to a pneumatic driver I could get better control and not overdrive as much. The kreg driver had a video that indicated it would stop after depth reached.

[Ken Darga]

Without an adjustable torque setting, stripping or over-driving will occur.

i'd suggest installing and seating the screws by hand, using a hand controlled driver, small ratcheting tool, or the like.  The opposite end of the square-tipped tool will fit into a 1/4'' hex driver.

[David Shinkle]

You know Ken. I could use my Porter Cable cordless drill/driver. It has adjustable torque settings. Thanks for your suggestions!