When it comes to drywall screwdrivers, Makita has a deep lineup of both corded and cordless options. From the field-tested FS4200 and FS6200 corded models to the newest XRF03 brushless option, you’re sure to find a Makita screw gun that suits the way you work.
Makita XRF03 18V LXT Cordless Auto-Feed Screw Gun
The most recent Makita cordless screw gun is the 18V LXT XRF03. If you’ve been using Makita’s cordless models for a while, you’ll notice the model number is very similar to the XSF03. However, this one replaces the XRF01 and it’s a long-awaited brushless update.
One of the big differences between this model and other Makita screw guns is that the magazine is integral to the tool’s operation rather than being an optional separate attachment.
The newer model cranks up to 6000 RPM, a gain of 2000 RPM over the ’01 model. It’s more compact by nearly 2 1/2 inches and it drops 0.3 pounds.
Its 1 – 2 3/16-inch screw length range shifts down somewhat from the ’01’s 1 3/4 – 2 15/16-inch range.
The runtime is impressive. Using a 5.0Ah battery, you can drive up to 2250 screws on one charge. Two major technologies are in play. The brushless motor is more efficient than brushed models and Makita’s Push Drive system ensures the motor only runs when you press in to drive while still giving you the option to use a lock-on button to improve your speed.
Physically, the design is very similar, but there are several significant differences. One is a different collated screw guide that boasts cleaner feeding.
The tool’s auto-feed magazine features a simple one-touch hook connection, making it easy to access the bit when it’s time for a change. The thumb wheel depth adjustment system is more or less the same.
Additional Highlights
- Reversible belt hook
Specifications
- Power Source: Makita 18V LXT battery
- No-Load Speed: 6000 RPM
- Screw Range: 1 – 2 3/16 inches
- Auto-Feed: Yes
- Length: 15 5/8 inches
- Weight: 4.9 pounds with 5.0Ah battery
Price: $349 bare tool
Makita XSF03 18V LXT Cordless Screw Gun
Switching gears to a magazine-optional cordless drywall screw gun, the Makita XSF03 is your best bet. It’s a brushless model that has the same Push Drive technology as the XRF03 above. The combination nets up to 2325 screws on a single 5.0Ah battery.
On its own, this model weighs 3.8 pounds with a 5.0Ah battery and is 9.7 inches long. While that’s significantly more compact than the magazine-dependent XRF03, adding the optional magazine brings them closer together. With it, the XSF03 is 4.7 pounds and 16 inches long.
One of the convenient design elements is the magazine can rotate, making it easier to work in corners.
Additional Highlights
- Optimized contact point offers easier corner access
- 3-stage LED light
- All-metal gears with an aluminum gear housing
- Reversible belt hook
Specifications
- Power Source: Makita 18V LXT battery
- No-Load Speed: 4000 RPM
- Screw Range: 1 – 2 3/16 inches with magazine
- Auto-Feed: Optional Magazine
- Length: 9 7/8 inches without magazine
- Weight: 3.8 pounds with 5.0Ah battery
Price: $159 bare, $249 kit (2 x 2.0Ah), $309 kit (2 x 5.0Ah)
Makita XSF04 18V LXT Cordless Drywall Screw Gun
Makita’s XSF04 is essentially the same tool as the XSF03 but downshifts to a 2500 RPM top speed. From a feature point of view, it offers the same benefits. However, the ’04 is slightly heavier at 4.1 pounds with a 5.0Ah battery.
Specifications
- Power Source: Makita 18V LXT battery
- No-Load Speed: 2500 RPM
- Screw Range: 1 – 2 3/16 inches with magazine
- Auto-Feed: Optional Magazine
- Length: 9 7/8 inches without magazine
- Weight: 4.1 pounds with 5.0Ah battery
Price: $179 bare
Makita XSF05 18V LXT Cordless Drywall Screw Gun
Take the XSF04, swap out the nose for a wider one designed for a 5/16-inch nut setter, add more torque, and you get the Makita XSF05. It still has a 1/4-inch hex connection, so you can also use other bits. However, Makita’s add-on magazine is not designed for use with this model. Other than a slight drop in weight, everything else is the same as the XSF04.
Specifications
- Power Source: Makita 18V LXT battery
- No-Load Speed: 2500 RPM
- Screw Range: 5/16-inch hex head only
- Auto-Feed: No
- Length: 9 3/8 inches
- Weight: 3.9 pounds with 5.0Ah battery
Makita Corded Drywall Screw Gun FS2200/FS4200/FS6200
As we shift into corded Makita screw gun options, there are three models specifically for drywallers that are very similar. The FS2200, FS4200, and FS6200 share the same pistol grip design with finger channels at the top of the grip, a two-finger variable speed trigger, a lock-on button, and a belt hook on top of the housing. All three are also compatible with Makita’s add-on screwdriver magazine.
Where they primarily differ is in speed. The FS2200 tops out at 2500 RPM, the FS4200 hits 4000 RPM, and the FS6200 reaches all the way to 6000 RPM.
Additional Highlights
- Directional airflow vents move air away from your face
- Nose cone holder below the handle
- Cast aluminum gear housing
- Bit storage on the base of the grip
- LED light
Makita Corded Screw Gun Comparision FS2200, FS4200, and FS6200
| Makita FS2200 | Makita FS4200 | Makita FS6200 | |
| Motor | 6-amp | 6-amp | 6-amp |
| No-Load Speed | 0 – 2500 RPM | 0 – 4000 RPM | 0 – 6000 RPM |
| Length | 11 1/8 inches | 11 1/8 inches | 11 1/8 inches |
| Weight | 3.5 pounds | 3.0 pounds | 3.0 pounds |
| Price | $129 | $119 | $129 |
| Buy At | Tool Nut | Acme Tools | Acme Tools |
Makita FS2701 Adjustable Torque Screw Gun
Makita’s FS2701 shares most of the same characteristics as the corded options we’ve already discussed with a 2500 RPM top speed. There are two primary differences. The nose design still has a magnetic 1/4-inch hex, but doesn’t have the same taper and doesn’t connect to Makita’s collated screw magazine.
The other big difference is this model has an adjustable torque range. Just like the clutch on a drill, six different settings help you dial in the amount of driving force you need to avoid overdriving into your material.
Specifications
- Power Source: 120V AC
- Motor: 6-amp
- No-Load Speed: 0 – 2500 RPM
- Auto-Feed Magazine Compatible: No
- Length: 11 1/8 inches
- Weight: 4.0 pounds
Price: $214
Makita FS2500 Screw Gun
If you like the design of the FS2701 but don’t need the adjustable torque feature, the Makita FS2500 is the screwgun for you. It has the same design, motor, and 2500 RPM top speed without torque settings.
Specifications
- Power Source: 120V AC
- Motor: 6-amp
- No-Load Speed: 0 – 2500 RPM
- Auto-Feed Magazine Compatible: No
- Length: 11 inches
- Weight: 3.4 pounds
Price: $189
