Using the Wrong Drywall Screws Could Lead to Less than a Professional Drywall
Finish
By Mark J. Donovan
Question: I am about to
install drywall in my family room addition and am not sure what type of drywall
screw to use. When I was at the home improvement store I discovered they sell
both fine threaded drywall screws and coarse threaded drywall screws. Do you
have any guidance or recommendations on the use of fine versus coarse threaded
drywall screws? (BS)
Answer: BS, you raise a good question. The drywall screw is frequently a
last minute purchase with little thought given by many do it yourself
homeowners. This is unfortunate as the type and length of drywall screw used can
make a significant difference in the finished results of your drywall project.
Using the wrong type or length of
drywall screw can lead to a less than professional drywall finish. If the
wrong type or length of drywall screw is used visible dimples, pops and/or
seams can begin to quickly show in your finished walls.
This said the short answer to your question is that coarse thread drywall
screws are used for wood stud applications and fine thread drywall screws
are used for metal stud applications.
Drywall screws were initially
developed for commercial interior wall construction. They were used for hanging
drywall on metal studs and were sold with fine threads. The residential building
market eventually switched from using drywall nails to drywall screws to speed
up the drywall installation process. In addition, drywall screws offer much
stronger pull strengths and as a result do a better job of holding drywall.
However with wood studs being the norm in residential construction, coarse
thread drywall screws were required.
Drywall screws are unique in features
and thus are specially designed for drywall applications. Consequently they
should not be substituted with deck screws or other types of screws when hanging
drywall.
Drywall screws are manufactured out
of case hardened steel. In addition, they have bugle shaped Philips heads and
piercing tips that are specifically designed to attach drywall to wood and metal
studs, while not damaging the drywall in the process. Drywall screws are
normally coated in a black phosphate finish.
Photo by Mark Donovan
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In terms of the length of drywall
screw to use, 1-1/4” long drywall screws should be used with ½” thick drywall
and 1-5/8” long drywall screws should be used for 5/8” thick drywall.
So make sure you use the right drywall screws when hanging drywall. Also,
consider purchasing a drywall screw gun. Drywall screw guns can dramatically
speed up the process of hanging drywall. In addition, they have adjustable
torque sensitive clutches to control the depth of the drywall screw so that you
do not break the paper surface of the drywall when installing the drywall screw.
Over-screwing the drywall screw and breaking the face paper on the drywall
weakens the fastener and typically leads to visible dimples and seams.
How to Repair a Large Drywall Hole Ebook
- If you have a large hole in your drywall and need to repair it,
you can
either call in a drywall contractor and pay an arm and a leg, or you can fix
it yourself.The "How
to Repair a Large Drywall Hole Ebook" will show you how to
repair your damaged wall so that it looks as good as new.
For more help on new home construction, see
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Tools for Repairing Drywall Seams From Amazon.com
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- When to use Fine and
Coarse Thread Drywall Screws -
