What Is a Drywall Screw

Drywall screws are designed for use in drywall and have thinner shanks and oversized heads that minimize tearing through the drywall's paper face. They're commonly used to attach wallboard to studs.

Understanding the differences between drywall screws and wood screws can help you choose the right fastener for your next home improvement project. This will ensure that your projects turn out just how you want them to.

Types

There are a few different types of drywall screw. Each has its own purpose and application, but they all work similarly in that they penetrate the drywall and secure it to the wall or ceiling frame.

Drywall screws have a bugle head that sits slightly below the surface of the drywall. They also have a sharp point to help them bite into the gypsum core without breaking through the outer paper layer. Some drywall screws have a countersunk head that sits flush with the surface of the plasterboard to create a smooth finish. Others have a wafer-shaped head that is used to construct walls and ceiling frames from metal.

Most drywall screws have standard #2 Phillips heads, but there are also some that are torx, square, or hexagonal. They can also be collated or uncollated, with the former being easier to feed into auto-feed screwdrivers. Some drywall screws are even coated to protect against corrosion and other environmental hazards.

Lengths

Drywall screws come in a wide range of lengths to accommodate the various thicknesses of drywall. The longer lengths, such as 2" and 2-1/2", are typically used in multi-family construction or commercial jobs. These longer drywall screws have a phosphate coating that helps protect against corrosion.

The drywall screw length also depends on the type of studs being worked with. For example, coarse threaded sheetrock screws work best when working with wood studs, while finely threaded screws (often called s-type screws) are designed for use with metal or steel studs.

Regardless of the screw length, it is important to use the proper spacing to ensure that a nail pop is less likely. Studies conducted by USG and Purdue University show that using a shorter fastener reduces the gap caused by lumber shrinkage, resulting in fewer nail pops. A drywall screw should be driven into the stud until its head is level with the top of the paper, but no deeper.

Threads

Home improvement projects are a great way to add value and make your house feel like your own. These projects can be fun and rewarding, but they can also quickly become stressful if you don’t have the right tools or know what you are doing. Drywall screws are a common choice for drywall and sheetrock projects, and they have a range of applications that can help you with other construction projects too.

Typically, drywall screws are divided into coarse thread and fine thread types. Coarse thread drywall screws work well with wood studs, while fine thread drywall screws are designed for use with metal studs.

Other drywall screw specifications include the head type and diameter. Some drywall screws have a bugle head with a conical bearing surface, while others have a flat, sharp point that’s less visible in the finished product. Some drywall screws are coated with corrosion-resistant materials, making them ideal for harsh environments.

Applications

Drywall is a building material that uses gypsum and other minerals pressed between sheets of heavy paper. When properly installed, this material creates walls that are durable and visually appealing. In most cases, the drywall is secured to wood or metal framing using a type of screw called a drywall anchor screw. These screws work much more efficiently than traditional nails, minimizing divots in the surface of the wall and providing a stronger, longer-lasting installation.

In addition to securing drywall to studs, these screws can also be used in other applications. They are typically cheaper and more readily available than wood screws, making them a great choice for non-load-bearing projects like hanging pictures, shelves, or a shelf bracket. Additionally, they can be coated in a variety of ways to prevent corrosion. These options include stainless steel, yellow zinc, and black phosphate. These coatings are especially helpful for projects in damp or humid environments.