Drywall Screws
Drywall screws, or Sheetrock screws, are specialized screws designed for use in installing drywall, also known as gypsum board or plasterboard. They are typically made of hardened steel with a sharp, self-tapping point and a bugle head that is designed to sit flush with the surface of the drywall. Drywall screws are available in various lengths and thicknesses, depending on the size and thickness of the drywall being installed.
Dry wall screws are often coated with a phosphate or zinc plating to prevent rust and corrosion. They are typically used to attach drywall to wall studs or metal framing, as well as to attach corner bead and other drywall accessories. The use of drywall screws allows for a faster and more secure installation of drywall than traditional drywall nails, and they can be easily removed or adjusted if needed.
In the construction industry, sheetrock screws have many alternative uses because they are relatively inexpensive, feature a flat head that is less prone to getting pulled through the wood, and thin, making these self tapping drywall screws less likely to split the wood. They are available with a coarse thread, fine thread, high-low pattern thread, and sometimes feature a trim head rather than a bugle head. As a distributor, AFT is your supplier for all sizes and types of drywall screws.
Coarse Thread Drywall Screws
Screws with a bugle head, spaced threads, an extra sharp point, and a black phosphate finish. They are similar in design to particle board screws, however those are available in shorter lengths. They are good for hanging drywall on wood studs or to 25 gage metal studs.
Fine Thread Drywall Screws
Screws with a bugle head, twinfast thread, extra sharp or self-drilling point, and black phosphate finish. The sharp point style is used for attaching drywall to metal studs from 25 gage through 20 gage thick, whereas the drill point will drive easily though drywall, drill a hole in a steel stud up to 14 gage thick, and form its own mating thread. The drill point drywall screw can also be used for attaching plywood or insulation board to 14 gage metal.
High-Low Drywall Screws
Bugle head self-tapping screws with a double-lead, consisting of a high and low thread, and an extra sharp point. They frequently are supplied with a phosphate finish. The high-low drywall screw requires less torque to drive compared to a standard twinfast drywall screw, and commonly used for attaching drywall to light metal or wood applications. The high-low thread design is more resistant to vibration and therefore reduces the chance of heads popping,
Trim Head Drywall Screws
Self-tapping drywall screws have a twinfast thread, an extra sharp point and a countersunk flat head. The width of this screw is 1/3 less than a standard drywall screw. They are most frequently used for attaching wood framing of up to 20 gage thick.
Trim head drywall screws are offered with a Phillips drive or square drive. The square drive style is preferred when greater torque is needed during installation. It is important to note that there is no single standard for trim head drywall screw dimensions. Dimensions may vary between brands.
Please contact us today if you have any questions on screws for drywall - our knowledgeable staff is here to help.
Additional Resources:
Blog: The Difference Between Drywall Screws and Wood Screws
What is the difference between drywall and sheetrock?
The terms "drywall" and "Sheetrock" are often used interchangeably to refer to the same thing: a panel made of gypsum plaster sandwiched between two sheets of paper. However, there is a subtle difference between the two.
"Sheetrock" is actually a brand name for drywall made by the United States Gypsum Company. It is a type of drywall that has become so popular that the name has come to be used as a generic term for any type of drywall. So, while all Sheetrock is drywall, not all drywall is Sheetrock.
In terms of composition and use, there is no difference between Sheetrock and other types of drywall. They are all made from gypsum plaster that is compressed between two sheets of paper to create a lightweight, easy-to-install building material that is commonly used for walls and ceilings in residential and commercial construction.
How many screws are needed per sheet of drywall?
The number of screws required per sheet of drywall can vary depending on several factors, including the size and thickness of the drywall, the spacing of the studs or joists, and the specific installation method being used.
As a general rule, it is recommended to use at least one screw per square foot of drywall. This means that for a standard 4' x 8' sheet of drywall (32 square feet), you would need a minimum of 32 screws. However, it is common practice to use more than this minimum number of screws to ensure a secure installation and minimize the risk of the drywall sagging or cracking over time.
A typical installation might use screws spaced 12 inches apart along the edges of the sheet, and 16 inches apart in the field. This would require about 50-60 screws per sheet of drywall.
It's important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations and any local building codes or regulations when determining the appropriate number and spacing of screws for your specific drywall installation.
What size of drywall screw should you use for 1/2 inch drywall?
When installing 1/2 inch thick drywall, it is recommended to use 1-1/4 inch long drywall screws. These screws are specifically designed for attaching 1/2 inch thick drywall to wood framing or furring strips.
Using a screw that is too short may not provide enough holding power to securely attach the drywall to the framing, while using a screw that is too long may damage the drywall or penetrate through to the other side of the framing. Therefore, it is important to use the correct size screw for the thickness of the drywall being installed.
It's also important to note that different installation methods and framing types may require different screw lengths or types. Always refer to the manufacturer's recommendations and any applicable building codes or regulations to ensure a safe and secure installation.