Drywall Screws
What are drywall screws?
Drywall screws are self-tapping fasteners with a bugle head that sinks flush without tearing paper. They feature sharp points and deep threads for strong hold in wood or metal framing, and are available in fine-thread, coarse-thread, and self-drilling versions.
Which types of drywall screws are there?
- Coarse thread drywall screws for wood studs; aggressive thread for fast bite.
- Fine thread drywall screws for metal studs; smoother driving through thin steel.
- Self-drilling drywall screws for heavier-gauge metal where a drill point is required.
What head and drive options do drywall screws have?
- Bugle head — standard profile that compresses paper without cutting through.
- Drive styles — Phillips most common; square or Torx/6-lobe options exist for reduced cam-out.
- Collated strips — available for auto-feed screw guns on large jobs.
Materials and coatings for drywall screws
- Black phosphate — low-glare, paint-friendly indoor finish.
- Zinc plated — bright finish for general interior use.
- Hardened steel base material is typical; stainless variants are specialty items where corrosion resistance is prioritized.
How do I size and specify drywall screws?
Specify diameter × threads per inch × length (e.g., #6-18 × 1-5/8″, #7-20 × 1-1/4″). Length is measured from under the head. Choose coarse or fine thread based on stud material, and use self-drilling points for heavier metal.
Which drywall screws should I use for wood vs metal studs?
- Wood studs — coarse thread for faster bite and strong pull-out.
- Light-gauge metal studs — fine thread sharp-point for clean penetration.
- Heavier metal studs — self-drilling drywall screws sized to the steel thickness.
Common applications for drywall screws
- Hanging gypsum board to wood or metal studs
- Ceiling and soffit framing with screw-gun installation
- General interior fastening where a bugle head and flush finish are desired
Installation tips for drywall screws
- Use a drywall screw gun or depth setter to recess the head slightly without breaking paper.
- Select coarse vs fine threads to match the stud material; use self-drilling for heavier steel.
- Drive in line with the surface; avoid over-torque that can spin out and weaken the hold.
Drywall Screws FAQs
See the accordion below for quick answers on size selection, wood vs metal stud choice, coatings, and driving best practices.
Note — Guidance here is general. Always follow product datasheets and your project specifications.
Typical choices range from 1-1/4″ to 1-5/8″ for single-layer drywall; thicker build-ups or ceilings may require longer lengths. Match length to board thickness and framing material per your spec.
Coarse thread for wood studs; fine thread (or self-drilling) for metal studs, selected for the stud gauge.
Use self-drilling points when the stud gauge is too heavy for sharp-point screws to pierce cleanly.
The bugle shape spreads load so the head can recess slightly without cutting the face paper.
Black phosphate offers a low-glare, paint-friendly indoor finish; zinc provides general interior corrosion resistance with a bright finish.
Use a depth-setter or screw gun, keep the bit square, and stop once the head is just below the surface. Avoid over-driving.
Standard drywall screws are intended for interior use. For exterior or high-moisture areas, select fasteners and coatings rated by the system manufacturer.