Choose the Best Drywall Screws for Metal Studs

Installing drywall on metal studs comes with its own set of considerations compared to working with traditional wood studs. While drywall installation fundamentals remain the same, the use of metal framing members requires specialized fasteners and techniques to ensure a secure, long-lasting finish.

In particular, selecting the right drywall screws is critical when dealing with metal studs. The dense, rigid structure of metal requires screws that can provide enough grip and holding power to prevent loosening over time. The good news is that manufacturers offer screws engineered specifically for metal stud applications.

Fine Thread Drywall Screws Grip Metal Studs Better

The most important distinction when choosing drywall screws for metal is fine versus coarse threading. Fine thread drywall screws have sharper, more closely spaced thread patterns compared to standard coarse thread screws. This allows them to dig into the thick, rigid surface of metal studs and provide greater holding power.

Coarse thread screws are prone to cam out or strip the screw head when driving them flush in metal studs. The thick threading cannot gain enough purchase in the dense metal material. Fine thread screws reduce this risk and allow driving the screw head flush without damaging it.

Benefits of Fine Thread Drywall Screws

• Sharper, more closely spaced threading
• Increased grip and holding power in metal
• Prevents pull-through failure
• Allows driving screw flush without stripping head

Specialized Tips on Self-Drilling Drywall Screws

Another key feature of drywall screws designed for metal studs is specialized screw tips. Rather than the traditional pointed tip, many metal-specific screws have self-drilling tips. These tips come in designs like needle point, drill point, and sharp point.

The defining advantage of self-drilling tips is that they bore their own pilot hole as they drive into the metal stud. This greatly reduces the need for pre-drilling holes in metal prior to inserting screws.

Self-Drilling Drywall Screws Save Time

The specialized tips on self-drilling screws for metal studs allow quick fastening of drywall without the extra step of manually pre-drilling holes. This saves considerable time and effort during installation. The screw tips are designed to drill through the top layer of metal as the screw advances into the stud.

Different brands use unique drill tip shapes optimized for their screws. While the exact design varies, the purpose remains drilling pilot holes without requiring a separate step.

Corrosion-Resistant Coatings Protect Metal Stud Screws

To stand up to metal's potential to corrode, especially in humid environments, drywall screws for metal studs rely on protective coatings. The most corrosion-resistant option is stainless steel, which contains chromium to resist rust and oxidation.

Other common anti-corrosion coatings include zinc plating or black phosphate. The zinc provides a protective layer against moisture while black phosphate is suitable for indoor use where humidity is less of a concern.

Stainless Steel Drywall Screws Resist Rust

Stainless steel drywall screws contain iron mixed with at least 10.5% chromium, making them highly resistant to corrosion. The chromium oxide layer that forms on the surface protects against rust and oxidation.

Factors that make stainless steel a top choice include:

• Withstands humid, wet environments
• Required for pressure treated lumber
• Ideal for exterior sheathing applications
• Delivers long term performance

Match Drywall Screw Length to Stud Size

A secure drywall installation requires screws long enough to fully penetrate the metal studs. With metal studs varying in thickness from 20 to 30 gauge, the required drywall screw length can range considerably.

As a rule of thumb, the screw length should be 2.5 times the stud thickness. Screw diameter also factors in, with larger gauges needing slightly shorter screws than thinner gauges of the same length stud.

Ensure Full Stud Penetration

Maximizing the holding strength of drywall screws in metal studs depends on choosing a length that allows driving the screw flush while still fully penetrating the stud. Screws that are too short have poor holding strength while overly long screws are inefficient.

With the right length specific to the metal stud gauge, each screw can grab firmly across the full thickness of the stud. This provides maximum resistance to loosening under structural and environmental stresses.

Proper Drywall Screw Spacing on Metal Studs

Proper spacing of drywall screws is as important as using the right screws. The recommended spacing for screws on metal studs is 12 inches on center vertically. Horizontal spacing depends on the drywall edges in relation to the stud center:

• 12 inches on center vertically
• 1/2 inch from drywall edge to stud center
• 2 inches from drywall ends to perimeter screws

This spacing pattern prevents sagging or loosening of drywall over time and maintains structural integrity. Closer spacing may be required for ceilings or environmental factors.

Installing drywall on metal studs comes with special considerations compared to wood framing. Paying attention to factors like thread style, drill tips, corrosion resistance, and proper sizing allows the use of drywall screws optimized for the demands of metal.

Fine thread stainless steel self-drilling screws, combined with proper on-center spacing, delivers reliable performance securing drywall to metal studs. With the right screws and techniques, metal studs can support drywall as securely as wood.