Drywall Screws: Details to Know Before You Buy

For connecting entire or partial sheets of drywall to wall studs or ceiling joists, drywall screws have become the standard fastener. Their lengths and sizes, as well as thread types, heads, points, and composition, may appear unintelligible at first. However, when it comes to do-it-yourself home remodeling, the enormous array of options narrows down to only a few well-defined options that work for the limited types of uses that most homeowners encounter. Even having a firm grasp on the three most important characteristics of drywall screws, such as length, gauge, and thread, will be beneficial.

 

Drywall Screw Lengths

Use 1-inch to 1 1/4-inch drywall screws for 1/4-inch drywall.
Use 1 1/4-inch or 1 5/8-inch drywall screws for 1/2-inch drywall.
Use 1 5/8-inch or 2-inch drywall screws for 5/8-inch drywall.

Screws for construction often range in length from 1 to 8 inches. The reason for this is that construction materials come in a variety of thicknesses, ranging from sheet metal to four-by-four posts and even thicker. That is not the case with drywall.

The majority of drywall used in homes is 1/2-inch thick. Thickness can occasionally rise or decrease, but only by a little amount and not very frequently. The only time do-it-yourselves will need to use thicker drywall is if they are installing fire code or type-x drywall. Type-x drywall is slightly thicker, at 5/8-inch, and is used in garages and walls near furnace rooms to slow the spread of flames.

Drywall Screw Threads

For most wood studs, coarse-thread drywall screws should be used.

For most drywall and wood stud applications, coarse-thread drywall screws are the best option. The large threads grasp the wood well and draw the drywall tight against the studs.

Metal burrs that can embed in your fingertips are one disadvantage of coarse-thread screws. When working with coarse-thread drywall screws, make sure to use gloves.

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