Drywall Screws FAQs
What are drywall screws?
Drywall Screws have been specially designed for dry-lining, partitioning and ceiling applications.
They are used to attach plasterboard to steel or timber stud work and ceiling joists.
They are available with either Zinc or Black Phosphate coating and have a Bugle Head which seats gently in to the plasterboard, avoids damage to the surface and gives a neat finish.
There are 3 main types of Drywall Screws all self-drill through the plasterboard and into the timber/steel beneath:-
- Fine Thread Sharp Point for thinner steel.
- Coarse Thread Sharp Point for timber.
- Fine Thread Drill Point for thicker steel.
Wafer Head Drywall Screws are also available with either Sharp Point for thinner steel or Drill Point for thicker steel.
They are used to build the metal stud framework to which the plasterboard is attached.
How are drywall screws different from other screws?
Drywall Screws have special features and are different to standard screws.
They have a Phillips Cross recess, Bugle Head and Sharp Point or Drill Point.
The Phillips recess ensures a tight fit to the screw driver which helps prevent wobble.
The special Sharp Point or Drill Point allows the drywall screw to self-drill smoothly through the plasterboard and into the stud work beneath.
No pilot hole is required.
The Bugle Head helps prevent damage to the surface of the plasterboard giving a neat finish.
Can I use regular screws for drywall?
Regular screws do not have the special features of Drywall Screws and so are not suitable for dry-lining applications and could damage the plasterboard.
How far apart should I place drywall screws?
Generally Drywall Screws should be placed at 300mm centres and 200mm centres on outside angles.
For ceilings the screws should be placed at 230mm centres in the body of the plasterboard and 150mm centres at the edges.
These figures are for guidance and might vary for different systems, so always seek advice from the system supplier.
Do drywall screws require pre-drilling?
Drywall Screws do not require pre-drilling.
Can I re-use drywall screws?
It is not advisable to re-use Drywall Screws.