Drywall Screw Sizes: Gyproc's Essential Guide To Screws

Gyproc drywall screws are high-performance, self-tapping screws with bugle heads that are designed for fixing plasterboard to light gauge steel framing. The length of the screw selected should be sufficient to give a nominal 10mm penetration into metal framing. Gyproc drywall screws come in various sizes, including 1-1/4-inch, 1-5/8-inch, 2-inch, and more. The size of the screw will depend on the thickness of the drywall and the type of stud it is being attached to. For example, for 1/2-inch drywall, which is the most common thickness for drywall installed in homes, you would use 1-1/4-inch or 1-5/8-inch screws. When attaching drywall to wood studs, it is recommended to use coarse-thread screws, while fine-thread screws are more suitable for metal studs.

Drywall screw lengths

The length of a drywall screw is an important consideration when undertaking any project involving drywall. The screw length selected will depend on the thickness of the drywall and the type of application.

For standard drywall applications, the screw length should be chosen based on the thickness of the drywall. For instance, if you are working with 1/2-inch drywall, the recommended screw length is 1-1/4-inch or 1-5/8-inch. On the other hand, for 5/8-inch drywall, you should opt for 1-5/8-inch or 2-inch screws. Thicker drywall, such as 5/8-inch type-x drywall, is often required to meet fire codes and slow the spread of flames in garages and walls adjacent to furnace rooms.

In cases where you are working with 1/4-inch drywall, which is used for skimming walls and ceilings due to its flexibility and ability to form curves, the recommended screw length is 1 to 1-1/4-inch.

When fixing drywall to light gauge steel framing, the screw length should be sufficient to provide a nominal 10mm penetration into the metal framing. For thicker gauges of steel framing, it is recommended to use specific screws designed for this purpose, such as Gyproc Jack-Point Screws.

Additionally, for ceiling applications, longer screws are generally preferred. A 1-5/8-inch screw length is commonly used when hanging drywall on ceilings.

It is important to select the appropriate screw length for your specific application to ensure a secure and proper installation of the drywall.

Drywall screw types

Drywall screws are used to secure drywall to walls or ceilings. They are the standard fastener for this purpose, although nails are sometimes used. Drywall screws are typically chosen for their strong tacking power, ease of use, and economy.

There are several types of drywall screws, including:

Coarse-Thread Drywall Screws

Also known as W-type screws, coarse-thread drywall screws are best for screwing drywall to wood studs. The wide threads mesh with the wood grain and provide more gripping area than fine-thread screws. The #8 gauge is a thicker variation of this screw type, suitable for driving into older wood where more gripping power is required.

Fine-Thread Drywall Screws

Also known as S-type screws, fine-thread drywall screws are used for attaching drywall to metal studs. Coarse threads are not suitable for metal because they tend to chew through it. Fine-thread screws have sharp points and are self-threading, working well with metal.

Bugle Head Drywall Screws

Bugle head refers to the cone-like shape of the screw head. This shape helps the screw stay in place without tearing through the outer paper layer.

Collated Drywall Screws

Collated drywall screws are supplied in a long strip, joined together with a plastic strip. They are used with a collated driver, which is a type of drill that automatically feeds the screws into the bit, increasing efficiency.

Phosphate-Coated Drywall Screws

Phosphate-coated drywall screws are coated with phosphate to resist corrosion. They are typically used for hanging drywall on ceilings and attaching drywall to wood or metal studs.

Vinyl-Coated Drywall Screws

This type of drywall screw has a thin vinyl coating that makes them highly corrosion-resistant. The coating also makes the shanks slippery, so they are easier to draw in.

Drywall screw gauges

The gauge of a drywall screw refers to its diameter, with the gauge number indicating the thickness of the screw. For example, a #6 drywall screw has a thinner diameter than a #8 drywall screw. The gauge is usually expressed as the second number after the length on product labels. For instance, a "1-5/8 inch x 6" screw is 1-5/8 inches long and has a #6 gauge.

When attaching drywall to studs in good condition, a #6 gauge drywall screw is typically used. For older wood or situations where more gripping power is needed, a thicker #8 gauge screw is recommended.

Drywall screws are available in various gauges, including #6, #7, #8, and #10. The specific gauge selected depends on the application and the condition of the studs.

In addition to the gauge, other factors to consider when choosing drywall screws include the length, thread type, head type, and coatings. The length of the screw depends on the thickness of the drywall, with longer screws required for thicker drywall. Coarse-thread screws are typically used for attaching drywall to wood studs, while fine-thread screws are used for metal studs. Bugle-shaped screw heads help the screw stay in place without tearing the outer paper layer. Black drywall screws are often phosphate-coated to resist corrosion, while other types may have a thin vinyl coating for enhanced corrosion resistance.

Drywall screw coatings

Drywall screws are available with different coatings, each with its own advantages and use cases. Here is an overview of some common drywall screw coatings:

Phosphate Coating

Phosphate-coated drywall screws, also known as black drywall screws due to their appearance, are designed to resist corrosion. The phosphate coating increases the screw's resistance to rust, making it less likely to corrode over time. This type of coating is commonly used for drywall screws as it provides protection without the need for an expensive paint process. While phosphate-coated screws are suitable for indoor use, they are not recommended for wet or exterior environments as they may still rust when exposed to moisture or humidity.

Zinc Coating

Zinc-coated drywall screws offer an alternative to phosphate coatings. While they may not be as rust-resistant as phosphate-coated screws, zinc-coated screws are still suitable for indoor use. However, if they do begin to rust, the corrosion can damage any plaster or wall finish applied over them.

Vinyl Coating

Drywall screws with a thin vinyl coating take corrosion resistance a step further. The vinyl coating makes these screws highly resistant to corrosion and easier to drive into the drywall due to their slippery shanks. This type of coating is ideal for projects where moisture exposure is a concern or when working in damp environments.

Stainless Steel

For maximum corrosion resistance, stainless steel drywall screws are the preferred option. They are designed to withstand rust and corrosion, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. If you are working outdoors or in an area with high humidity, stainless steel screws will provide the best protection against rust.

When choosing drywall screw coatings, it is important to consider the environment in which the screws will be used. For indoor projects, phosphate, zinc, or vinyl-coated screws are suitable options, while for outdoor or damp environments, stainless steel or specialised coated screws are recommended. Proper ventilation and moisture control can also help mitigate rust formation, ensuring the long-term performance of your drywall screws.

Drywall screw heads

Bugle heads are designed to seat quickly into drywall, creating a flush surface finish. The head of the screw is set slightly below the surface of the drywall, allowing for a smooth and seamless look once the screw hole is filled and painted.

The bugle head design is standard for drywall screws and is an important feature that distinguishes them from other types of screws, such as wood screws, which have different head shapes like slotted-head, Phillips head, flat-head, oval head, and round head.

When selecting drywall screws, it is important to choose the appropriate length to achieve a nominal 10mm penetration into the metal framing. This ensures a secure hold and a flush finish.

In addition to the bugle head, drywall screws may also have sharp points, which make it easier to pierce the drywall paper and get the screw started.

Frequently asked questions