Drywall Screws

Hang your walls and almost anything else with the right drywall screw
By W. Aiman Mueller Most drywall applications do not require screws longer than 1.5 inches. But since drywall screws are so versatile, they're available in sizes in excess of 4 inches. These longer versions are often labeled all-purpose screws. Drywall screws have a Phillips bugle head, and are rust resistant and durable.

Drywall screws come in bulk, or in 1 to 5 pound packages. Collated drywall screws are another option but allow for application with a collated drywall screw driver. Useful for tricky framing issues, hanging pictures, securing loose boards, and filling in nicely when the right screw is unavailable, a drywall screw is good to have around.

There are different categories of drywall screw:

1. Type W have a coarse thread intended for wood studs.
2. Type G have a larger diameter and work well in drywall-to-drywall applications.
3. Type S has a fine thread that is effective for steel stud applications.
4. A special Type S drywall screw has a self-tapping tip that enters steel more easily that the usually sharp point.

Hunt for the drywall screw source with the lowest prices

Nearly any hardware source includes drywall screws in their stock, and there is little differentiation between quality. So, especially if you have a big job, shop around. For small and even large jobs, you may want to pick up your screws for drywall directly from whichever hardware store you know to be cheapest.
Try:  If you want to order your drywall screws or drywall screw gun, try Lowe's. They'll even deliver to your job site. Otherwise, Grainger is an excellent source.

Choose your drywall screw driver

Drywall screws finish better during the mudding process if you take care during their application. Over-driving with screws for drywall results in frayed surfaces and insecure holds. You also save time if you choose good equipment. The main goal is that each screw does not penetrate through the top surface of the drywall. Instead, the head should dimple the drywall surface.
Try:  Cordless drills can be effective if you set the torque appropriately or use a drywall bit. But a drywall screw driver is just one of many options. Drywall screw guns come in hopper styles. There are also collated screw drivers available at Tooled-Up.com. The drawback there is that this kind of drywall screw gun must be used with collated drywall screws. NexTag does good job of offering up a variety of screw gun possibilities.

Save time by getting the minimum required length of drywall screw

Choosing drywall screw size is partly a matter of getting a secure hold, but it's also a matter of time. Excess drywall screw length means added driving time. Drywall screw spacing is about 12 inches, or even less for some applications, which means even a fraction of a second per screw can add up to minutes or even hours on a big job. For either type W or S, choose a 1 inch drywall screw for 3/8 inch drywall. For 1/2 inch drywall go up to a 1 and 1/8 inch screw for Type W, and a 1 and 1/4 inch screw for Type S. For 5/8 inch drywall, go up to a 1 1/4 inch screw for Type W and a 1 3/8 inch screw for Type S.
Try:  InStock Fasteners, Inc. is another good source for drywall screws. They clearly display the various sizes on their website. Aubuchon Hardware is another online outlet with a nice variety of drywall screws.

• Using a type S drywall screw on wood means wasting time. The fine threads take longer to drive.
• Use the sharp point of a drywall screw to pilot a hole for a less aggressive screw.