How to Install Drywall Screws When Hanging Drywall

Installing drywall screws properly is crucial for getting a smooth, sturdy drywall installation. Improperly driven screws can create lumps, cracks, and future callbacks. Follow these steps to learn how to install drywall screws like a pro when hanging drywall.

Selecting the Right Drywall Screws

Choosing the proper drywall screws is the first step in ensuring proper installation. Here are some tips:

Use drywall screws, not nails. Nails are quicker but can pop out over time. Screws provide more holding power and won’t back out.
Choose fine thread drywall screws. They slice through rather than tear the paper covering on drywall. Tears can lead to cracked corners.
Use screws at least 1 1/4” long. Anything shorter won’t grab enough framing to hold well. 1 5/8” is better for ceilings.
For metal framing, use fine self-tapping screws. They cut their own thread into the metal. Make sure they are corrosion-resistant.
Select screws with bugle heads. The taper below the head prevents tearing the paper facing.
Buy screws with a corrosion-resistant coating. They won’t rust like uncoated ones. Gold or black coatings resist corrosion best.

Choosing the right fastener for the job makes achieving proper installation much easier. Invest in quality coated drywall screws in the proper length and thread style.

Installing Drywall Screws in Wood Framing

Follow these steps when driving screws into wood framing:

Use a cordless drywall screwdriver. These specialty tools have adjustable clutch settings to prevent overdriving. This helps prevent lumps.
Set the clutch to the proper depth. Adjust it so screw heads dimple the paper just enough to be flush with surface.
Drive screws into framing every 12 inches. Stagger them along edges and every 16 inches in the field. This prevents flexing.
Keep fasteners at least 3/8” from edges and ends. This avoids crumbling the corners and edges of the drywall.
Drive screws straight into framing. Do not angle them or overdrive so heads tear paper. Tears can lead to cracks.
Sink all screws just below surface. Heads should lightly dimple drywall paper without fully penetrating it.
Take care around electrical boxes. Avoid impaling wiring or driving too close to edges of boxes.
Check for soft or damaged framing. Adjust screw spacing to hit solid framing and avoid loose areas.

Driving screws carefully into framing is key for a smooth wall surface. Let the screws do the work without overpowering them.

Installing Drywall Screws in Metal Framing

Hanging drywall on metal studs requires a few adjustments:

Use self-tapping drywall screws for metal. They cut into metal and won’t overdrive as easily. Make sure they are corrosion-resistant.
Decrease screw spacing to every 8 inches on edges. This compensates for metal being less forgiving than wood.
Drive screws 1/2″ from edges and ends. Metal framing tears more easily than wood if fasteners are too close.
Take extra care to drive straight. Metal studs transfer force more strongly than wood, so angled screws are more likely to tear paper.
Set clutch carefully. Metal transfers more torque, so start low to avoid overdriving, and increase as needed.
Use a neodymium magnet to locate studs. It will stick to the metal through the drywall so you can easily find where to drive screws.
Check for high spots in framing. They will telegraph through drywall more than with wood. Grind them down before hanging.
Watch for metal fragments on stud edges. File any burrs smooth so they don’t tear paper as drywall slides into place.

Though metal framing needs some different techniques, taking time to locate studs and set the clutch properly will still result in smooth drywall.

Troubleshooting Problems from Improper Screws

Some common problems that can arise from improper drywall screw installation or selection:

Pops or blisters on surface: Screw heads are overdriven, probably from incorrect clutch setting.
Cracked corner beads or seams: Screws are too close to edges or ends, weakening areas.
Lumps and ridges: Heads are not dimpled correctly and stick out too far, or screws hit framing unevenly.
Squeaking or popping noises: Framing movement is not secured due to too few or unevenly spaced screws.
Bubbling or detached areas: Screws are too short to grip framing or hit empty space. Wrong screw for framing material.
Rust stains: Uncoated drywall screws were used instead of corrosion-resistant versions.
Loose drywall panels: Clutch is not set deep enough for screws to hold properly.

Watching for these issues during installation and troubleshooting promptly can allow fixing problems easily before finishing begins. Taking time to select and install drywall screws correctly minimizes headaches down the road.

Tips for Quickly Driving Lots of Drywall Screws

Professionals often need to drive thousands of drywall screws daily during busy periods. Here are some tips to work quickly while maintaining quality:

Invest in a collated screwdriver. Collated screws come on strips for fast loading. This greatly speeds up the process compared to hand-loading individual screws.
Buy a drywall screw gun. These electric drivers work far quicker than manual clutching screwdrivers when driving many screws.
Use extension bits. A longer magnetic bit lets you drive screws overhead without a ladder. A lifesaver for tall ceilings.
Have multiple battery chargers. Cordless tools save time over corded, but you need charged backup batteries to avoid downtime.
Use a holster to hold tools. Quick access to screwdrivers and a utility knife from a belt holster prevents wasting steps.
Move tools and materials prior to hanging. Don’t waste time searching for what you need or backtracking across rooms.
Partner up for efficiency. One person holds the panel while the other focuses just on driving screws smoothly.
Take regular breaks to prevent fatigue. Driving thousands of screws accurately requires full focus. Breaks maintain quality.

Work smart to drive screws quickly while maintaining quality installation. Efficient tools, preparation, and techniques allow working both fast and error-free.

Common Myths and Mistakes

There are some common misconceptions about installing drywall screws that can lead to problems down the road:

Myth: Any screw will work for hanging drywall. Wrong. Drywall screws are designed specifically not to tear the paper when driven.
Myth: Screws should be countersunk deeply. False. Drywall screws should only dimple the surface, not penetrate the paper fully.
Myth: Power drivers are always better. Manual drivers allow more control over screw depth and prevent overdriving.
Myth: More screws are always better. Wrong. Too many screws or spacing them too tightly actually damages drywall and framing. Follow manufacturer spacing guidelines.
Mistake: Not checking framing first. Ensure framing is properly fastened and smooth. Fix issues before hanging.
Mistake: Rushing screw installation. Taking the time to set clutch depth and drive straight prevents problems later. Don’t rush it.
Mistake: Not clearing metal fragments on framing. Metal stud burrs will tear paper as drywall slides into place if not filed smooth first.
Mistake: Mixing screw types. Use the specified screws for the framing material to get the proper holding power.

Avoiding common misconceptions and mistakes ensures your drywall hangs smoothly. Don’t take shortcuts – do it right from the start.

Storing Leftover Drywall Screws Properly

At some point, you’ll likely end up with leftover drywall screws after finishing a project. Follow these storage tips to keep them fresh for next time:

Leave screws in labeled sleeves or strips. This keeps them organized and prevents spilling everywhere.
Store inside airtight containers. Sealed plastic bins help block out moisture that can lead to corrosion.
Add silicone desiccant packs. These drying agents absorb excess moisture to prevent rusting in storage.
Store screws vertically if loose. Standing screws upright avoids jumbling and tangling together.
Keep containers off concrete floors. Direct concrete contact can lead to moisture problems. Elevate containers.
Put boxes of collated screws flat. Laying them vertically pressures screw heads and strips.
Return to stable temperature gradually. Prevent condensation by letting screws warm or cool slowly when returning to storage.
Lubricate lightly for long-term storage. Wipe screws with a light oil or spray to prevent corrosion. Wipe off before using.

Proper storage keeps drywall screws fresh and ready to use for years to come. A few simple precautions prevent headaches from rust and tangling down the road.

Alternatives to Drywall Screws

While screws are the standard fastener for drywall installation, here are some alternatives that may be useful in certain situations:

Drywall nails: Faster to drive but have less holding power over time. Only advised for temporary or easily accessed walls.
**Adhesive: **Liquid adhesive bonds panels instead of fasteners. Good for moisture-prone areas but difficult to work with and less common.
Construction adhesive: Works like glue and screws in one. Creates a strong mechanical and chemical bond. Requires careful application to avoid a mess.
Framing staples: Quick to drive electro-pneumatically. Hold less than screws but work in some applications.
Dual-threaded drywall screws: Combine fine thread for drywall with course thread for framing. Tougher to drive correctly and a specialty fastener.
Foam tape: Creates air seal and temporary bond. Not suitable alone long-term but helps align panels initially.
Magnets: Rare approach using magnets to hold metal-backed drywall. Expensive and requires special metal drywall. Niche application.

In most cases, drywall screws remain the preferred fastening choice. But for some unique situations, it can be worth exploring alternatives methods.

Safety Tips

Working safely is crucial, especially during repetitive tasks like driving hundreds of drywall screws:

Use hearing protection. Screwguns and drivers can produce loud noise over time that damages hearing.
Wear eye protection. Bits can break or debris fly when driving screws forcefully all day. Protect your vision.
Get a magnetic bit holder. This reduces fumbled screw exchanges that can lead to finger or foot injuries from sharp points.
Take regular breaks. Repetition and awkward overhead work can strain muscles over time. Break up long stints hanging drywall.
Use bits properly sized for screws. A loose bit can lead to slips, strips, and hand injuries. Ensure a snug fit.
Keep areas free of clutter. Tripping hazards from excess materials or electrical cords can cause falls.
Utilize platforms or lifts for high ceilings. Use proper equipment so you don’t need to overreach from ladders in awkward positions.
Stay hydrated and fed. demanding physical work requires plenty of water and calorie intake to stay energized and focused. Don’t forget to eat and drink.

Making safety the top priority ensures you remain injury-free despite the demands of drywall work. Make smart equipment choices and listen to your body’s limits.

Hanging Drywall Like a Pro

If you follow these guidelines for selecting, driving, and storing drywall screws, you’ll achieve professional-quality results:

Use the designed drywall screws for the framing material – improper screws cause problems.
Drive screws carefully with proper clutch settings – prevent overdriving and lumps.
Space screws correctly per manufacturer specs – too many or few leads to issues.
Keep fasteners the proper distance from drywall edges – tearing causes cracks.
Set screw depth so heads just dimple paper – blisters and pops result from oversinking.
Take the time to drive screws straight, not angled – improper angles put stress on drywall.
Work efficiently but don’t rush – haste results in careless mistakes.
Address any framing problems prior to hanging – imperfections show through drywall.
Store unused screws properly to prevent rust – keep them fresh for the next project.

Paying attention to all the details results in the smooth, professional finish that sets the pros apart. Follow these drywall screw guidelines to let your work shine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best screwdriver to use for installing drywall screws?

For most applications, a variable clutch cordless driver is ideal. This allows adjusting torque settings to seat screws correctly without overdriving them. For metal framing, use a magnetic bit to help find studs through the drywall.

How many drywall screws do I need per sheet?

For 4×8 foot panels on wood framing, figure around 30-40 screws per panel spaced 12 inches on center around edges and 16 inches in the field. More are required for ceilings or metal framing – check manufacturer specs.

What depth should drywall screw heads be driven?

Drywall screw heads should sit flush with the surface, lightly dimpling but not fully penetrating the paper. Overdriving leads to pops and blisters, so take care to set the clutch properly.

Can I use an impact driver instead of a drywall screwdriver?

Not recommended. Impact drivers apply too much torque, which often leads to overdriven screws and damage. Variable clutch drywall drivers allow tuning torque for proper screw depth.

My drywall corners are cracking. What did I do wrong with the screws?

Cracked drywall corners usually mean screws were driven too closely to drywall edges. Follow manufacturer spacing guidelines to keep fasteners at least 3/8” from ends and edges. This prevents crumbling the corners.

Do I need to pre-drill drywall before installing screws?

No pre-drilling is necessary for most drywall applications. The fine thread on drywall screws allows them to bite cleanly rather than tear the facing paper that could lead to cracks.

Conclusion

Properly driving drywall screws is essential for achieving a smooth, durable finished product. By using the right screws for the material, taking care to set torque and spacing correctly, and driving fasteners straight into solid framing, you can hang drywall professionally. Avoid overdriving and rushing the process. Keep safety in mind when driving large quantities of screws overhead or on ladders. Follow these best practices for installing drywall screws, and you can expect great looking results that will last.