Drywall Screws: What to Know Before You Buy

Drywall screws are an essential component for any drywall installation or repair project. With the wide variety of drywall screws on the market, it can be tricky to know which type is best suited for your needs. This guide covers everything you need to consider when purchasing drywall screws to ensure you get the right screws for the job.

Types of Drywall Screws

There are a few main types of drywall screws to choose from:

Fine Thread vs Coarse Thread

Fine thread – These screws have more threads per inch, allowing them to grip tightly into drywall without stripping out the delicate paper surface. They are best suited for attaching drywall to wood or metal studs. The fine threads allow for increased holding power.
Coarse thread – Coarse thread drywall screws have fewer threads per inch. They are designed to bite into and hold firmly in soft steel or metal framing. The thicker threads provide more holding strength in thin metal.

Bugle Head vs Needle Point

Bugle head – Bugle head screws feature a flat broad head that sits flush with the drywall surface. The tapered body countersinks itself, while the wide head prevents pull-through. They are excellent for attaching drywall to wood surfaces.
Needle point – Needle point screws have a sharp conical point and smooth shank. They are optimized for inserting into steel studs without pre-drilling. The sharp point easily penetrates metal.

Length

Drywall screw lengths range from 1⁄2 inch to 6 inches. Choose the length based on the thickness of the drywall plus the depth of the wood or metal you are fastening into. Screws should penetrate studs by at least 1⁄2 inch.
For single 1⁄2 inch drywall, 1 inch and 11⁄4 inch screws are common. Use 13⁄4 inches up to 2 inches for double layer drywall.
Longer screws from 21⁄2 to 3 inches provide extra strength for ceilings and high traffic areas.

Materials

Drywall screws are made from various materials, each with their own characteristics:

Steel – Most common option. Steel provides strength while remaining budget-friendly. May be plated or unplated.
Stainless steel – Offers increased corrosion resistance for damp areas like bathrooms and kitchens. Stainless resists rust.
Hardened steel – Heat-treated for additional strength and shear resistance without breaking. Ideal for firm holding power.
Black phosphate – Black oxide plating aids in driving the screw and prevents discoloring or corrosion. Good choice for visible applications.

Consider moisture levels and the visibility of the screws when selecting a material. Stainless works well for wet areas and black oxide blends into surfaces unobtrusively.

Drive Type

Drywall screws feature different drive types to interface with screw driving tools:

Slotted – Flat slot accepts a flat head screwdriver.Affordable option prone to cam out or stripping.
Phillips – Shaped as a cross allows better contact. Cam out is reduced. Most common choice.
Square – Robertson square drive resists cam out and slipping. Ideal for power drivers.
Torx – Star shape with flanged edges provides extra gripping power for torque. Works with power drivers.
Hex Washer Head – External hex shape with integrated washer provides high torque capability. Reduces pull-through.

Test different drives to find the best fit for your screwdriving method. Self-tapping screws work well with high torque drivers.

Points to Consider When Buying Drywall Screws

Keep these key points in mind when selecting drywall screws:

Project Type – Paneling walls or ceilings? Choose fine threads. Attaching to metal? Opt for coarse thread.
Materials – For moisture resistance, use stainless. Black phosphate hides nicely. Hardened steel adds shear strength.
Screw Size – Match length to drywall thickness plus stud depth. Longer for doubled up drywall.
Drive Type – Slotted for hand screwing or Robertson and Torx for power drivers.
Package Quantity – Buy larger boxes to avoid running out. Estimate based on project scale.
Brand Reputation – Trusted brands like GRABBER® and Grip-Rite® offer reliable performance.
Budget – Less expensive screws still perform for most needs. Spend more for specialty applications.

Taking the time to evaluate your specific needs will lead you to the ideal drywall screw to get your project done right.

Drywall Screw Features and Benefits

Beyond the basic types of drywall screws, there are some specialized features and enhancements available:

Self-Tapping Screws

Self-tapping screws cut their own hole as they are driven in, eliminating the need to pre-drill holes. They save considerable time and effort.

Ultra Fine Thread

Some screws boast smaller and greater number of threads. The ultra fine thread allows them to grip tightly for maximal holding power.

Nibs Under Head

Nibs or wings under the screw head help grab and prevent spin out when driving close to edges and corners of drywall sheets.

Bugle Head with Sharp Point

These hybrid screws combine the holding power of a wide bugle head with the penetration of a needle sharp point.

Deep Thread

Deeply cut threads run further down the screw shank for increased grip, especially in doubled up drywall applications.

Sharp Drill Point Tip

A Sharply ground drill tip reduces wobble when driving into metal studs, preventing wandering that can weaken holding strength.

Knurled Shank

A textured, knurled shank increases friction against inner drywall layers, improving grip and resistance to pull-through.

Anti-Corrosion Coating

Coatings like black oxide or ceramic help shield screws used in damp locations from rust and deterioration.

GrabberGardTM

This proprietary weather resistant coating from GRABBER® adds corrosion protection and prevents discoloration.

Common Drywall Screw Sizes

Drywall screw size designations indicate the length and packaging quantities. Some examples include:

1 inch – Offered in bulk packs up to 1000 count. Good for single layer drywall.
1 1/4 inch – Sold in smaller packs around 100. Long enough for wood studs.
1 5/8 inch – Found in packs of 25 or 50. The standard size for metal framing.
2 inch – Used for double drywall layers. Packs range from 25 to 100 screws.
2 1/2 inch – Come in bulk packs up to 500. Provide extra grip for ceilings.
3 inch and up – Large packs around 100. Used to anchor into multi-layered framing depths.

Talk to an expert at your local home improvement store to identify the ideal screw sizes for your specific drywall project.

Common Screw Head Styles

In addition to the drive type, drywall screws feature different head styles:

Bugle Head

The wide flat bugle head tapers under the drywall for a flush finish. The flared shape prevents pull through.

Slim Head

A lower profile slim head allows these screws to be driven closer together without overlapping. Reduces fractures.

Button Head

Resembles a wide pan head. Sits flush with minimal recession. Common for finer finishing work.

Truss Head

Extra wide circular flanged head maximizes load distribution and pull-through resistance. Prevents cracking.

Combo Head

Combination style with tapered bugle shape leading to a small nub head. Offers balanced performance.

Wafer Head

Thin broad head followed by a slight taper. Sits nearly flush while allowing close spacing.

Drywall Screw Buying Tips

Follow these tips when purchasing drywall screws:

Buy from leading brands like Grabber® that have solid reputations for quality.
Select the appropriate drive style for your installation method – power driver or hand screwing.
Choose lengths based on total drywall and stud thickness, allowing at least 1⁄2 inch penetration into framing.
Match thread style to what you are driving into – fine for drywall, coarse for steel studs.
Buy corrosion resistant screws for damp areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
Opt for self-tapping screws to save time and effort pre-drilling.
Invest in specialized screws like ultra fine thread for added grip and holding power.
Purchase screws in larger quantity boxes to avoid running out during big projects.
Compare prices between retailers to find the best deals on the screws you need.

Taking the time to carefully select the proper drywall screws will set you up for efficient, trouble-free installation.

Screw Gun Considerations for Drywall

Installing drywall is much faster and easier with a power drywall screwdriver, commonly called a screw gun. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a screw gun for drywall projects:

Cordless or Corded – Cordless models allow free movement but require charging. Corded guns offer sustained power.
Clutch – An adjustable clutch controls torque and prevents screw head damage while reducing hand fatigue. Look for multiple clutch settings.
RPM – Higher RPM around 4000-5000 provides faster driving speed through drywall and studs. Low RPM is tiring.
Depth Stop – Allows presetting a fixed depth for consistent screw placement without over or under driving.
Bit Tip – Changeable bits to match screw drive style like Phillips, Square, Torx. Magnetic tips retain screws.
Handle – Choose an ergonomic, comfortable grip shape that enables long time use without hand strain.
Weight – Lighter is easier to wield for extended periods. But too light can make precision placement challenging.

Investing in a quality drywall screw gun matched to your project’s needs will make installing drywall a breeze.

Automated Screw Driving Systems

For large drywall installation jobs, automated screw driving systems save huge amounts of time compared to manually driving each screw:

Collated Screw Systems – Screws are held on strips or discs that feed directly into an auto-feed power driver for rapid, continuous placement without handling each screw.
Screw Coil System – Screws are wound in a coil that feeds into a special screw gun. Coils hold up to 1000 screws. As fast as nails.
Screw Feeder System – Box or hopper holds bulk screws which are shaken onto angled tray. Gravity feeds screws into screw gun for fast driving.
Gyroscopic Drivers – Uses battery powered gyroscopic force to spin driver bits for extremely rapid screw installation. Simply hold in place.
Drywall Master® – All in one screw driving system combines collated screw strips with depth control and auto-feed driver for professional results.

While the systems require a higher initial investment, automated screw installation can save many labor hours for big drywall projects.

Typical Screw Patterns for Drywall

Proper screw spacing ensures drywall panels are firmly fastened. Recommended screw patterns include:

Wall Screw Pattern – Space 8 inches apart vertically on each stud. Place about 7 inches apart along top and bottom plates. Stagger rows between stud bays.
Ceiling Screw Pattern – Use 5 inch spacing on ceiling joists. Place 3/4 inch from drywall edges. Add extra screws for Decorative and Fire-rated panels.
Butt Joints – Screw 4 inches away from joint edge vertically and 2 inches away horizontally. Double up on screws at joint seams.
Corner Beads – Drive screws 2 to 3 inches away from corner trim. Angle placement slightly away from corner.
Around Openings – Add screws 1 to 2 inches from cut openings and door/window frames. Help prevent cracks.

Pro tips: Avoid placing screws near the center of panels to prevent dimpling. Drive screws just below flush depth, then sink heads with an indent tool for a smooth finish.

Troubleshooting Drywall Screw Problems

During drywall installation, you may encounter issues with screws such as:

Stripped Screw Heads

Causes – cheap screws, wrong drive bit, excessive torque, repeated driving attempts
Solutions – remove and replace screw, use rubber band or epoxy to fill and grip stripped head

Spinning/Spinning Out

Causes – hitting drywall edge, overdriving, damaged driver bit
Solutions – reset screw adjacent to spin out, press drywall firmly to stud when driving

Snapped Screws

Causes – too much torque, poor quality screws, corrosion
Solutions – remove broken shaft with pliers, drive in adjacent screw

Pulling Through Paper

Causes – weak drywall, overtightening, improper screw length
Solutions – use fine threads & bugle heads, ease up on torque, increase screw length

Backing Out

Causes – improper penetration depth, vibration, thermal expansion
Solutions – ensure adequate framing penetration, double up screws, use threadlocking glue

Catching issues early and examining the cause allows problems to be corrected quickly with minimal impact.

Storing Drywall Screws Properly

To achieve optimal longevity with your drywall screws, proper storage is key:

Keep boxes of screws sealed and stored in a dry location away from moisture.
For bulk screws, transfer to resealable plastic containers with a humidity pack.
Avoid temperature extremes. Do not store screws in non-climate controlled areas with high heat, humidity, or frequent temperature swings.
For long term storage, add a moisture absorber to screw containers and place in cool area.
Clean screw tips before use to remove any accumulated dust, grime, or oxidation from storage.
Routinely check inventory for signs of rusting or deterioration. Discard any suspect screws.
Consider applying wipe-on oil to bulk screws for extra corrosion protection if storing long term.

Proper handling and storage keeps drywall screws fresh and ready for use when needed.

Drywall Screw Manufacturers

There are a handful of major manufacturers producing drywall screws in the United States:

GRABBER Construction Products – A leading manufacturer offering a full line of self-drilling, thread-rolling, and jobsite screws. Based in Florida.
Grip-Rite Fasteners – Known for ProSeries coated drywall screws. Distributes nationally under Prime Source Building Products.
SENCO® – Produces DuraSpin® drywall screws featuring spinout resistant ribbed shanks. Based in Ohio.
Triangle Fastener Corporation – Major supplier of Trim-Head screws for finishing applications. Headquartered in Maryland.
Phillips Screw Company – Massive fastener company offering Pro-Drive® drywall screws. Located in North Carolina.
ITW Buildex – Manufactures SammyTM brand drywall screws. Based in Illinois.

When purchasing drywall screws, you can trust screws from leading U.S. brands like GRABBER® and Grip-Rite® for consistent performance.

Drywall Screw Innovations

Manufacturers continually innovate and improve drywall screw designs. Some recent advancements include:

Stronger steel alloys that resist snapping in hard materials
Black oxide, ceramic, and nano coatings for better corrosion resistance
Flatter, lower profile heads that minimize drywall surface fractures
New drive types like Torx that maximize torque transfer without cam out
Lubricant coatings for easier insertion with less driving torque
Improved tips that drill into metal studs with reduced wander
Particle distribution in steel to strengthen screw cores against breaking
Mushrooming threads that spread outward as screw penetrates for extra holding power
Double lead threads with dual intertwined helices to speed driving operation

Thanks to ongoing innovations, drywall installers can tackle projects faster, easier, and with better end results.

Cost Saving Tips for Drywall Screws

Drywall screws are central to every drywall project. Here are tips for saving money on screws:

Buy in bulk quantity boxes to get better cost value per screw
Choose basic Phillips or slotted over premium drives like Torx or Square
Select standard steel screws rather than costlier stainless or coated versions
Purchase from home centers instead of specialized drywall suppliers
Opt for lesser known brands over premium names
Compare prices online to find lowest cost sources
Consider ordering imported screws which can cost 50% less
Buy combos with free driver bits to save on accessories
Wait for sales, promos, or clearance pricing to buy at discounts
Reuse screws from scrap drywall pieces to reduce new screw needs

Careful purchasing allows you to get lots of quality drywall screws without overspending. Invest the savings in other aspects of your project.

Safety Tips When Working With Drywall Screws

Drywall screw installation comes with some safety considerations:

Wear eye protection – debris can fly when driving screws at high speed
Use a low torque, variable clutch driver to avoid damage from excessive torque
Take breaks during prolonged use to rest hands and reduce repetitive strain
Work cautiously on ladders or scaffolding to avoid slipping and falling with screw gun in hand
Ensure work area is well lit to see screw placement and avoid misses
Clear area of clutter and cords to prevent tripping hazards
Drive screws in consistent depth to prevent sharp points sticking through drywall face
Do not rush the job – focus on precision and accuracy for best results
Maintain screwdrivers with sharp driver bits to prevent bit slippage and hand injuries
Follow manufacturer safety guidance for powered