The drywall attachment will loosen, and the slightest pressure will expose the nail head. As gravity pulls on the drywall, it can gradually wiggle nails out of their holes. Tensile strength is crucial to prevent the annoying nail pops that create blatant blemishes on an otherwise smooth surface. Image By: Roca Mharas, Shutterstock Drywall Screws Provide Better Grip No matter what, choosing screws will save you time and provide more attractive, longer-lasting results. In some instances, such as drywalling the ceiling or mounting to metal studs, screws are the only viable choice. With the right equipment, drywall screws are also easier to countersink and much faster to install. Threading supplies the most tensile strength and produces a tight grip that resists loosening over time and prevents two objects from pulling apart. Screws are a better option than nails in nearly every drywall situation. Why Are Drywall Screws Better Than Nails? They take longer to screw in than coarse-thread screws, and the smaller gap between the threads creates a weaker hold in wood, so it’s best to use fine-thread screws only on metal. These self-threading screws are ideal for holding drywall against metal studs, as they won’t chew through the metal like a coarse-thread screw. Fine-Thread Drywall Screwsįine-thread drywall screws (or “S-type” screws) have a longer thread that spirals in a tight pattern around the screw shaft. The coarse thread also creates a smaller path to follow than a fine thread drywall screw, letting you install it faster. The wide thread allows more wood to fill the gap, creating a sturdy hold. Coarse-Thread Drywall ScrewsĬoarse-thread drywall screws (or “W-type” screws) work for wood studs. The thread you choose will depend on whether you have a metal or wood stud. They sometimes feature a bare section between the head and thread to keep the screw from going too far into the drywall.Īlongside the minor range of lengths and thicknesses to match varying drywall and stud profiles, there are two general types of drywall screws - coarse and fine-thread drywall screws.Ĭoarse-thread screws have a wider gap between the thread than fine-thread screws. Longer screws can hold more weight and are often practical when fastening multiple pieces of drywall for added fire resistance and sound dampening. You will typically find drywall screws in #6 or #8 widths and various lengths, generally between 1 ¼ inch and 2 inches, though you can find some screws up to 3 inches long. The phosphate coating allows the screw to slide easily and prevents galling, which can cause the screw and stud to adhere to a friction weld, making it difficult to remove. The primary purpose is to reduce friction as the screw enters the stud. One minor benefit of phosphate is its corrosion resistance, which helps it withstand rusting as the moist joint compound dries on top of it. Most drywall screws have a black phosphate coating. It tapers to prevent damage to the fragile gypsum and paper surface layer of the drywall, allowing you to countersink the head flush with the wall and pin it in place. They are self-tapping, utilizing a sharp point that is easy to stick into drywall for a controlled installation. We’ll compare drywall screws versus nails to give perspective on making the best choice for your next project.ĭrywall screws bear a unique form ideal for attaching drywall and hiding the head for a smooth paint application. Both can work in certain situations, but screws provide a stronger hold with less effort. It violates building codes in many instances, and no matter what, it opens the potential for expensive repairs and safety risks.ĭrywall is one area where screws have a clear advantage over nails. Picking the wrong fastener can slow down your project and cause performance issues over time. Screws and nails may serve the same general purpose, but rarely is there a time when the choice between the two doesn’t matter.
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