Drywall screws are used in conjunction with nails and construction glue to fasten a piece of drywall across existing framework. The exact number of screws used in any given sheet of drywall varies from carpenter to carpenter and even from job site to job site, but there are screws of different sizes that may be called upon, depending on the exact situation
Sizes
Drywall screws are manufactured in various sizes to better accommodate each individual job. Screws that measure 1-1/4 inch in length are appropriate for sheets of drywall that are 3/8, 1/2 or 5/8 of an inch thick, while screws that measure 1-3/8 inches are meant for sheets of drywall up to ¾ of an inch thick. Drywall sheets of a larger thickness, such as 7/8, 1 inch or 1-1/4 inch, require a screw length of 1-1/2, 1-5/8 or 2 inches respectively.
Coarse vs. Fine Thread
Black drywall screws feature a coarse thread that is better suited for attaching drywall to wood. Silver screws are typically manufactured with a fine thread, which lends itself better to metal framework. Both types are made in different lengths to accommodate the various thicknesses of drywall board.
Additional Drywall Layers
Additional layers of drywall can be installed on top of each other to boost insulation, soundproofing and fire rating. In this case, a screw size of 1-1/4 inch can be used for installing the base layer while a screw size of 1-7/8 inch is required for the second and any additional layers.
Insertion Methods
Drywall screws aren't inserted by hand. Instead, professional drywall installers use a screw gun -- powered by either the electricity in a home or rechargeable battery -- to insert screws in a fast, safe and efficient manner. Some screw guns are equipped with a self-loading mechanism. This uses a plastic ribbon of screws that are automatically fed onto the tip of the screw gun, thus saving the drywall installers the hassle of having to retrieve a new screw each time.
Related posts
Use the right screws for installing drywall.Drywall that is five-eighths of an inch thick provides more soundproofing than thinner types of drywall. It also provides an increased degree of fire pr...
Estimate Drywall ScrewsTo estimate drywall screws for a construction project, the application and type of screws should be determined. Drywall screws are available in a variety of lengths and thre...
1 1/4 inch, coarse thread, Phillips head drywall screwDrywall screws come in a variety of lengths, thread pitch, point and head type. Searching for the right type at your local home center can be...
Screws hold the drywall panels in place.Standard drywall screws have deep coarse threads to help them grip the crumbly interior of the drywall pane, and they feature a trumpet-shaped head that all...
Drywall ceilings can help maximize ceiling height in your basement.Drywall creates a smooth, finished look for basement ceilings in the home. Homeowners have a surprising number of options to choo...
