Drywall screws are used to attach gypsum sheets to framing members in walls and ceilings. They have countersunk heads that create a smooth finish and are available in two types for wood or steel framing. They are self-tapping and have a black phosphate coating to minimize rust.
Drywall is a type of building material made from gypsum and other minerals pressed between sheets of heavy paper. It is installed into walls and ceilings using a type of fastener known as a drywall screw. This fastener can be used to attach drywall to wood or metal framing members and is designed to minimize dimpling in the face of walls. Traditional nails tend to leave small holes or dips in the drywall and can also loosen over time. Drywall screws are threaded to grip both drywall and framing members tightly and provide a much more secure and long-lasting installation.
In a typical installation, a drywall screw is driven into each sheet every 16 cm (40.6 inches) in the center. This 16-inch increment represents the center of each frame member, or pivot. After all the screws have been installed, the walls are finished using joint compound. The joint compound is spread over both the screw holes and the joints between each sheet. Once the compound dries, the walls can be sanded and painted.
The main advantage offered by drywall screws is their countersunk heads. This means that the entire screw lies flush with the sheet surface, creating a smooth, even finish. The countersunk head also helps prevent the drywall screw from breaking the surface of the paper, a common problem with nails.
Installers have a choice of two basic types of drywall screws. Type “W” drives, or wood screws, have large, coarse threads. They are used for wood frame buildings, where their coarse thread helps them hold the wood tightly. Type “S” screws are designed for use with steel framing members. They have a sharp, serrated head that can easily penetrate steel framing, as well as fine wires designed to pass through the steel.
Drywall screws are a self-tapping type of fastener, meaning you don’t need to pre-drill holes. These screws almost always have a Phillips head rather than a slotted head, which provides additional control for installers. Instead of a standard drill, installers use a tool known as a drywall dimple, which has an adjustable nose to install a drywall screw without tearing the paper on each sheet.
A standard drywall screw can be easily identified by its black finish. This black coloring comes from a phosphate mineral coating that is applied to these screws. This coating helps minimize rust and corrosion as the screws are exposed to the wet compound or paint.
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