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Screwing drywall to metal studs

AXE | Posted in General Discussion on March 13, 2004 06:23am

Hanging some drywall on metalstuds (ICF blocks).  I’ve never hung drywall on metal studs.  I *think* that I’m supposed to use fine thread drywall screws.  They seem to sit and spin for a little while before digging their way through.  Is this normal?  Should I be using different screws?  Seems like it will make it hard to use a drywall gun.

 

MERC.

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  1. DanH | Mar 13, 2004 06:30am | #1

    It's best to use special metal stud screws that have a somewhat blunt point, but which have the point cut so it acts like a metal drill. Regular pointed drywall screws will work, but as you have found they are slow going.

    1. AXE | Mar 13, 2004 06:37am | #2

      And do I dare ask...are these a Home Depot or Lowe's item?  I've never had occasion to look specifically for this item, but I don't remember ever seeing such a thing.

      MERC

  2. FastEddie1 | Mar 13, 2004 06:41am | #3

    If you use a true drywall screwgun, the kind with the adjustable depth nose piece, it will spin for a second then the screw will grab like you have experienced.  Works well.  And yes the proper screws are the fine thread ones, available at HD & Lowes.

    Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell'em "Certainly, I can!"  Then get busy and find out how to do it.  T. Roosevelt

    The craftsman formerly known as elCid

  3. calvin | Mar 13, 2004 04:09pm | #4

    If the metal is 20 ga. or heavier, the tapping drywall screws are best.  Lighter, the fine thread w/o drill pt should work.

    Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

    Quittin' Time

  4. timkline | Mar 13, 2004 05:39pm | #5

    If you are screwing into 25 gauge studs, a fine thread screw should just zip right in.

    If you are screwing into 20 gauge studs, a fine thread screw will hang up, wait, and then it will either go in, or it will just sit there and wear the sharp point off of the screw.

    Both gauges of studs are readily available.  Usually, for basic wall framing the 25's are used everywhere except around openings where you need greater ridgidity.

    If you are all framed with 20's already, they make a self drilling drywall screw that makes life easier.

    If you are framed with 25's, and you are having trouble with screws going in, then you should get better quality screws or push harder.  (HD is known for selling scrap DW screws)

    carpenter in transition

    1. MisterT | Mar 13, 2004 05:47pm | #6

      Also consider that metal studs are made primarily from recyled steel.

      So they will have "Hard" spots.

      Some times even if you are using drill pt. screws, you will hit a spot that used to be a leaf-spring and the screw will sit and wear itself dull.

      Toss the screw and try another spot.

      Mr T

      Happiness is a cold wet nose

      GO ORANGEMEN!!!

      1. mikerooney | Mar 13, 2004 07:05pm | #7

        I'm doing a basement job right now with light guage on the bulkheads and a couple dropped ceilings. Boss comes back from the store with 1 1/4" fine threads. 1/2" rock, 4,000 rpm gun, first board goes up and the screws are stripping out before the'll sink.

        Are these crap studs? Got 'em from real lumberyard - not HD. Grabber screws. Tried some 1" - they worked better but still strip out occasionally. Never had this problem before - I've even used some coarse threads on lt. g. with no stripping.

        The lumber we've been getting lately is so bad, I've been lobbying to go all metal.     Now he's saying "This was all your idea".

        "And it burns,burns,burns...." 

        1. DaveRicheson | Mar 13, 2004 07:57pm | #8

          Try a lower RPM srew gun?

          Maybe Tim can give you a better "spin" on the solution.

          Dave

        2. calvin | Mar 13, 2004 10:17pm | #9

          Maybe slower speed and back off the depth a hair.Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

          Quittin' Time

        3. MisterT | Mar 13, 2004 11:08pm | #10

          I think the Hi-Lo threads work best in the light gauge studs.Mr T

          Happiness is a cold wet nose

          GO ORANGEMEN!!!

        4. Zano | Mar 14, 2004 02:13am | #11

          You must be using 25 gauge studs!  This is like screwing into an aluminum can - no holding power on those studs.  Even if 25 gauge is OK on a job, I still buy 20 gauge to avoid pops down the road.  25 gauge just does not seem to hold the screws well.

  5. bill_1010 | Mar 14, 2004 04:56am | #12

    id use drywall adhesive and only screw one in the field (each stud)and along the edges. Once the adhesive is cured remove the screw thats in your field the the dywall.  the adhesive will hold like a gorilla and lets you screw gun less. 

    As the others have stated fine thread. However ill add that you screw closer the the metal web of the stud then the outer face for more strength.  

    1. User avater
      Sphere | Mar 14, 2004 05:42am | #13

      I'd have to second the glue..what little metal  stud work I had done a long time ago..we always glued. I am not convinced about the fewer screws idea, but if it works for you ...great. Sounds like a plan.

      View Image

      Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

      Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations. 

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