Drywall Screws: The Ultimate Guide To Types, Sizes & Uses

Did you know that choosing the wrong drywall screws can cause screws to break, rust, slip, and even affect the quality of your project? Whether you are a builder, a wholesaler or a user of drywall screws, this article will help you. It covers drywall screw types, sizes, installation instructions, and common mistakes

What Are The Different Types Of Drywall Screws?

Drywall screws are the core fasteners for gypsum board installation. Manufacturers can achieve fast installation in actual use by designing different types of threads and Bugle head structures. Depending on the application scenario, the surface of the drywall screws can be treated with anti-rust processes such as black phosphating or galvanizing.

By Thread Type

• Fine Thread :fine thread drywall screw is also called (S-type) screw , the main feature is denser thread and more threads per inch (usually 24-32 TPI), providing stronger bite force addition, type s screws typically have a sharp point that can quickly drill through metal without drilling holes is best drywall screws for metal studs ,they are suitable for installation of gypsum board with metal studs or framing, such as indoor ceiling.

• Coarse Thread :coarse thread drywall screw is also called (W-type) screw. It has a deeper and wider thread design: the thread pitch is 2.5-3.5mm (about 8-12 TPI*), which is significantly wider than the fine thread type. The thread depth is 0.3-0.4mm. It has a greater bite force when encountering wood, and the pull-out resistance is increased by 40% vs. fine thread. It is suitable for suspended ceilings and ceilings with wooden frames.

• Hi-Low Thread:Hi-Low Thread Drywall Screw, the main feature is the revolutionary thread design, double thread structure, the depth of the high thread is 0.35-0.45mm, responsible for rapid penetration of materials, the depth of the low thread is 0.2-0.25mm, can remove the waste of materials, 50% faster than conventional coarse thread, suitable for mixed structure buildings: wooden frame + partial metal reinforcement composite wall system.

By Head Type

• Trim Head:the trim head drywall screw is designed for installation in narrow spaces and projects that require perfect surfaces. The trim head is 30% smaller than the standard bugle head, with a head thickness of 1.2-1.5mm, achieving a nearly invisible installation effect. It is suitable for fine decoration such as solid wood decorative lines, hidden electrical inspection ports, etc.

• Bugle Head: bugle head drywall screw has a unique bugle head (20-22° cone angle) that can automatically sink into the gypsum board surface after installation, avoiding the surface of the gypsum. The head diameter of 8-8.5mm increases the contact area with the gypsum board by 30%, dispersing pressure and preventing cracking. It is most suitable for large-scale gypsum board wall/ceiling system installation. after testing: under the same conditions, it reduces 70% of the subsequent repair work compared with flat head screws

By Surface Treatment Type

• Black Drywall Screw:The surface of black drywall screw is treated with phosphate to form a black anti-rust coating. The black appearance reduces reflections, making it easier to observe during construction and avoid missing screws. compared with ordinary steel nails, it is more corrosion-resistant and suitable for indoor dry environments, such as indoor living room and bedroom ceilings, temporary partitions, exhibition construction and other short-term projects.

• Galvanized Drywall Screw:The process of galvanized Drywall Screw is to use electrogalvanizing to cover the surface of the screw with a zinc layer to prevent rust and corrosion. It has a lifespan 2-3 times longer than black Drywall screws, and the price will be a little higher. It is suitable for humid environments, such as kitchens, bathrooms, basements, etc.

• Nickel Plated Drywall Screw:nickel plated drywall screw is nickel-plated on the surface, with a silver luster similar to stainless steel screws, super anti-rust characteristics, more chemical corrosion resistance than galvanized, and is the best screws for coastal areas, suitable for extreme environments and high salt fog areas

• Ruspert Drywall Screw: Rust coating technology is an advanced surface treatment process. This technology uses high temperature to evenly attach a special layer to the surface of the screw. After chemical reaction, a stable oxide layer is generated. After 24 to 1000 hours of continuous exposure to simulated harsh environments, these screws still have no obvious signs of corrosion. It is suitable for chemical plants or cold chain warehouses, etc.

What You Need to Know About Drywall Screw Lengths and Sizes?

• Common Drywall Sizes Chart

INCH

MM

Screw Diamete

Length

Screw Diamete

Length

#6

1/2

3.5

13

#6

5/8

3.5

16

#6

3/4

3.5

19

#6

1

3.5

25

#6

1-1/4

3.5

32

#6

1-1/2

3.5

38

#6

1-3/4

3.5

45

#6

2

3.5

50

#6

2-1/2

3.5

63

#6

3

3.5

75

INCH

MM

Screw Diamete

Length

Screw Diamete

Length

#8

1/2

4.2

13

#8

5/8

4.2

16

#8

3/4

4.2

19

#8

1

4.2

25

#8

1-1/4

4.2

32

#8

1-1/2

4.2

38

#8

1-3/4

4.2

45

#8

2

4.2

50

#8

2-1/2

4.2

63

#8

3

4.2

75

#8

4

4.2

100

• Choose The Right Screw Size

#6 vs #8 drywall screws difference

Screw length = drywall thickness + at least 1/2" recess into the frame

When to Use Drywall ScrewsDrywall Installation:

• New Construction Walls :When building new construction walls, it is important to choose the right screws for drywall to metal studs. Unlike wood framing, metal studs (25-gauge or 20-gauge) require the use of fine-thread drywall screws to prevent stripping and ensure a secure fix.

• Ceiling Applications:When screwing drywall to the ceiling, install it high to enhance grip and prevent sagging

Repairing & Maintenance:

• Fixing Popped Screws : Replacing loose fasteners in existing walls

• Seam Reinforcement : Securing joint tape before mudding (hot mud compatibility)

• Crack Repair : Bridging gaps in damaged drywall sections

Other's Applications

• Insulation Fixing : Anchoring fiberglass batts or rock wool without compression

• Acoustic Panels: Vibration-resistant hold for soundproofing layers

• Backer Board Attachment : Installing cement board under tile (use corrosion-resistant screws)

How to Install Drywall Screws?Tool preparation

Electric Drill/Driver:Recommended Brushless motor (e.g., DeWalt DCF620B or Makita XFD131)

Speed ​​Setting: 1,800-2,500 RPM (high-speed mode improves efficiency)

Magnetic Drywall Screw Bit:Size: #2 Phillips (most common) or #2 Square Drive (anti-slip),Feature is 6mm magnetic head, automatically sucks the screw, one-handed operation without dropping the nail

Pro Pick: Sinsun SS-202 (with depth ring, automatic countersink control)

Mark the position of the keel

Use a stud finder to locate the frame and pencil mark (standard spacing of 16 inches/40cm)

Screw spacing rules

Edge fixing: one screw every 6-8 inches (15-20cm) along the board edge

Middle area: one screw every 12-16 inches (30-40cm) along the keel

Joints: increase the density to 8 inches to prevent future cracking

Depth control skills

Correct effect: The screw head is slightly concave (1mm) and does not penetrate the paper surface

Tips for using the screwdriver bitKeep the electric drill vertical to the board surface and press down at a constant speed after startingStop immediately when you hear a "click" sound (clutch disengagement)

What areCommon Mistakes & How to Fix?

Screws too deep/shallow

Problem: Too deep can tear drywall paper, too shallow can cause bumps that affect plastering.

Fix: Adjust drill clutch to ensure screw head is slightly recessed (about 1mm).

Wrong spacing

Problem: Spacing > 16 inches (40cm) can cause drywall to loosen or crack.

Fix: Install at standard spacing (8 inches/20 cm at edges, 12-16 inches/30-40cm in the middle).

Using the wrong type of screw

Problem: Using coarse threaded screws on metal studs (prone to slipping).

Repair: Metal frames must be replaced with fine-thread drywall screws (such as #6×1-1/4" fine pitch).

Rust prevention treatment ignored

Problem: Using black phosphate screws in wet areas causes rust.

Repair: Use galvanized screws in bathrooms/basements instead.

Reuse old holes

Problem: Enlarging old holes will reduce the holding force.

Repair: Change the position or use longer screws (such as 1-1/4" to 1-5/8").

FAQ:

Q:What screws to use for a ceiling fan?

A: Machine screws designed for use in ceiling fan assemblies around the home or office

Q:What are the numbers on drywall screws?

A: Use about 32 drywall screws per sheet of 4-foot by 8-foot drywall installed horizontally on a wall

Q:What is the pattern for drywall screws?

A: Screws are spaced 8–12 inches apart for ceiling ,Screws are spaced 12–16 inches apart along wall stud

Q:What is the most popular drywall screw?

A: #6 fine-thread drywall screw (S-type) for metal studs

#6 coarse-thread drywall screw (often called W-type) is the most widely used for wood

Q:How to measure drywall screws?

A: Drywall screws are measured by length and gauge (thickness):

Conclusion

We believe that through this article you can choose the right drywall screws for your project like an expert, and experience the professional-grade fixing effect immediately by choosing Sinsun drywall screws! Sinsun's full range of drywall screws - from coarse/fine threads to galvanized/Ruspert coated models, from standard sizes to special head designs - provides a durable and stable solution for your project with excellent rust resistance, precise thread technology and reliable grip.

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