Drywall screws have a special design to allow the fastening of plasterboard to metal or timber. Their design showcases a tapered point to ensure they do not snap when penetrating the plaster. Their wide head and small thread allow them to drive in without twisting out of position. Also, the screw intentionally has no self-lubricating features to maximise its surface grip. Like most screws, there are different types for various applications. Read on to discover the types of drywall screws and when to use them.
Coarse thread vs fine thread
The key difference between coarse thread drywall screws and fine thread drywall screws is the level of thread. Coarse thread screws are wider and have less thread. Fine thread differs from this as it is tighter. Choosing which screw to opt for is dependent on the material that is being fastened. Coarse thread screws are ideal when screwing into wood. The tighter thread of fine thread drywall screws makes them the perfect choice for fastening into metal.
Black vs zinc plated
There is an obvious visual difference when looking at some drywall screws. Some of them are black whilst some are silver. Some screws have a phosphate coating which gives them a black aesthetic. The other screws are silver due to their zinc coating.
How should you know which is the best drywall screw to use? Black drywall screws are commonly used when screwing drywall into wood. This is due to their phosphate coating providing protection from the damp conditions associated with wood. Zinc plated silver drywall screws also have some protection from corrosion due to their coating. These screws are often used for screwing drywall into metal.
Collated vs uncollated
A common misconception is that the screws themselves differ when comparing uncollated and collated drywall screws. The only difference between them is the way they are packaged.
Collated screws come as a connected row. This design enables them to directly fit into automatic screw guns. This option is perfect for contractors where quick and easy fixing is necessary. The uncollated counterpart known as loose drywall screws are usually supplied loose in small boxes. They are better suited for smaller projects without automatic screwdrivers.
Which is the best drywall screw?
Choosing which drywall screw is the best is entirely dependent on your project. The biggest consideration is whether you are fastening wood or metal. Once this has been established, you can assess whether the job needs an automatic screwdriver.
Another key factor is the screw length. The longer the screw, the tougher it will be to sink into position. However, longer screws often make a stronger fix. It is widely recommended that the screw length should be at least twice the width of the material you’re screwing into.
At Tradefix Direct, we have a range of types of drywall screws with bulk quantity discounts available. For more help with choosing the right drywall screw for your project, get in contact today. All orders over £60 get free next-day delivery!
