Brass self tapping drywall screw with countersunk head

Have you wondered how to install drywall? It involves using a whole host of tools. Fortunately, when it comes to anchoring drywall to studs, it is back to the basics. With just a few screws, nails, a hammer and a drill, you will be able to achieve beautiful results. Not all nails and screws, however, are appropriate for use on drywall. There are a number of fasteners specially designed for use on drywall that will provide a strong hold while allowing for easy countersinking. Motivated do-it-yourselfers should have little trouble tracking down the pieces they need and securing them in place.

Consider the following questions to determine the best fasteners for your next drywall project:

• What types of nails can be used on drywall?

• What types of screws can be used on drywall?

• Which fasteners are best for wooden studs? Which are better on metal?

• How can you successfully repair “nail pops?"

• What tools will assist you in securing fasteners properly?
Screws and Installation Considerations

It may seem an obvious point, but the most important function of drywall fasteners is to keep drywall in place without popping back out. This, however, is sometimes easier said than done. If you use nails and screws that are not designated for drywall use, you will find them popping back up left and right. Even when you use appropriate fasteners, this phenomenon can sometimes occur. Therefore, it is important to know which fasteners provide the best hold, how you can enhance the strength of that hold using adhesive and how you can quickly and easily repair the problem if it should occur.

Nails: There are three commonly found types of nails used for securing drywall. Nails are used to secure drywall only to wooden studs. Drywall nails have a ringed or barbed shank that gives them greater holding power once they are driven in. Cement-coated drywall nails have a smooth shank, but they are coated with resin to increase their holding power. Cupped-head nails feature a rounded head that is easier to countersink, helping you achieve a smooth finish.

Nails should be hammered in until they are slightly below the surface, or dimpled. Once this is accomplished, use joint tape and compound to cover the indentations.

• Drywall nails have large heads to make striking easier

• Phosphate coating helps nails resist corrosion and allows paint to adhere more easily

• Use a drywall hammer to countersink nails without tearing the paper

• Annular-ring nails work well when installing drywall on ceilings

Screws: Nails do a good job of keeping drywall in place, but screws provide an even more secure hold, though they do cost a little bit more. Coarse drywall screws feature coarse threads and are used to secure gypsum board to wood. Fine drywall screws on the other hand, feature smaller threads and are used to attach drywall to metal studs.

Self-drilling drywall screws and pan-head framing screws are also used when working with metal studs or frames. Because they don’t require pounding, screws are less likely to damage the surface during insertion and, when working with soft woods, they are often self-countersinking.

• Screws may be used to fasten drywall to both wooden and metal studs

• Can be driven in with a drill or electric drywall screw gun

• Trim-head screws are used to attach wood trim over single or double layers of gypsum boards to either

wood or steel stud

• Most drywall screws feature a Phillips head

nstallation Considerations: In order to properly secure drywall, you will need to use the right number of fasteners. Some municipalities have building codes that dictate the exact number of screws or nails that should be used, so make sure to consult local codes before beginning your project. If you are using nails, you may experience a few nail pops. Nail pops occur when wooden studs lose moisture and shrink slightly, exposing nails (and, on occasion, screws) and causing them to pop out slightly.

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