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Proper metal stud screws

Proper Metal Stud Screws

You need special screws when you build a steel stud wall -- not just any sheet metal screw as the head thickness can cause problems with the drywall.

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David on May 02, 2017 20:31

Hi Jon,

I'm working with metal studs for the first time and I'm finding that the pan-head framing screws prevent the drywall from laying flat on the studs. They're even causing the drywall to crack at corners. I'm using identical screws to the one that you showed was correct in this video. Their packaging even markets them as "pan head framing screws". Is there something I'm doing wrong? Any advice?

Hello David,
Yes, although better than other sheet metal screws, the steel stud screws do still make a bit of a bump. Note that in most positions, you have a choice of putting the screw through to the part of the stud that is in direct contact with the outer piece of metal -- or of moving to the center of the "stud", in the embossed section, where the metal is slightly away from the outside member. That allows for drawing the screw head further below the outside plane where the drywall stops. It does not eliminate the bump, but if well placed and cinched up tight (without stripping the thread) it tends to sink in about half the total head thickness. That is usually good enough. Screws too close to the absolute edge of the drywall are the ones that still cause a problem.

Personally, I prefer wood studs.
jon

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