There are many options available for secure panels of drywall to wooden studs.
Nails, drywall screws, and self-tapping screws are commonly used to secure gypsum boards during drywall installation.
Coarse drywall screws are the most common type of hardware used to secure panels, but you may have fine thread drywall screws and wonder whether they are okay to use to secure the panels to wood.
Fine thread drywall screws are fine for securing wooden studs. Generally speaking, it’s better to use coarse thread drywall screws as they’re much more secure. A fine thread will still get the job done but may pull out over time. Fine thread screws are better than nails for securing panels to wood.
Using the proper hardware during drywall installation makes a difference in the quality and longevity of your project.
Let’s dive into whether fine thread drywall screws are good for securing panels to wood.
Are Fine Thread Screws Okay For Wooden Studs?
Depending on the materials used to frame your house, it is beneficial to use certain screw types to secure drywall.
If you have wood studs, it is best to use coarse thread drywall screws as they will drive into the wood quicker, and the grip allows for very secure installation.
Fine thread drywall screws are manufactured to secure drywall to metal studs.
While there is some difference between the thread, both will work for securing drywall.
It is best to use the drywall screws specifically designed for the types of studs in your house.
The different types of drywall screws have specific designs but will work in other applications.
It is best to use coarse thread for wooden studs, but fine thread screws will get the job done if those are the screws you have on hand.
Both threads are better at securing drywall panels to studs than drywall nails.
While the thread is essential for choosing a drywall screw, length is arguably more important.
The length of the drywall screw will determine how far it goes into the wooden stud.
The deeper the drywall screw goes into the stud, the more securely it will fasten.
The extra length gives added support and strength, so you know your drywall will stay secure for years to come, which is not the same if you drive a shorter screw into the wall.
Spacing is also crucial for drywall screws.
Keeping the screws too far apart will affect the overall security of your drywall installation.
Learn more about how many drywall screws to use for best results in our article.
What Is Best For Securing Drywall Screws To Wood?
There are many types of screws out there.
We’re sure the trip to the hardware store is a bit overwhelming for beginners.
There are many options to choose from, and finding the right one for your specific job is vital to the integrity of your work.
If you are working with wood studs, choosing the right screw will help your panels stay in place for years.
Attaching drywall on wood studs is an essential part of doing the installation correctly.
The studs will keep everything together and prevent sagging, cracking, or an unattractive finish.
The best type of screw for attaching drywall panels to wood is coarse-thread screws.
The length of these screws is based on how thick your wooden studs are and the thickness of the panels of the gypsum board itself.
Buy the longest screws over the average common length drywall screws so they go as deep into the studs as possible.
This will keep the boards in place securely.
This is very important for the installation process.
Length is arguably more important than the thread on the screws themselves.
Long fine thread drywall screws will be better than short coarse-thread screws.
Regardless of which drywall screws you choose, they will secure the boards significantly better than any drywall nail.
In years past, drywall nails were the most commonly used hardware in houses.
Nails don’t have the same grip as screws because they don’t have as deep of grooves.
While drywall nails aren’t necessarily smooth, they do not have the same grip as the thread on both fine thread and coarse thread drywall screws.
Types Of Hardware For Securing Drywall Panels
There are many different types of drywall screws available for use.
Whichever you choose, it is essential to drive the head of drywall screws flush or slightly into the drywall panel.
Using a drywall screwgun will help drive the length of the screw until the drywall screw heads are at the proper depth.
Let’s look at some of the most common types of hardware for use in drywall installation projects.
Related: Why do drywall screws pop out?
Self-Tapping Drywall Screws
Self-tapping kinds of drywall screw hardware are available in coarse and fine thread.
Both types of screws for drywall will help keep it secure for years to come.
The head of drywall screws, whether self-tapping or not, will allow you to use an electric drywall screw gun to attach panels to studs.
There are some added features of drywall screws with self-tapping ends.
They are much better suited for drilling into metal studs or framing.
The self-tapping screws have a special end to drive into metal and allow you to fully adhere the drywall to the metal stud.
They’re pretty affordable, too, like these ones on Amazon show.
Drywall Nails
Drywall nails were very commonly used in old constructions.
They tend to be significantly less expensive than other drywall screws, but they do not hold as well.
Screws have a thread to grip into the material and stay in place.
Nails do not have this thread and therefore don’t achieve as good of hold and may pull out over time.
Drywall nails are different from framing nails.
Drywall nails have a cupped head, so they don’t pull on the drywall paper.
The drywall nails pull nearly all their strength from the shaft.
Framing nails pull on both the head and the shaft for strength.
If you use framing nails for drywall, it will damage the paper and pull the drywall, which will leave imperfections in the finished product.
Many drywall nails designed today feature a slight thread to provide more grip, too, like these ones on Amazon show.
Coarse Thread Screws
Coarse thread screws are the most popular choice for attaching drywall to wooden studs.
The coarse thread on these types of screws allows them to bite stronger into the wood than fine threads.
They are not as well suited for metal studs.
These coarse screws for drywall are so common the price is pretty low, too (check out one option on Amazon at the link).