Many people think they know how to drive a screw into a wall, but it’s not as easy as it sounds. You have to consider the type of wall you are going to work on, whether it is wood, drywall, etc. This will determine what type of screws should be used for proper installation.
Drywall is an excellent solution for remodeling and construction of houses, furniture, partitions, decorative elements, space divisions, and ceilings for the installation of lights.
In the following article, we will talk about the installation of drywall, how to install anchors in drywall, the different types of screws that exist, and their main uses.
What you need to screw into drywall?
Drywall is easy to install and, being very lightweight, can be used almost anywhere. If there is not already a structure on which to mount the panel, you can prepare one and make, for example, a frame of wood or metal. There are plasterboards of different lengths (usually 2.60 m, 3 m, or 3.60 m). You can also choose between 60 or 120 cm wide. The thickness of the drywall is standard 9.5 mm.
Once the drywall is cut to size, the edges can be finished with a rasp or coarse sandpaper block. To mount and screw drywall you will need to select special screws for this type of material. The easiest way to work is with an electric drill. Once the drywall is installed, fill the joints with caulking using a putty knife. Then go over the corners with caulking tape and apply more caulking if needed.
Drywall screws have become a standard for many construction companies due to their outstanding holding power.
How to install anchors into drywall
An anchor for drywall is an element that is combined with a screw. You will be able to create a firm mount anywhere on the drywall. An anchor is what goes between the screw and the drywall, holding the drywall much more effectively than a screw alone.
Depending on what you are hanging or mounting, you may want to use a specific type of drywall anchor. Currently, there are many anchor models to choose from.
Anchors can be distinguished by size, design, weight capacity, and holding power. The three most common types of drywall anchors are expansion anchors, spiral anchors, and wallclaw anchors.
To install an anchor into drywall, you will need a power drill with different sized bits, a hammer, and the number of anchors you need.
Install anchors into drywall step by step
- Start by drilling a hole in the drywall that is about the same diameter as the anchor.
- Insert the anchor and tap it gently with the hammer until it is embedded in the wall.
- Finally, drive the screw in as far as you need depending on what you are going to hang on the drywall.
When to use different drywall screws
Drywall screws fall into two main categories: fine thread and coarse thread. The fine thread screw is used for drywall application on light gauge metal framing. Coarse-thread screws are best suited for attaching drywall to wood studs.
For fixing the drywall as we have already seen, screws and anchors are used. The most commonly used type of fastener is the self-tapping screw as it is very easy to use. As we have already said above, it is the material of the frame (wood or metal) that determines the type of fasteners that will be used for the installation.
Countersunk head drywall screws allow the screw to sit flush with the surface, creating a smooth, even finish. One of the standard drywall screws can be easily identified by its black finish. This black coloration comes from a phosphate mineral coating that is applied to these screws. This coating helps minimize rust and corrosion as the bolts are exposed to wet paint or joint compound.
At Celo fixings, we are a leading manufacturer of drywall screws. We offer a wide variety of screws with different dimensions and threads so you can securely fasten your drywall. We invite you to discover our range of products and coarse-thread screws for wood and fine thread screws for metal structures.
