What kind of screws for metal studs

Contractors use metal studs in commercial and industrial buildings to prevent fires, termites and other hazards. Recently, many contractors have begun using them in residential homes as well. Metal studs are stable and sturdy for both load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls. However, most screws will not penetrate through metal studs.

Often, contractors have to use special screws for metal studs due to the material’s durability. These screws have finer threads and sharper tips to better pierce and provide hold in metal studs. Fine-threaded screws work best because drywall screws are not strong enough for the job.

Self-Tapping Screws for Metal Studs

A self-tapping screw is commonly referred to as a “metal screw” since they are frequently used to fasten metallic materials. Self-tapping screws “tap” or cut threads into a metal. However, these types of screws enter material at a slow rate because they have finer threads for greater fastening power. Self-tapping screws may require a pilot hole to drill through metal since their points can have different shapes:

• Thread-forming tips: Displace material as the screw drills into plastic
• Thread-cutting tips: Remove material as the screw cuts into metal or wood

Self-Drilling Screws for Metal Studs

A self-drilling screw is a type of self-tapping screw with a point shaped like a drill bit to provide an easier start into the base material. Contractors often know these fasteners by the TEK® brand name because this company popularized this type of screw.

Self-drilling screws drill, tap and fasten metal to metal in a quicker, cost-effective way. Though the screw lengths vary in size, the drill bit tip is the defining component. These tips are numbered from #1 to #5 to denote their length and thickness, which are the factors that determine the thickness of metal they can pierce. The main benefit of self-drilling screws for metal studs is that their specialized tips eliminate the need for a pilot hole.

Shop Screws for Metal Studs From All Points Fasteners

At All Points Fasteners, we have an extensive selection of TEK® screws to help you get the job done right the first time. We know how important it is to have the right fasteners to maintain productivity on the work site, so we offer a free quote and free samples of products before you make a purchase.

If you’re looking to pick up and purchase screws for metal studs, call us at 800-483-6354 to place your order or contact us online to talk about your options.

Head Screw Lady Since 1986! Specializing in breaking down the language barrier between suppliers and end users. During her 35 years working in the fastener industry, MaryLouise has worked directly with end users, contractor’s, OEM’S and DIY, as well working within the import industry, working with fastener manufacturers and distributors. This has given her the unique perspective of having the technical knowledge needed to perform in the fastener world but also be familiar with the needs of end users who don’t necessarily know the fastener jargon or applications to know exactly what they need for their jobs.

Posted on September 15 2021

Can I use lag screws/bolts for metal stud?

Lag bolts are the common bolts supplied with any wall mounted gizmo you buy today. This is because the manufacturer assumes that you have a wood stud wall or a concrete wall. Metal stud wall anchors are NEVER provided with TV mounts in 99% of the time. This is an exception to some of Condomount products. 

Lag bolts CANNOT hold weight when fastened through a metal stud. Unlike wood, metal studs do not catch the lag bolts teeth. Metal studs are hollow. 

The gauge of the metal studs used for internal walls is usually 25AWG. Is some rare occasions up to 22AWG.  The gauge for external wall metal studs is thicker around 16-18 gauge. Standard steel studs available at home centers use 25-gauge steel. At whatever gauge, lag bolts are NOT something you use on metal stud walls.

What are the best screws for metal stud walls?

There are three category of screws when using with Metal stud walls. Mounting a heavy item on metal stud wall is covered below, first lets talk about framing a metal stud wall. 

a. Best Screws to assemble metal studs together to build the frame.

The common screw for this is 1/2" #7 Pan-Head for the common 25AWG metal studs and #8 self tapping for the tougher thicker metal studs. Drive the screws at medium speed. Choose a clutch setting strong enough to drive the screw home but not to strong that it strips the screw hole and weakens the joint.

The technique for framing steel walls is to first fasten the floor and ceiling tracks and then install the studs one at a time. On the floor, lay out and mark the location of the wall, fasten the steel track, and then locate the position of the ceiling track using a plumb bob or a level held against a steel stud. On a finished ceiling where the stud wall framing track runs perpendicular to the joists, fasten the track to the underlying joists with 1-1/2 in. self-tapping drywall screws. If the track runs parallel to the joists, fasten the track to the ceiling with drywall anchors.

b.  The best screws to attach drywall to metal studs

Attaching drywall to metal studs is the best done with Fine Thread Drywall Screws. Fine-thread drywall screws do not hold as well in wood as do coarse-thread screws. Installing drywall to metal/steel stud require fine threaded drywall screws so that it is easier to drive the screw through the metal. The size recommended you will be using either #6 or #8 drywall screws. Note that as gauge numbers increase, the screw becomes larger in diameter. So, a #6 drywall screw would be thinner than a #8 drywall screw.

The main purpose of the drywall screws is securing full sheets of drywall (usually 4x8-foot ) or partial sheets of drywall to metal studs.

c. The best screws for mounting heavy things on Metal stud wall.

The best screw for mounting heavy items onto metal studs is not just a screw but a combination of a metal flange and a machine screw.

The metal flange of the elephant anchor is inserted through the drywall and metal stud to sit flat with the metal. A machine screw is then inserted through device that is being mounted.

Never use lag bolts on metal studs, that can cost you. Many condo dwellers that use the lag bolt from the TV mounting package have experienced TV falling over them. TV mounting packages only have bolts for wood studs and concrete/brick walls. In order to get your TV mounted on a Metal stud wall can get Condomounts 200lbs Steel Stud Mounting Kit.  

The 200lbs metal stud mounting kit or also known as steel stud mounting by Condomounts has  bundle of the screws, anchors, washers and included is the sharp pilot head metal drill bit to easily cut the metal stud through.

A video of how a heavy duty anchor is inserted into metal stud is as below. Fast Metal stud anchors. The best part it also works on drywall. MSK9001.

Can you screw directly into metal studs?

Can I use sheet metal screws for metal studs?

Do you need special screws for metal?