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Drywall Screws vs. Other Screws: What’s the Difference?

Originally posted on Men's Journal | By Pete Fazio | Last updated Feb 10, 2025 7:00 AM ET

If you're hanging drywall, you might wonder if you can just use any type of screw you have lying around. After all, a screw is a screw, right? Not exactly. Drywall screws are designed specifically for securing drywall to wood or metal studs. They’re made to grip tightly without damaging the drywall surface. Other types of screws may not hold as well, could be too thick or too short, or might even cause the drywall to crack. Choosing the right screws will make the drywall project smoother and give you better results.

What Makes Drywall Screws Different?

Not all screws are made for drywall. Drywall screws are unique in a few ways:

Threading: They have deeper, sharper threads that grip drywall and wall studs securely.
Size: They’re typically 1-1/4 to 2 inches long, which is ideal for attaching drywall without breaking it.
Material: Usually made of hardened steel, they’re strong but not overly thick.
Screw Head Design: They have a bugle-shaped head that sits flush with the drywall surface without tearing the paper layer.

Regular wood screws, deck screws, or sheet metal screws don’t have these features. They might be too thick, too smooth, or have the wrong head shape, which can lead to poor fastening or even damage to the drywall sheets.

Why You Should Use Drywall Screws

If you're doing drywall installation, using regular screws can cause problems. While normal screws might seem like a small shortcut, they can lead to loose panels, cracked drywall, or even extra repairs down the road. Here’s why drywall screws are the correct screw:

Better Grip: Their sharp threads bite into studs firmly, keeping the sheets of drywall secure.
Prevents Tearing: The bugle head allows them to sit flush without ripping the drywall paper surface.
Stronger Hold: They resist pulling out, so your piece of drywall stays in place over time.
Less Damage: The right length and thickness prevent cracking or over-penetration.

When to Use Coarse Thread vs. Fine Thread

There are two main types of drywall screw: coarse thread and fine thread types. The type of thread you use depends on the framing materials.

Coarse-Thread Drywall Screws: These have deeper, wide threads that grip wood studs better. They drive in quickly and hold tightly.
Fine-Thread Drywall Screws: These have smaller, closely spaced finer threads and are best for securing drywall to metal studs. They require a little more effort to drive in but create a strong hold.

If you’re attaching drywall to wooden studs, go with coarse-thread screws. If you’re working with metal studs, fine-thread screws will do the job better.

FAQ

Can I use wood screws instead of drywall screws?

Traditional wood screws aren’t a good alternative to drywall screws. They usually have a different thread pattern and a flat head or round head style, which can cause tearing or improper fastening.

Do I need to pre-drill holes for drywall screws?

Not usually. They're are sharp, deeper threads are enough to drive directly into the studs without pre-drilling. If you’re working with hardwood or thick metal studs, pre-drilling might make the job easier.

Can I use a cordless drill to drive screws?

For most DIY projects a regular screw gun and bit works just fine if you're careful not to drive the screw too deep. If you are drywalling an entire room or house you may be better off with a drywall screw gun for ease of installation. Most drywall screw guns have auto-stop features that drive the screw to the right depth and leave a perfect countersunk head.

This article first appeared on Men's Journal and was syndicated with permission.

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