What is the minimum size screw for attaching gypsum board to steel studs

What is the minimum size screw for attaching gypsum board to steel studs

• A. #6
• B. #4
• C. #8
• D. #10

Answer: (A)

When fastening gypsum board to steel studs, you need a fastener that can reliably thread into metal and hold the board under typical stresses. Self-tapping drywall screws designed for metal framing are used, and the smallest size that provides enough thread engagement and holding power is the six-gauge screw. This size hits the balance of being large enough to bite into steel without stripping, while still being practical for standard drywall thickness. Using a smaller screw wouldn’t penetrate or bite into the steel effectively, risking pull-out or stripped threads, whereas a larger size isn’t required for this application and can add unnecessary cost or fit issues. The key idea is to choose a screw diameter that reliably secures gypsum board to metal studs, and six-gauge is the common minimum that achieves that.

When fastening gypsum board to steel studs, you need a fastener that can reliably thread into metal and hold the board under typical stresses. Self-tapping drywall screws designed for metal framing are used, and the smallest size that provides enough thread engagement and holding power is the six-gauge screw. This size hits the balance of being large enough to bite into steel without stripping, while still being practical for standard drywall thickness. Using a smaller screw wouldn’t penetrate or bite into the steel effectively, risking pull-out or stripped threads, whereas a larger size isn’t required for this application and can add unnecessary cost or fit issues. The key idea is to choose a screw diameter that reliably secures gypsum board to metal studs, and six-gauge is the common minimum that achieves that.