What is the smallest screw size to attach 1/2 inch gypsum board to load-bearing steel studs, among typical fasteners?

What is the smallest screw size to attach 1/2 inch gypsum board to load-bearing steel studs, among typical fasteners?

• A. #6 x 1 inch
• B. #8 x 1 inch
• C. #6 x 1-1/2 inch
• D. #6 x 1-1/4 inch

Answer: (A)

When fastening 1/2 inch gypsum board to steel studs, you want a fastener that provides enough bite into the steel without being longer than necessary. Drywall screws designed for metal studs are self-tapping and come in small diameters, so the key is to choose the smallest size that still delivers adequate withdrawal resistance. A #6 diameter screw is enough to hold the drywall securely while remaining easy to drive and less likely to risk over-penetration or distortion of the stud. A 1 inch length gives enough penetrating depth to go through the 1/2 inch board and into the steel stud to engage adequately, without the extra length that isn’t needed for typical wall loads. Using a larger diameter (#8) or a longer length (1-1/4" or 1-1/2") doesn’t provide meaningful extra benefit for standard drywall loads and can complicate installation or cause unnecessary damage to components. So, the smallest effective choice that meets these needs is #6 x 1 inch.

When fastening 1/2 inch gypsum board to steel studs, you want a fastener that provides enough bite into the steel without being longer than necessary. Drywall screws designed for metal studs are self-tapping and come in small diameters, so the key is to choose the smallest size that still delivers adequate withdrawal resistance. A #6 diameter screw is enough to hold the drywall securely while remaining easy to drive and less likely to risk over-penetration or distortion of the stud. A 1 inch length gives enough penetrating depth to go through the 1/2 inch board and into the steel stud to engage adequately, without the extra length that isn’t needed for typical wall loads. Using a larger diameter (#8) or a longer length (1-1/4" or 1-1/2") doesn’t provide meaningful extra benefit for standard drywall loads and can complicate installation or cause unnecessary damage to components. So, the smallest effective choice that meets these needs is #6 x 1 inch.