| Author |
Message |
    
Smarty Jones
Citizen
Username: Birdstone
Post Number: 482
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 - 6:53 am: | 
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when installing drywall, what are the pros/cons of using drywall screws vs. nails? Does anyone use Drywall nails anymore? I'm also thinking that Nails might have a greater tendency to "pop" later on down the road, but am not sure? |
AdamMosk
Citizen
Username: Adammosk
Post Number: 52
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 - 8:58 am: |
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Drywall nails can tend to pop down the road (but not all the time). This is caused by evaporation of moisture from the studs and settling which together squeeze the nails out. There are drywall nails which do better than others (I think they are called ring shank nails)
With nails you usually need one every 7 inches on ceilings and every 8 inches along walls. Screws are stronger than nails. You usually only need to use one screw every 12 inches along the ceilings and every 16 inches on walls.
I believe the nails are cheaper. Since, I am a clutz I decided to go with the screws to avoid punching holes thru the drywall or pounding my thumb. Good Luck. |
peteglider
Citizen
Username: Peteglider
Post Number: 1869
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 - 9:04 am: |
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I position the sheetrock, then use a couple of nails to hold it in place, then finish with screws (I also use glue).
Nails are much more likely to pop over time. The only disadvantage to screws is (for a DIYr) -- set your power driver carefully -- otherwise you can pulverize the gypsum and end up with a hole!
/p |
gj1
Citizen
Username: Gj1
Post Number: 317
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 - 11:30 am: |
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Use screws.
Also, use a drywall dimpler bit for your cordless drill. It will torque out when the screw reaches the right depth. Fast and no worrying about sinking the screws too deep. You can buy them in the tool aisle at HD--just a few dollars for a bag of 4. |
peteglider
Citizen
Username: Peteglider
Post Number: 1872
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 - 12:32 pm: |
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dywall dimpler bit --
WOW -- learned something new! (thx gj1)
/p |
Smarty Jones
Citizen
Username: Birdstone
Post Number: 484
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 - 12:36 pm: |
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peteglider, what do you do with the Nails after you've put in the screws? Or do you leave them, knowing they may "pop" later? |
Bob K
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 11014
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 - 12:43 pm: |
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Leave 'em, but put a screw next to them. This should keep the nail from popping. |
TomR
Citizen
Username: Tomr
Post Number: 1028
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 - 1:12 pm: |
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When nails do pop, am I better off resetting them; or should I pull them and replace with screws?
I'v got a few nail poping in a bath I'm about to repaint.
TomR |
Bob K
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 11015
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 - 1:19 pm: |
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Pulling the nails without damaging the sheetrock is almost impossible with a catspaw or the claw of a hammer. I think the standard is to hammer them back in and put in a screw right next to the popped nails. This is what I would do. |
peteglider
Citizen
Username: Peteglider
Post Number: 1874
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 - 3:16 pm: |
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I only put in a couple of nails -- to hold the thing while I get the screws in. Yes, I just leave them in. More often than not they're along the edge -- so get a layer of tape and compound. Won't stop popping, of course. /p |
Arnold
Citizen
Username: Window_doctor
Post Number: 12
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, March 25, 2006 - 7:02 am: |
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Screws are 100% better than nails, however when installing sheet rock on the ceilings use PL200 or a sheetrock glue as well to keep anything from popping. I agree tack it in place with nails and screw the field. Make sure to use coarse thread 1-1-4" DRYWALL screws.
Good luck. |
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