The Best Way to Drill a Screw Into Sheet Rock

Taking the time to properly attach Sheetrock now will save you time in repairs later.

Hanging Sheetrock can add a lot of beauty to a space--such as a basement, utility room or garage--that is currently less than appealing. But, taking short cuts or utilizing the less-than-best method when screwing Sheetrock into place may cause it to come loose, creating more work in the long run.

Things You'll Need

• Electric or battery-powered drill
• #2 Phillips head screwdriver attachment for drill
• Drywall screws
• Pencil

Instructions

1. Use a pencil to mark the location of the wall studs on the ceiling above the wall where the Sheetrock is going to be attached. Once the Sheetrock is in place, you will not be able to see the studs. The pencil marks will remind you where they are located so that you can screw the Sheetrock directly to them.

2. Hold the sheet rock in place. Drive five screws--in a line--through the Sheetrock and into the stud, using your electric drill. Start at the center of the sheet and work outward. Be sure to drive each screw straight, and not at an angle, into the wall stud. Continue driving the head of the screw in until it sinks just below the surface of the Sheetrock paper, and then stop. Driving the screws in too far will cause the paper to tear. If one of the screws does break through the surface of the paper, drive another screw in about an inch away. The top and bottom screws that are on the outside edges of the Sheetrock should not be placed closer than 1/2 inch from the edge of the sheet.

3. Move to the next wall stud. Drive another five screws through the sheet rock and into the wall stud in the same manner.

Tips & Warnings

• Depending on the size of the project, you may require an assistant to help hold the sheet rock while you screw it into place.

References

• This Old House: How To Hang Drywall