How to Use a Conventional Drill to Screw Drywall

Using screws to fasten drywall to studs creates a secure wall.

Homeowners install drywall with nails or screws. Using screws rather than nails to secure drywall to framing studs offers a more secure placement. Over time, lumber shrinkage and house settling, nails loosen and pop above the surface of the drywall. Nails made specifically for drywall lessen the problem, but do not eliminate it. Screws stay put and do not back out of the drywall as do nails. Hammering nails into drywall leaves a hammerhead depression surrounding the nail head while screw guns and drills leave no visible damage.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips-head bit
• Depth stop

Instructions

1. Hold the drywall in place flush up against the framing studs with the help of an assistant. Mark the screw placement with a pencil on the drywall. Mark screw placement every 16-inches on center for walls and every 12-inches on center for ceilings. To create a secure hung sheet of drywall, it is necessary for the screw to penetrate the drywall and sink into the framing studs. To determine the correct length of drywall screws add the drywall thickness plus the 1-1/2 inches.

2. Insert a Phillips-head bit into the drill chuck.

3. Turn the chuck clockwise to hand tighten the bit in place.

4. Insert the chuck key in the keyhole on the drill chuck and turn the chuck key to lock the Phillips-head bit in place.

5. Slide a depth stop over the drill bit and secure it to the chuck or drill body depending on the type of drill stop you are using and the drill manufacturer. A depth stop is a guide that prevents a drill from sinking a screw in deeper than you desire.

6. Position the screw on the placement mark and hold it in position with your hand. Fit the tip of the drill bit into the screw head. Turn the drill on and sink the screw through the drywall into the framing stud.

Tips & Warnings

• Drive screws in at least 1/4-inch from the edge of the drywall sheet.

• Choose a magnetic drill bit to help avoid dropping screws.

• Hide screw heads with joint compound.

• Do not allow the screw head to break through the paper surface of the drywall. A correctly set screw rests slightly lower than flush with the drywall without creating a ragged edge around the screw head.

References

• "Home Repair and Improvement"; Creative Homeowner Editors; 2006
• "The Book of Skills and Tools"; Family Handyman Magazine Editors; 1993