The Best Screws for Metal Studs
What Are the Best Screws for Metal Studs?
Metal studs behave very differently from wood. The material is thinner, harder, and more prone to stripping if you choose the wrong fastener. The best screws for metal studs are designed to bite into light gauge steel, form reliable threads, and hold finishes like drywall, sheathing, or brackets securely in place.
In most light commercial and interior projects, that means combining fine thread drywall screws and self drilling Tek style screws. Each style solves a different part of the job, from hanging drywall on 25 gauge studs to fastening heavier connections where extra strength is required. To see the full range of options, you can start with our main industrial screws category, then narrow down to deck and drywall screws and self drilling screws.
1. Drywall Screws For Hanging Board On Metal Studs
For attaching gypsum board to metal studs, fine thread drywall screws are usually the best choice. The fine threads engage more steel per turn than coarse threads, which helps prevent pull out and gives a solid, tight joint between the board and the stud flange.
Common options in our deck and drywall screws category include:
- Fine thread sharp point drywall screws for thin light gauge metal studs where the steel is typically 25 gauge or similar.
- Fine thread drill point drywall screws for heavier gauge studs where a sharp point may struggle to pierce cleanly.
- Bugle head styles that seat flush and slightly dimple the paper face without cutting through it.
These screws provide a clean finish and strong holding power for most interior partition walls framed with metal studs. They are a great place to start when you want the best screws for metal studs in drywall applications.
2. Tek Self Drilling Screws For Heavier Connections
When you need to fasten metal to metal at the stud, such as track to stud, bracing, clips, or heavier fixtures, self drilling Tek screws become the preferred option. These screws combine a drill bit style point with self tapping threads so they can drill their own pilot hole and form threads in one step.
Benefits of using Tek screws on metal studs include:
- No separate drilling step: The drill point pierces the stud and clears chips as the screw advances.
- Reliable thread engagement: Hardened threads form a consistent profile in the stud, even in thicker gauges.
- Faster assembly: Ideal for repetitive framing connections, clips, and accessory mounting.
You can find a wide range of diameters, lengths, head types, and materials in our Tek and self drilling screws section.
3. Choosing Head Style and Drive Type For Metal Stud Work
Head and drive style are also important when you are deciding on the best screws for metal studs. The right combination can improve installation speed, bit life, and finished appearance.
- Bugle head: Common for drywall to metal studs. It recesses slightly into the board without cutting the paper when torque is controlled.
- Pan or wafer head: Good for attaching clips, brackets, or light fixtures to the stud face where a flat bearing surface is helpful.
- Hex washer head: Popular on Tek screws where higher torque and strong driver engagement are needed for steel to steel connections.
Drive choices include Phillips, square, and six lobe styles. Matching the drive style across your screws, bolts, and other fasteners can simplify tool selection for your crews.
4. Selecting Screw Length For Metal Studs
Screw length is another key factor when working with metal studs. The goal is to penetrate through the board and into the stud with enough thread engagement to resist pull out, without adding unnecessary length that can slow installation.
- For drywall, choose a length that fully penetrates the board and engages several threads in the stud flange.
- For Tek screws, confirm that the drill point length is suited to the total steel thickness you need to penetrate.
- When fastening accessories, consider both the fixture thickness and the stud gauge so the threads fully form in the steel.
5. Installation Tips For Screws In Metal Studs
Even the best screws for metal studs will only perform well when they are installed correctly. A few simple practices can make a big difference:
- Use suitable driver speed: Use moderate speed so the point can pierce and the threads can form without overheating or stripping.
- Control torque: Set the clutch on your driver so bugle heads seat properly in drywall without breaking the paper, and Tek screws do not over tighten and strip the stud.
- Hold the screw square to the stud: Misalignment can cause wobble, elongated holes, and reduced holding strength.
- Check stud gauge: Heavier gauge metal may require Tek screws instead of sharp point drywall screws for reliable penetration.
Other Hardware Used With Metal Studs
Metal stud framing often relies on more than just drywall and Tek screws. Depending on the project, you may also need:
- anchors to secure track or headers to concrete or masonry.
- bolts and nuts where adjustability or higher loads are required.
- washers to spread load at slotted holes or connection plates.
Standardizing these components along with your chosen screws for metal studs can simplify ordering and keep your crews working with familiar hardware across multiple jobs.
Get Help Selecting The Best Screws For Your Metal Stud Project
Springs Fastener stocks thousands of options across deck and drywall screws, self drilling Tek screws, and other industrial screws, along with matching bolts, nuts, washers, and anchors. Whether you are framing a new interior layout or standardizing your hardware list, we can help you choose the best screws for metal studs in your specific application.
If you need a particular size, head style, finish, or material that you do not see listed online, use our Request for Quote form and our team will help you source the right fastener. For application support or to talk through your metal stud framing requirements, reach out through our Contact Us form and we will be glad to assist.