Best drywall screw

[JonasHolm]

Hi!

I'm about to start screwing a whole lot of gypsum and I'm wondering if any of you on the forum have any experiences with different screw brands to share.

Which brand (Essve, Grabber, etc.) is the best (most consistent quality), or does it not matter?

I can't use collated screws, as I don't have and am not interested in buying a driver for that, so it's not an option.

/Jonas

 

[jon_h]

I don’t like Grabbers screws that require a PH2 reduced bit. I think they have a tendency to slip in the groove if you don’t hold the screwdriver perfectly straight. I prefer, for example, Essve's screws in that case.

Uneven quality is not something I believe is a problem with drywall screws at all.

 

[JonasHolm]

Then I'll check out Essve. I'll have to go down to Beijer and take a look...

I don't know who else sells Essve besides Fredells.

/Jonas

 

[zankan]

Hilti sells cannon screws for plasterboard....Personally, I think Grabber fits like a charm....

It's rarely the screw that's the problem... More often it's a worn-out bit and a poor machine operator....

 

[andersmc]

As long as you're screwing into wood, there's not much of a difference which screw you use. What I don't like is that all drywall screws have Ph2 slots. In my opinion, it's the worst cross-slot. I've been looking for drywall screws with Torx heads, but haven't managed to find them. I know they exist because I have seen them installed. But with metal stud, I have had a surprising experience.

 

[andersmc]

I was going to screw metal studs and had bought real pro screws: the brand Kartro is considered top-notch, right? Bought at a professional store as well. Belted screws and a jar of loose screws just in case. I'm using the screw gun, but it's not working at all! The screw doesn't bite, the stud bends, and the screw slips and tears the drywall. Away with the screw gun and bring out the regular screwdriver. Another attempt with Kartro's loose screws, with exactly the same result. The only thing that worked was to PRE-DRILL for the drywall screw. Talk about frustrating.
Finally, I ran out of Kartro screws, but I still needed some more. Now the professional store was closed, but Byggmax has more generous opening hours, so I got a jar of Byggmax budget screws. Full of dismay, I tried a Byggmax screw in the metal stud, and IT CUT THROUGH LIKE BUTTER! The screws went in so easily, no pre-drilling, no problems. Tjoff, tjoff, tjoff, and it was done.
The interesting thing is that it's the second time I've had a similar experience. But that will have to be another thread.

 

[jon_h]

It's rarely the screw that's the problem... Often a bad bit and a poor machine operator....

I used Essves bits for the Grabber screw. And it's not a difficult machine to operate, I think I can handle a screwdriver.

 

[H_L]

I have used what has been available at the moment and haven't noticed any major difference between, for example, Grabber and drywall screws from Byggmax. The last rooms I installed drywall in, I used Byggmax screws and had no problems with them.

 

[zankan]

As long as you're screwing into wood, there's not much difference in which screw you use. What I don't like is that all drywall screws have Ph2 slots. In my opinion, it's the worst cross slot. I've searched for drywall screws with Torx heads, but haven't been able to find them. I know they exist because I've seen them installed. But with metal studs, I've had a surprising experience.

Torx bits make the assembly longer in terms of momentum than ph2 bits... However, I haven't seen any drywall screws with Torx. And I would be surprised if the guys would want it if I bought such... We do glue the drywall though as it's significantly easier on the body... And I dare say it goes faster.

 

[JonasHolm]

Went by Fredells today...

Left 255 svenska pesetas poorer and with a bucket of 2000 Essve drywall screws richer.

Nice with a 20% discount for being a member of Villaägarna.

/Jonas

 

[ByggPutte]

Not the black oily screw? Sometimes I get it at work, can't remember the brand. But after a round in the tool belt, the cross is filled with drywall dust.

Best regards, Putte

 

[JonasHolm]

The black one is for steel rule, I think.

I bought the shiny one which is for plaster against wood.

/Jonas

 

[Styx]

I certainly wouldn't want torx for the drywall screw... It's frustrating to have to fit bits into the slots, and I find it hard to believe that feeding torx would go as fast as feeding PH2.

I agree that it matters less which brand of screw you choose - BUT - for heaven's sake, make sure you get a proper bit. It should be turned down so it doesn't slip and the screw comes loose easily without the bit getting stuck..!

 

[Sandberg]

I wouldn't want Torx for drywall screws... It's hopeless to have to fit the bits into the slots; I find it hard to believe it would be as fast to feed Torx as it is to feed PH2.

I agree that it matters less which brand of screw you choose - BUT - for God's sake make sure you get a proper bit. It should be machined down so it doesn't slip and so the screw releases easily without the bit getting stuck..!!

What is a good bit then?

I am a complete novice as a builder, but I put up some drywall today with regular screws and PH2. I didn't manage to screw in many before the bit was worn down and just slipped. It might not just be the bit that's at fault but also a poor machine operator rolleyes as someone said, but what bit should I use if I don't want to wear them out right away??? Are there good/bad brands?

 

[ByggPutte]

Good bits are half the job.
Personally, I prefer this model.
Phillips #2 narrow at the top left in the link.
http://www.grabber.se/websites/grabberse/filbank/Bits_051006.pdf
It's from grabber's page.
I think hilti has a similar one.
They usually come with some of grabber's screw packages.
I also buy them separately at flinks.

Best regards, Putte