9 Best Drywall Screws in 2024: Reviews & Top Picks
- Greg Iacono
- Last updated:
Picking the best drywall screw can often be frustrating and confusing. Many people, even contractors, believe that all drywall screws are the same because they are such a basic building tool. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. There are many types, brands, and sizes of drywall screws, and they are made from various materials.
Choosing the correct drywall screw for your drywall project is essential for superior results. To help you, below, we have compiled a list of the nine best drywall screws this year. If you have a drywall job and want excellent results, read on to discover our picks for the best drywall screws to help you accomplish your goal!
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024
Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
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Best Overall
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Rustark 390-Pcs #7 Coarse Thread Drywall Screw with Phillips Drive |
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CHECK PRICE | |
Best Value
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The Hillman Group 47663 TRV195850 Coarse Thread Drywall Screw |
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CHECK PRICE | |
Premium Choice
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Prime-Line MPSC7841-100 Drywall Screws |
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CHECK PRICE | |
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Rustark 390-Pcs #7 Coarse Thread Drywall Screw |
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CHECK PRICE | |
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Qualihome #6 FINE Thread Drywall Screws |
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CHECK PRICE |
9 Best Drywall Screws
1. Rustark 390-Pcs #7 Coarse Thread Drywall Screw with Phillips Drive Black Oxide Finish – Best Overall
Metal: | Carbon steel |
Piece Count: | 390 |
Driver: | Phillips |
Thread: | Coarse |
Coating: | Black oxide |
Rustark is one of the better-known names in drywall screws, and this is one of their best products. It’s an assortment of different-sized drywall screws that will be useful for several projects, including drywall, but also for attaching other materials to drywall like plastic. They have a black oxide finish for corrosion resistance, come in a convenient carry case, and use a Phillips drive system. They’re also made of carbon steel for the ultimate in durability. The carbon steel helps prevent head stripping when working fast, even with denser wooden studs. From all the reviews, these are the best overall drywall screws available.
- Made of carbon steel for durability.
- Black oxide coating for corrosion resistance.
- Various sizes
- Carrying case included
- Not a great choice if you only need one size
- Only 50 standard 1-¼ inch screws (the most popular for drywall).
2. The Hillman Group 47663 TRV195850 Coarse Thread Drywall Screw – Best Value
Metal: | Alloy steel |
Piece Count: | 221 #6 1-⅝ inch screws |
Driver: | Phillips |
Thread: | Coarse |
Coating: | Black phosphate |
Our best drywall screws for the money are from the Hillman Group and are made for indoor drywall installation. They also work well with hard and soft wood and are excellent for securing cabinets to drywall. The coarse, black phosphate-coated threads on the drywall screws make them rust resistant, and they’re made from alloy steel for excellent strength and durability. They also have a fine tip for easier driving and a bugle head for a better finish.
- Excellent value for the money
- Alloy steel for strength
- Fine tips make driving easier
- Bugle head for a better finish
- Can have small, painful burrs
3. Prime-Line MPSC7841-100 Drywall Screws – Premium Choice
Metal: | Alloy steel |
Piece Count: | 100 |
Driver: | Phillips |
Thread: | Coarse |
Coating: | Black phosphate |
Why are these Prime-Line screws our premium choice for drywall screws? Simple. They’re a perfect size, 1-¼ inch, made from hardened steel for durability, and come with a coarse thread for easy driving. Their phosphate coating makes them highly rust resistant, and their thread goes all the way to the head for superior fastening of drywall to stud.
Also, they come in boxes of 100, which, while not enough for a big job, is perfect for smaller drywall projects and repairs. These drywall screws also have stellar reviews online and are ideal for everyday drywall projects with wooden studs.
- Perfect length for traditional drywall
- Alloy steel for high durability and strength
- Come in smaller packages for small projects
- Phosphate coated for rust-resistance
- A small package means you need more for large projects.
4. Rustark 390-Pcs #7 Coarse Thread Drywall Screw
Metal: | Carbon steel |
Piece Count: | 390 |
Driver: | Phillips |
Thread: | Coarse |
Coating: | Black oxide |
From Rustark come these high-quality drywall screws made from super-tough carbon steel with an even tougher black oxide coating. That makes them anti-corrosion, incredibly strong, and the screw head very difficult to strip. They come in a package of eight sizes of drywall screws for a variety of projects, both DIY and professional (but mostly DIY).
The black oxide coating makes the drywall screws one of the best for working with waterproof drywall and makes them easier to drive. One drawback is that if you need only one size, you might not have enough in one package. However, the included plastic carry box is very convenient when traveling between jobs or storing them at home.
- Carbon steel for superior durability
- Black oxide coated for superior corrosion resistance
- Variety of sizes in one package
- Affordable price
- Heads won’t strip
- A variety pack means fewer of the same-size screws
5. Qualihome #6 FINE Thread Drywall Screws
Metal: | Alloy steel |
Piece Count: | 210 |
Driver: | Phillips |
Thread: | Fine |
Coating: | Phosphate |
When you’ve got a drywall project that includes aluminum or light-gauge steel studs, these drywall screws from Qualihome are an excellent choice. First, they have a sharp point to make initial piercing easy and fast. Their fine thread gives superior hold, and you can use them with various materials, including wallboard and wood.
The bugle head on these Qualihome drywall screws ensures easy countersinking and a superior finish. They come in packs of 210, which is sufficient for smaller jobs but might require extra packages for larger jobs.
- Fine thread for attaching drywall to aluminum or steel studs
- Alloy steel for durability
- Come in 1-pound packages of 210
- Bugle head means excellent countersinking
- Fine point for easy starting and driving
- Not suitable for drywall on wooden studs
- Fine thread means longer drive time
6. Rustark 280-Pcs Phillips Bugle Head Coarse Thread Drywall Screw
Metal: | Carbon steel |
Piece Count: | 280 |
Driver: | Phillips |
Thread: | Fine |
Coating: | Zinc |
This collection of several differently sized drywall screws is best for the DIY expert with small home projects to accomplish. This choice from Rustark is one of the best because they’re zinc-plated carbon steel for superior durability and corrosion resistance. The zinc coating is superior to phosphate because it improves corrosion resistance.
These drywall screws also have a sharp point that makes initial setting and driving easier and faster. Their fine thread makes them best for fastening drywall to aluminum or steel studs. However, it also makes them a good choice for fastening other materials, including wood and plastic.
- Zinc coated for extra corrosion resistance
- Fine thread for various projects
- Convenient carrying case included
- Various sizes for different projects
- A variety pack means fewer of the same-size screws
- Fine thread means longer drive time
7. GVAKMM 400-Pcs #7 Drywall Screw
Metal: | Alloy steel |
Piece Count: | 400 |
Driver: | Phillips |
Thread: | Coarse |
Coating: | Black oxide |
When you need several sizes of drywall screws for home projects, this set from GVAKMM is a good choice. It comes with nine sizes of drywall screws from ⅝ inch to 3 inches in length, with enough for various small DIY drywall jobs.
The carrying case makes them easy to transport, and the bugle head gives them a durable finish. They also have sharp points and coarse threads for easy insertion and fast driving to reduce project time. Carbon steel makes them durable, while the black oxide coating significantly improves corrosion and rust resistance.
- A variety pack for different DIY drywall projects
- 400-count means you get plenty of drywall screws
- Bugle head for a better finish
- Self-tapping
- The fine thread means a longer drive time
- Not enough of one size for larger jobs
8. Velocity Drywall Screws and Drive Bit Pack
Metal: | Alloy steel |
Piece Count: | 150 |
Driver: | Phillips |
Thread: | Coarse |
Coating: | Black phosphate |
Velocity is one of the leaders in drywall screws, and these screws explain why. Made from alloy steel for extra durability, their “tight technology” gives the screws extra sticking power on the head of your drill to make insertion and driving a breeze.
Their bugle head design also helps reduce your workload and project time significantly. These Velocity drywall screws are black phosphate coated for improved rust resistance and have a sharp point to make insertion faster and more stable. Plus, this package has an included drive bit that fits the screw heads perfectly.
- Superior durability
- Bugle head, sharp point make driving easier
- Pozidriv system cuts down project time
- Affordable price
- A small package means you’ll need several for larger projects
9. WELLOCKS Drywall Screws
Metal: | Carbon steel |
Piece Count: | 230 |
Driver: | Phillips |
Thread: | Coarse |
Coating: | Black oxide |
The last choice of our 9 best drywall screws this year are from Wellocks and use carbon steel for extra durability. One noticeable difference between these drywall screws and the rest on our list today is that the zinc coating is Cr3 white zinc, which is harmless to the environment. They have a sharp point and coarse thread for faster insertion and driving, reducing project time considerably. Plus, the included plastic carrying case makes them easier to keep on hand during a job and easier to store afterward.
- Cr3 white zinc is better for the environment
- Carbon steel for durability
- Several sizes for various DIY projects
- Several sizes are included, so fewer of each size.
- Not enough of one size for larger jobs
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Drywall Screws
As we’ve seen, there are quite a few differences between drywall screws, including the metal they’re made from, thrift tips, threads, lengths, and more. Below we’ll take a closer look at the difference and what they mean for your next drywall project.
Drywall Screw Threads: Coarse or Fine?
One of the primary differences between drywall screws is whether they have coarse or fine threads. The question is, what’s the reason for the difference?
Coarse Threads (W-type)
Most drywall projects will need coarse threaded drywall screws as the drywall is being attached to wooden studs. The coarse thread serves the purpose of grabbing the wood tightly and pulling the drywall tight to the stud.
Coarse threads also make driving the screw into the drywall and studs easier and faster, helping you get the job done faster. One drawback of coarse threads, however, is they often have small, metal burrs that can prick your fingers and get stuck under the skin if you’re not careful. Light working gloves are recommended when using coarse-threaded drywall screws to prevent minor injuries.
Fine Threads (S-type)
For projects where you’re attaching drywall to metal (aluminum) studs, fine threaded drywall screws are best. With their finer thread, they won’t tear up the aluminum, preventing the screw from grabbing properly. Also, drywall screws with fine threads are known as “self-threading,” meaning they will create their own thread path on entry and set better than coarse drywall screws.
Which Size Drywall Screws Are Best for Normal Drywall?
Most drywall is manufactured to be ½ inch thick unless made for a special purpose. For ½-inch drywall, a coarse-thread 1 ¼-inch drywall screw is best. A shorter length will make it easier and faster to drive the drywall screws, but the screw’s grip strength will suffer. A longer-length drywall screw might give a better grip but is more time-consuming and difficult to sink.
How Many Drywall Screws Are in a Pound?
Most drywall projects require a few hundred screws, at least, if not a few thousand. That means buying them in bulk, but estimating how many screws are in a bulk purchase of drywall screws can be difficult. To help, here is the estimated number of drywall screws per pound based of three popular sizes. (Note; All three are coarse thread drywall screws.)
- 1-¼ inch drywall screws. 1 pound = approximately 240 screws. (This is the most popular size.)
- 1-⅝ inch drywall screws. 1 pound = approximately 200 screws.
- 2-½ inch drywall screws. 1 pound = approximately 90 screws
Which Drywall Screw Coating Is Best?
Most drywall screws come with one of two types of coating. The first, found on black drywall screws, is phosphate, which helps prevent the screw from rusting. The other type of coating is vinyl, which helps prevent corrosion and has the added benefit of making it easier to drive the screw. The vinyl coating makes them slick, so they slide in easier. Occasionally you will also fine drywall screws with zinc oxide coating, which is slightly superior but also more costly.
Are Sharp Point Drywall Screws Advantageous?
All drywall screws have a pointy end that you insert into the drywall before driving. Some drywall screws, however, come with an even sharper point that allows you to insert them faster because they stick into the drywall further on the initial insertion. In other words, sharp-pointed drywall screws reduce your project time.
What is a Bugle Head?
You might have noticed we mentioned that some drywall screws on today’s list have a “bugle head.” This head is specialized and has a smoother transition from the shank of the drywall screw to the head of the screw. The benefit is that drywall material won’t get caught in the screw, which leads to a smoother finish. However, since most drywall screws are counter-sunk, a bugle head isn’t necessary for most traditional drywall projects. It’s better for projects where the head of the screw will remain uncovered.
Single Screw Size or Assortment of Sizes?
One last question many people have when buying drywall screws is whether to buy a single size of screw or a package that contains an assortment of them. The answer is that a single type and size is best if you have a single drywall project. An assortment package is probably best if you plan to have several home DIY projects and will need various sizes. The biggest drawback with assortment packs is that you will inevitably have some of one size you won’t ever need.
Conclusion
As we’ve seen today, there are a wide variety of drywall screws on the market, although most are quite similar. Yes, the length, metal, thread, and coating can be different, but, at the end of the day, they all do the same job: attaching drywall to studs. From our reviews, the Rustark 390-piece drywall screw set was the best overall, with a fine tip and durable black oxide coating. Horizontal indentations and a fine tip made the Hillman Group’s 47663 TRV195850 coarse thread drywall screws our best value. Lastly, our premium choice today was the Prime-line MPSC7841-100 Drywall Screws for their durability and easy-start, sharp points.
Coarse threads are better for drywall on wooden studs, while fine threads are better for drywall on metal studs. A vinyl coating is helpful but more expensive, and hardened steel is the best choice for durability. We hope today’s information has been valuable and given you the information you need to make an educated choice when shopping.
Featured Image Credit: hodihu, Pixabay
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