By Barry Stone
Dear Barry,
In your recent "Squeaky Floors" article, why do you recommend substandard "drywall screws," rather than wood screws, to secure loose floor boards? Drywall screws have weaker heads and incorrect threading ratio for wood applications! -- Lloyd
Dear Lloyd,
The reason for recommending drywall screws for quieting squeaky floors is that they are much easier to use than wood screws. I agree that wood screws have a stronger shank at the base of the head. But for this application, the strength differential and thread ratios are not significant issues. Securing a loose floor board is not a structural repair. The degree of stress being applied to the screws for this kind of upgrade is negligible. If we were discussing the attachment of a support ledger or shear bracing, the choice of screws could be consequential. In this case, the likelihood of adverse effects is practically nonexistent.
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