Hanging new drywall - nails vs. screws
#1
01-26-13, 01:16 PM
Hanging new drywall - nails vs. screws
In a new construction, if you were to hang 5/8" drywall what would you choose? Nails or screws to hang the drywall?
#2
01-26-13, 01:46 PM
Group Moderator
Most crews will bang a few nails in each sheet to hold it, then have someone come behind and screw the rest of the sheet off. Screws make smaller "dents" in the drywall to fill, compared to a drywall hammer and nails.
#5
01-26-13, 03:27 PM
If you set some screws in the perimeter of the sheet of drywall before you hang it - you can then take a few swipes with a hammer to hold the board in place giving your arm and shoulder a break 
#7
01-26-13, 03:49 PM
Super Moderator
If you set some screws in the perimeter of the sheet of drywall before you hang it - you can then take a few swipes with a hammer to hold the board in place giving your arm and shoulder a break
#9
01-26-13, 03:53 PM
Group Moderator
My grandpa drives screws with a hammer. (at least he used to) I've seen it with my own eyes! LOL
#11
01-26-13, 04:02 PM
Super Moderator
Well...thats clearer...I did know about the couple of nails thing. Wheew...thought I might not know something....lol.
#12
01-26-13, 05:12 PM
When driving the field screws, I have my guys pre snap lines across them so they don't miss so much. Me, on the other hand, I have a pretty good "triangulation" sight. I can hit them almost every time if I have something else to triangulate off of, like a wall. My daughter the optometrist says some people can do it with ease, others miss by a mile.
She also says I'm too old with both rotator cuffs gone, and I shouldn't be lifting and screwing sheetrock in. She's right, of course.
She also says I'm too old with both rotator cuffs gone, and I shouldn't be lifting and screwing sheetrock in. She's right, of course.
#14
01-29-13, 07:57 PM
Group Moderator
like i said, a hammer leaves a big dent. more to fill and sand.
If you think nails are faster you haven't seen an experienced guy with a drywall screw gun before. Timewise, its probably the same, if not faster.
If you think nails are faster you haven't seen an experienced guy with a drywall screw gun before. Timewise, its probably the same, if not faster.
#15
01-29-13, 08:39 PM
Why not use nails everywhere instead of screws? It would save a lot of time.
#16
01-30-13, 04:17 AM
IMO the holding power is the best argument for using screws! I've never really noticed much difference between filling screw holes versus nails and the indentation from the hammer - a knife full of mud is a knife full of mud...... and I always try to apply the mud neat enough to minimize sanding
#17
01-30-13, 05:21 AM
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Very important point about not overshooting your screws and tearing the paper. I've noticed this alot in newer construction. Guys are getting paid by the square foot, and trying to get as much board up as quickly as possible and blowing the screws out everywhere. The mud will eventually pop off.
One company around here will return to fix this under warranty for one year. A guy comes in, remuds the hole, sands, primes, touch up paint, leaves. Mud repops, again, after a year. Customer calls company back; it's out of warranty.
When you are fixing this, you have to drive a new screw properly or you're just wasting time and materials.
One company around here will return to fix this under warranty for one year. A guy comes in, remuds the hole, sands, primes, touch up paint, leaves. Mud repops, again, after a year. Customer calls company back; it's out of warranty.
When you are fixing this, you have to drive a new screw properly or you're just wasting time and materials.
