Coarse or fine thread drywall screws?

Coarse thread for wood framing. Fine thread for steel studs. Using the wrong type results in poor holding power.

How many screws per sheet?

A 4x8 sheet on 16-inch centers uses about 32 screws on walls, 40 on ceilings (12-inch spacing).

What if a screw pops through the paper?

Drive another screw 1-2 inches away and remove the damaged one. A broken paper face has zero holding power.

Coarse Thread Drywall ScrewsGenerating image…

Drywall & Plaster

Fasteners

$8-$25 per box of 1000

Coarse Thread Drywall Screws: Fastening to Wood Framing (2026)

Prepared by Lumberama's Building Materials Team

|Last updated May 15, 2026|Sources & methodology

Coarse thread drywall screws are designed specifically for fastening gypsum board to wood framing. Their bugle head sits flush without tearing the paper face, and the coarse thread grips wood strongly. They are the standard fastener for residential drywall installation over wood studs and joists.

Key Features

Coarse thread for wood framing; Bugle head for flush seating; Phosphate-coated for corrosion resistance; #6 standard gauge; Sharp point for easy starting

Specifications

Sizes: 1-1/4 in for 1/2 in drywall on wood

1-5/8 in for 5/8 in drywall. Gauge: #6. Thread: coarse. Head: bugle. Coating: black phosphate. Boxes: 1 lb (~200 screws) to 25 lb boxes.

Applications

Drywall to wood studs; Drywall to wood ceiling joists; Single and double-layer installations; Residential construction; Remodeling and repairs

Installation Overview

Drive screws with a drywall screw gun set to proper depth. The head should dimple the paper surface slightly without breaking through. Space screws 12 inches on ceilings and 16 inches on walls along each framing member. Keep screws 3/8 inch from edges.

Pros & Cons

Pros

✓ Designed specifically for drywall; Bugle head does not tear paper; Strong grip in wood; Affordable; Easy to drive with screw gun

Cons

✗ Can pop if framing shrinks; Must set to proper depth; Phosphate coating can stain compound if too shallow; Not for metal framing; Can split thin wood

Top Brands

Grip-Rite

Hillman

Grabber

Pro Twist

Code Requirements

Fastener spacing per IRC R702.3.5: 12 in on ceilings, 16 in on walls for single-layer. Minimum penetration 5/8 in into framing. Coarse thread for wood; fine thread for steel framing.

Buying Tips

Buy a drywall screw gun with adjustable depth setting for consistent results. Use 1-1/4 inch for 1/2-inch drywall and 1-5/8 inch for 5/8-inch or double-layer. A magnetic tip holder is essential.