Drywall, wood or self-drilling screws: matching the screw to what you’re fastening
Short answer: board to steel stud → fine-thread bugle-head drywall screw. Wood to wood → flat-head wood screw. Sheet steel to steel framing → self-drilling hex washer head, with the drill-point number matched to the steel thickness.
| Fastening | Look at | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Drywall to steel studs | Drywall screws, fine thread, bugle head, sharp "S" point | Length through the board plus engagement in the stud |
| Wood to wood | Flat-head wood screws, square recess | Gauge (#6, #8) and length |
| Sheet steel to steel | Self-drilling screws, hex washer head | Drill point No.2 / No.3 / No.5 — higher numbers drill thicker steel; check the manufacturer chart |
Not sure about the steel thickness or a specified fastener? Put the spec in your quote notes — your branch will match it.
Questions
What does the drill point number mean on a self-drilling screw?
It indicates the drill tip size, which sets the range of steel thickness the screw can drill. Match it to the steel using the manufacturer chart.