For almost any home DIY venture, screws are a major component. However, as you’ll soon discover, having the right type of screw is a must. Whether securing wood, timber or metal, there’s a kind specifically designed for the job. Plasterboard is no exception.

With screws, the key thing to remember is that it has to work with the material. So, it makes sense that work with plasterboard requires plasterboard screws. Plasterboard is a softer material, and thus requires a fixing that forms a secure hold without causing damage to the surrounding area. 

Once you’ve narrowed down the type that you need, you can start looking at the variations within each category, like sizes and threads. From plasterboard picture screws to small plasterboard screws, here’s how to select the best ones for your particular task.

What is Plasterboard?

Plasterboard, also known as drywall, gyprock or gypsum board is a popular material used in building and construction work. Gypsum, a sulphate material, is met with sheets of plaster and compressed into a board or panel. 

Applied for internal use on walls and ceilings, it is a far more convenient and efficient indoor solution compared with plaster. Plasterboard reached the market in Australia in the late 1940s and soon became the wall material of choice for residential homes.

Now, can you screw straight into plasterboard? This is where specialised screws come in.

What are Plasterboard Screws?

As drywall is softer than other building materials like metal and wood, it has to be treated with greater care, particularly when adding fixings. Any nail or screw just won’t do, you need plasterboard nails or screws for any general fixing.

Plasterboard screws, drywall screws or gyprock screws are generally the same product with different names. They are constructed differently to other ordinary screws. Firstly, they have a deeper thread, which means they are able to provide a better grip with long-lasting results.

The screws penetrate the plasterboard and into wood or metal wall studs, securing the drywall sheets to walls or ceilings.

Choosing Plasterboard and Drywall Screws

It’s important to choose the best plasterboard screws for your task to guarantee a good outcome.To select the right screws in the DIY store or online, you should first assess what it is you’re wanting to do. 

To get the benefits, look at the stock in terms of weight. How heavy the item is that you want to hang up will determine the type that you need. Another point to consider is what you’re attaching the sheets to. Is it timber? Is it metal? 

There are a lot of variations. To give you an idea, here are some common types of plasterboard screws.

Bugle Head Screws

Bugle head screws are one particular type of self-drilling screw targeted to fixing softer surfaces. This makes them a good choice for drywall projects. Key features include a countersunk head, a flat top and a needle point tip. The sharp tip penetrates with ease through the sheets and the flat top sits flat, resulting in a smooth finish.

Plasterboard Toggle Screws

Plasterboard toggle screws or spring toggles are used for fastening objects to plasterboard or other hollow walls. They have a distinctive look, with two wing-like shapes attached. The wings are spring-loaded, and spring open on the inner side of the wall. This secures it firmly in place, distributing the overall weight.

Self-drilling Plasterboard Screws

A self-drilling screws is a neccesary choice when attaching the plasterboard to a metal stud, as there is no need to create a pre-drilled hole before use. If you’re wondering how to use self drilling plasterboard screws, it’s rather simple. You don’t need a drill, just pierce the wall with the screw tip, and twist until flush with the wall.

This type is easy to install, and the special threading is there to provide a tight grip to drywall.

Self-drilling plasterboard screws for metal studs are usually available in zinc or galvanised options.

Collated Drywall Screws

Collated drywall screws are designed to be used in automatic feeding screw guns, like the plasterboard screw gun makita. Depending on the type of gun you have, you’ll need to select the right type of collated screws to match.

Plasterboard Wall Plugs

Another component you can buy in the hardware store is wall plugs. Plasterboard wall plugs or screw plugs are ideal for hollow walls. The plug screws into the plasterboard and sits flush.  You then screw a standard screw into this.

Why is the Right Screw Important?

Any project that relies on screws to secure one item to another needs the right type of screw. The action of fixing something to remain stable requires tools to enable it to do so.

The main points to consider are the location, for instance, plasterboard screws for ceilings of walls, the surface material, and the weight of the attachment. 

You don’t want to pay for the wrong tools. An incorrect screw will not fasten securely, and eventually work its way loose. This can leave marks and holes in the wall or ceiling, damage home accessories and more frighteningly, cause accidents when objects fall to the floor.

Summing Up

You’ll find a large availability of screws in hardware and DIY stores across Australia, suitable for a range of projects. There's a range of brands too. Macsim plasterboard screws are designed for trade applications so are a great screw for all uses

So, whether you’re installing plasterboard wall lining ready to decorate or simply want to add plasterboard picture screws to hang your favourite family photos, sort the best screws for the job. You’ll find the entire DIY process more enjoyable with the perfect product in hand once you’re in action. Don’t go throwing any old screws in your cart!

FAQs

Can you screw into plasterboard?

Yes, you can screw into plasterboard. However, it is important to choose the right type of screw for the job. Plasterboard or drywall screws are the best choice as they are purposefully designed for the material. Using the right screw avoids material damage, maintains fixtures and makes the whole job easier.

What happens if use the wrong screws for plasterboard?

Using the wrong screws for plasterboard could result in damage to the plasterboard. The thin material covering the panels could be broken, leaving marks and holes in your plasterboard. The wrong screws will not remain secure either, and could eventually pop out of the wall.

Are plasterboard and drywall screws the same?

Plasterboard and drywall tend to refer to the same thing, so you can therefore use plasterboard screws or drywall screws for fixing this material. Find plasterboard and drywall screws in a range of lengths, threads and qualities.