Can You Screw into Metal Studs?

Metal studs are becoming increasingly common in both commercial and residential properties. They are often easier, lighter, and of more consistent quality than traditional timber studs, while still offering the appropriate strength for partition walls.

Whenever screwing into a stud wall, there are always questions about whether it has enough support strength to hold what’s being attached. However, with the right equipment, you shouldn’t have many problems.

Can You Screw Into Metal Studs?

It is perfectly fine to screw into a metal stud; attaching metal studs and tracks through screws is how metal wall framing systems are built, so these studs are designed to be fixed with screws. However, it’s essential to use the correct screws for the job.

If you’re constructing a metal stud wall, you’ll usually want to use self-drilling screws for framing and plasterboard. If you’re trying to attach something to an existing stud wall, you’ll probably want to drill first, then use an appropriate anchor to support your screw.

What Screws to Use When Fastening Metal Studs

When building a metal stud wall, you need to attach the studs and tracks. Often, this is done with wafer head self-drilling screws.

Self-drilling screws, as the name suggests, don’t need a hole to be drilled beforehand. They come with drill bit-shaped points that go straight into the base material. Self-drilling metal screws also come with a fine, sharp thread that cuts cleanly and quickly through the metal, creating a neat, secure hold. The wafer head ensures a flush finish.

If you’re attaching plasterboard to a metal stud wall, you’ll want fine-thread plasterboard screws. There are various lengths and styles available, including self-drilling drywall screws, to help provide a clean and secure finish.

What Screws for Hanging Onto Metal Studs?

When you’re looking to hang things on a metal stud, the main consideration is whether the stud can hold the weight. Self-drilling screws are good for attaching two materials together, but aren’t the best choice if you’re looking to support heavy weights.

If you want to hang something onto a metal stud, such as shelving or mirrors, you’ll want to use an appropriate plasterboard fixing. There are various plasterboard fixings for different purposes, some offering increased strength and some offering more versatility.

To attach a plasterboard fixing, you’ll want to locate the metal stud and drill an appropriately-sized hole for your fixing. Then, simply use the recommended screws for your product.

Tips for Screwing into Metal Studs

Screwing into a metal stud is different to screwing into wood, as the materials have distinct qualities. Here is some advice before you start:

• Drill in the centre of the stud – Metal studs are only an inch or two wide; drilling anywhere other than the centre risks the hole ripping out under pressure.
• Understand your centres – If building a metal stud wall, make sure you screw at appropriate centres to ensure a secure hold.
• Use the right bit – If drilling before screwing, make sure you use an appropriate drill bit for metal. Often, the best choice is a high-speed steel (HSS) drill bit.
• Drill slowly – Avoid using a very high RPM when drilling into metal as this can cause overheating. Generally, an RPM around 2,000 is fine.
• Read the anchor’s guidance – Your plasterboard anchors should have information about what weight they can hold in various circumstances.

It can sometimes take a bit of practice to get the hang of a self-drilling screw, so you may want to have a few trial runs if you have some spare cuts. However, once you get used to it, you shouldn’t have any problems screwing into metal studs easily and efficiently.