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Quick Answer
It is possible to screw directly into metal studs, but it requires using the proper type of screw. Self-tapping screws specifically designed for metal are needed, as regular wood screws will not bite into the metal properly. Pre-drilling pilot holes can also help secure screws more firmly into metal studs. With the right screws and techniques, many items can be mounted securely on metal stud walls.
Can You Screw into Metal Studs?
Yes, you can screw directly into metal studs, though doing so requires using screws that are specifically made for use with metal. Regular wood screws with a pointed tip are not suitable for directly securing into metal studs.
When driving screws into metal studs, you need to use self-tapping metal screws. Self-tapping screws, as the name implies, are able to tap and cut their own thread path into the metal as they are driven in. This allows the screws to grip firmly into the metal rather than spinning freely without gaining purchase.
Using the proper screws, you can attach a variety of materials directly into metal studs. Some common items installed directly onto metal studs include:
- Shelving
- Cabinets
- Television mounts
- Wall brackets
- Commercial signage
Really any object that would traditionally be mounted on a wood stud wall can be installed onto metal studs with metal-appropriate fasteners. The key is using screws specifically designed for metal rather than standard wood screws.
Challenges of Screwing into Metal Studs
While using the right screws allows you to secure objects directly to metal stud walls, there are some challenges to keep in mind:
- Metal is harder than wood, so driving screws into metal studs requires an increased amount of force.
- It can be difficult to locate the metal studs precisely behind the wall covering.
- Metal does not grip screws as well as wood, so heavier objects may require additional fasteners.
- If not pre-drilled, the screws are more likely to wander when driving them in, reducing holding strength.
The hardness of the metal means you need to be prepared to bear down when driving the screws in. Do not expect them to penetrate the metal as easily as they would a wooden stud. It is also important to locate the exact center of the metal stud, otherwise the screws are prone to veering off-center as they are screwed in.
For heavy objects, using just one or two screws into a metal stud may not offer sufficient support. The metal does not have as much “grab” as wood, so several fasteners may be needed for stability. Pre-drilling appropriately sized pilot holes can allow the screws to penetrate the stud more precisely without wandering.
Choosing the Proper Screws
To successfully secure objects directly onto metal studs, you need screws designated for use with metal. Do not attempt to use standard wood screws, as they lack the design elements needed to drill into metal effectively.
There are a few types of screws well-suited for metal stud use:
- Self-tapping metal screws – As mentioned previously, these have cutting threads that carve their own path into the metal. They come in various head styles and lengths.
- Self-drilling metal screws – Similar to self-tapping screws but with a drill-shaped tip to bore into the metal before the threads tap in.
- Sheet metal screws – Designed for fastening metal components together. The threads extend nearly to the head for gripping metal at various depths.
Make sure any screws you use are intended specifically for metal applications. The packaging should clearly indicate if they are approved for use with metal studs, sheet metal, and other thin gauge metals. Pay attention to the head style, thread design, drill tip, and other specs optimized for perforating metal material.
For most residential applications, #8 or #10 size screws in the 1” to 2” length range are sufficient. Make sure to account for the thickness of the wall covering to determine how long your fasteners should be. Screws should fully penetrate the metal stud by at least 3/4″ for optimal holding strength.
Pre-Drilling Metal Studs
While self-tapping screws are designed to drill their own starting hole, pre-drilling pilot holes in the metal studs can be beneficial for a few reasons:
- Guides the screws precisely into the center of the stud
- Allows for easier driving into the hard metal
- Prevents screws from wandering and drilling off-center
- Increases the holding strength in the metal
The goal of pre-drilling is to create a pilot hole that guides the screws neatly into the stud without letting them meander. This helps align the screws properly and gets them started driving straight into the metal.
Use a drill bit slightly narrower than the screw shank. A 5/64” drill bit is ideal for most #8 or #10 self-tapping metal screws. Take care not to make the pilot holes overly large, as this can reduce the holding strength provided by the screws’ threads.
Drill your pilot holes perpendicular to the metal stud face, taking care to avoid angling the drill off to one side. Apply firm pressure when drilling to avoid the bit skipping across the metal’s hard surface. Properly pre-drilled holes will allow your screws to sink neatly into the studs without wavering from side to side.
Driving Screws into Metal Studs
With the right screws and optional pre-drilled holes, you can drive screws directly into metal studs using these techniques:
- Use an electric drill/driver on a low speed setting for increased driving torque.
- Apply steady pressure on the screw as you drill slowly into the metal.
- Keep the drill bit perpendicular to the wall surface as you drill in.
- Use a bit extender if your drill does not allow you to get close enough to the wall.
- Take care not to overdrive screws deeper than necessary.
Since metal is harder than wood, take care not to strip the screw heads or spin them freely against the metal. Use a corded or cordless drill/driver with ample torque rather than a standard manual screwdriver. The electric drill will provide sufficient power to bore the screws into the metal without stripping them out.
Set the clutch on your drill to the appropriate setting for self-tapping metal screws, normally around 8 to 20 for most products. Take your time applying steady pressure, allowing the screw to cut into the metal gradually without jamming.
Keep your drill angled straight into the stud to prevent veering or cross-threading. A bit extender can help if your drill is not compact enough to fit flush to the wall in tight areas. Avoid driving screws beyond the necessary depth, as this risks compromising the metal stud strength or popping through the other side.
Tips for Fastening Securely into Metal Studs
Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind for fastening securely into metal studs:
- Use self-tapping metal screws rated for steel stud use. Do not attempt standard wood screws.
- Pre-drill pilot holes when possible to guide screws neatly into the stud centers.
- Ensure screws penetrate the stud by at least 3/4” for optimal strength.
- For heavy objects, fasten into multiple studs instead of just one.
- Drive screws in slowly and carefully using an electric drill/driver on low speed.
- Avoid over-tightening screws, as this can damage the metal studs.
- Consider metal stud wall anchors for attaching between studs or into concrete/brick.
Proper preparation is key to achieving a strong, safe connection into the metal framing members. Take care not to rely solely on screws for overhead loads or heavy items. Consider additional brackets or toggle bolts into the wall cavity for greater support if needed. But with the right approach, self-tapping metal screws can create very solid connections.
Conclusion
Metal studs present a viable option for directly fastening objects, though special considerations are required compared to working with wood framing. By using self-tapping metal screws rather than ordinary wood screws, pre-drilling starter holes, and driving them carefully into the studs, a wide range of items can be mounted securely on metal stud walls. Taking the proper precautions allows you to tap directly into the inherent strength of metal studs.
| Pros | Potential Cons |
|---|---|
| Can directly fasten objects like shelves or TV mounts into the studs | Requires specialized self-tapping metal screws |
| Provides very solid connection when done properly | More difficult than driving into wood studs |
| Pre-drilling allows screws to be precisely positioned | Heavy objects may require multiple screws |
| Ideal for attaching items directly into the wall framing | Drywall must be repaired carefully after screws |