Best Drywall Screws (2026)
By The DIYPicks Team · Updated July 2026
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Drywall screws are cheap consumables, but coarse-versus-fine thread and length matter for a wall that won't pop. We cover the standard coarse-thread bugle screw for wood studs and how to size it.
4.6$255 lb box (~945 ct), #6 x 1-5/8 in
The standard, inexpensive coarse-thread bugle screw for hanging drywall on wood studs, and only for that job.
- Drywall
- Interior
- Wood studs
Pros
- Coarse thread grabs wood studs hard and pulls sheets tight without stripping
- Bugle head dimples the paper cleanly without tearing, ready for mud
- Phosphate coating helps joint compound adhere and it is cheap by the pound
Cons
- Phosphate is interior-only and will rust if used anywhere damp or outdoors
- Coarse thread is for wood studs, not metal studs (that needs the fine-thread version)
- #2 Phillips drive cams out more easily than star drive if the depth-setter slips
Still deciding? Compare them
Frequently Asked Questions
- Coarse or fine thread drywall screws?
- Use coarse-thread screws for wood studs, where the wide thread bites the wood. Use fine-thread screws for metal studs, where coarse threads would just spin and strip out the thin steel.
- What length drywall screw for 1/2-inch drywall?
- For 1/2-inch drywall on wood studs, 1-1/4 inch screws are standard; for 5/8-inch drywall use 1-5/8 inch. The screw should penetrate the stud at least 5/8 inch beyond the board.