I am framing metal stud walls to hang drywall in my basement.
When using self-tapping sheet metal screws to secure the metal studs to the top and bottom stud tracks, it seems like the screws often try to veer off-center when I am getting them started.
- Connecting the plate to the stud on the side that faces the interior of the room are straightforward since I have no obstructions and can keep the screw at a 90 degree angle as I drill through the stud track into the stud.
- However, to connect the stud to the plate on the side facing the foundation, I have to drive the screws at a slight angle as I am driving screw from the inside of the stud out toward the foundation wall secure to the stud track and I have found I can spend as much as 5 minutes trying to get a single screw in.
Is there anything I can do to make the screws go in easier for scenario #2 above? I have tried using a hammer and center punch to create a dimple to keep the screw from moving around while I am trying to get it started. However, often there is too much flex in the metal stud to create the type of pin-point dimple that would help keep the screw on center.
Additional details:
- I am currently using a good quality battery-powered impact driver with a magnetic bit holder and a #8 phillips bit to drive in self-tapping sheet metal screws.
- The screws are #8 phillips pan-head self-tapping screws with a 1/2" screw depth.
- The bit holder is the following basic Makita magnetic bit holder for impact drivers: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Makita-Impact-GOLD-Torsion-Magnetic-Insert-Bit-Holder-B-35106/203696938
Best Answer
You're using the wrong type of screws.
It should be a #7 Pan-Head
And Not the self tapping. The self tapping is good for thicker metal studs but the the sharp tip works best for those angle shots you're having trouble with.
Use #8 self tapping for the tougher thicker steel studs
