What screws to use to attach a metal profile to a drywall profile??

A successful project requires knowing which materials and tools to use before starting any construction or renovation work. One frequent task is joining a metal profile to a drywall profile; this requires the right screws to guarantee a strong and secure bond. Selecting the appropriate screws can have a significant impact on the longevity and aesthetics of your project.

While drywall profiles offer a lightweight, smooth surface for wall and ceiling finishing, metal profiles are frequently utilized in construction due to their strength and versatility. You will need screws that are made to go through metal without damaging other objects or jeopardizing the structural integrity of the structure in order to properly attach these materials. The structure becomes more prone to movement and eventual failure when the incorrect screws are used, resulting in weak joints.

For this use, a variety of screw types are available, each with special qualities and advantages. For example, self-drilling screws save you time and effort because they are made to cut through metal without requiring a pilot hole. These screws are available in a range of sizes and finishes so you can find the ideal solution for your particular requirements.

It’s important to know the characteristics of the screws you select. Take into account elements such as material coating, thread type, and length. These factors may have an impact on the screw’s functionality and suitability for your project. A sturdy and dependable connection between your metal and drywall profiles can be achieved by choosing the appropriate screws, which will improve the overall outcome of your building or remodeling project.

What does the term fastener mean??

A type of hardware known as fasteners holds the profiles of a plasterboard partition’s supporting frame to one another. Under the influence of all operating loads, these fasteners ensure the stability and strength of each interface node of the starting profile, as well as the static positions of racks, imposts, and opening framing elements.

Note: The type and quantity of fasteners are decided by the working design and rely on various design and technological aspects of the enclosing structure, as well as the type of partition, its filling, and the number of gypsum board sheets arranged as cladding.

For a safe and long-lasting installation, the screws used to fasten a metal profile to a drywall profile must be chosen carefully. The best screws for this job will be covered in this article, with an emphasis on those made especially for metal-to-metal connections. We’ll go over the best screw sizes, materials, and threading to help you steer clear of common pitfalls and complete your construction projects with expertise. Whether you’re an experienced builder or a do-it-yourself enthusiast, knowing these fundamentals will improve the effectiveness and dependability of your work.

Types of fastenings

Plasterboard partition profiles are available with a variety of fasteners that aid in the construction of a sturdy structure.

All fasteners and hardware are divided into multiple categories based on their technical attributes, geometric dimensions, and other specifications. The most popular methods of fastening for gypsum plasterboard partition frame profiles are described in detail below.

Blind rivets

The lower end of the traditional steel hardware is angled to allow unobstructed passage through the materials being joined. A thread cut with an angular profile and increased pitch on the product’s side surface allows hardware to be screwed into any galvanized profile without obstruction.

Blind rivets are composed of a spherical body, a leg that grips a gun with a crimping collet, and a base that is either aluminum or galvanized. When the gun fires, the ball enters the soft hollow base’s body, deforms it, and guarantees dependable fastening. Features of galvanized steel profiles: traditional self-tapping screws are commonly used for steel profiles. These screws are driven into the profile body with a screwdriver without a pre-drilled hole, and then they are tightened with a slotted or Phillips hand screwdriver.

Features for aluminum profiles: Installers frequently use rivets to secure profiles because self-tapping screws are not advised for use with aluminum components. In order to install these fasteners, a hole with a diameter equal to the rivet’s base dimensions must be made.

Details:

• head diameter – from 6.5 to 7.8 mm;
• slot width – from 4.2 to 4.8 mm;
• thread diameter – from 2.8 to 3.5 mm;
• head height – no more than 4 mm;
• Each hardware is coated with an anti-corrosion compound.

Most typical measurements:

• the diameter of the screw varies from 2.5 to 3.2 mm;
• length – from 25 to 32 mm.

Watch the video for more details on self-tapping screws for drywall:

Bugs and fleas

Short self-tapping screws with a press washer, part of the LB international hardware classification, are made to attach two walls or shelves of neighboring profiles together efficiently.

Features of galvanized steel profiles: they are used to join pins with racks; it is advised to mark the installation location with a nail or the thinnest drill bit before tightening.

Features for aluminum profiles: it is advised to drill holes in the wall or profile flange before tightening the "Bedbug" or "Flea" screw. After that, install the hardware and tighten it.

Note: The hole must be one millimeter less than the hardware’s internal diameter.

Details:

• coating – galvanized;
• slot depth – up to 2.4 mm;
• d drills for aluminum structures – 2 mm;
• d heads – 6.6 – 6.8 mm;
• head height – up to 2 mm.

Most typical measurements:

• hardware diameter 3.5 mm;
• product length – 11 mm.

Plates

Flat galvanized steel components designed to reinforce local racks or imposts during the building of a plasterboard partition’s supporting frame and to join profiles into a joint.

Features of galvanized steel profiles: galvanized plates are typically made of black steel with an anti-corrosion coating and have holes for easy self-tapping screw fixing. Their configuration completely follows the bends of the structural element of the load-bearing frame of the partition.

Aluminum profiles have the following characteristics: the plates are composed of the same material as the profiles that support the frames.

Note: Blind rivets or bolted connections with screws and nuts are suggested methods for fastening the elements in pre-arranged holes.

Details:

• made of aluminum or galvanized steel;
• equipped with holes with a diameter of 2 to 4 mm;
• number of holes – from 8 to 16 pcs;
• radii of curvature at corners – from 5 to 15 mm;
• countersinking of holes to a depth of 2 mm;
• countersink diameter from 5 to 7 mm.

Most typical measurements:

• thickness – from 2 to 5 mm;
• length – from 80 to 200 mm;
• width – from 40 to 60 mm.

Corners

During the frame’s construction, plasterboard profiles’ orthogonal mates create a rigid cell. featuring self-tapping screw or bolt holes and stiffening ribs.

Features of galvanized steel profiles include central stiffening ribs applied by cold deformation of parts and modular dimensions for factory-made corners.

Designed to reinforce orthogonal cells and to make plasterboard partition door and window openings more rigid.

Features of aluminum profiles include the attractively designed holes for bolting with countersinking on the hot-formed aluminum corners.

Details:

• can be equal or unequal (with an aspect ratio of 1:3 – 1:2);
• all holes for hardware must be countersunk;
• corners – processed until a radius of 5 – 15 mm is achieved, depending on the size of the product.

Most typical measurements:

• thickness – from 2 to 5 mm;
• shelf dimensions – from 40 to 120 mm;
• width – from 20 to 80 mm.

Crabs

This plate-based connecting element for aluminum or galvanized steel orthogonal profiles has a symmetrical shape and bends to allow for both profile installation and precise positioning along the axes.

Galvanized steel profiles have the following qualities: they are perfect for mating racks and partition imposts; they are constructed of galvanized steel; and the bends keep the profiles from moving while being installed.

Features of aluminum profiles typically include their aluminum construction, pre-drilled holes in the connecting element’s body, and three-side bends that restrict the profile’s movement with respect to the longitudinal axis.

Details:

• each plate is equipped with 4 stiffening ribs, made on a crimping machine;
• number of limiting bends – 16;
• bend height – from 20 to 30 mm;
• bend radius – up to 20 mm;
• number of holes on each bent fastener element – ​​2.

Most typical measurements:

• thickness of the connecting element – ​​from 0.8 to 1 mm;
• linear dimensions – 150 x 150 mm;
• distances between the edges of the bends – from 100 to 120 mm.

How to choose the right one?

The following factors depend on selecting the appropriate fasteners to join racks, imposts, and guides to one another:

1. Ensuring optimal strength of the structural element.
2. Achieving rigidity and constancy of the cell geometry of the load-bearing frame of a gypsum plasterboard partition.
3. Durability of the design.
4. Perception of all operational loads.
5. Compensation for thermal expansion or contraction of a metal part.
6. High-quality corners provide a perfectly right angle when joining profiles in an orthogonal direction.
7. Crabs reduce the amount of trimming and allow you to install hardware strictly symmetrically.
8. High-quality hardware lasts no less than the structure itself – from 20 to 25 years, subject to normal operation and proper temperature and humidity conditions.

Vital. It is advisable to determine the number of joints and mates in a detailed structure design before purchasing hardware and fastening elements for racks and imposts of the supporting frame.

Subsequently, you must create a comprehensive specification and carry out a static computation of the strongest components that are loaded.

What is the best way to connect the frame??

In order to ensure that profile elements in the supporting frame of a future gypsum plasterboard partition mate reliably, experts and professional installers frequently provide beginners with helpful recommendations. Below is a detailed description of the best fastening solutions for structures composed of various materials.

For aluminum

Regarding aluminum rails, posts, and mullions, the subsequent fastening types are suggested:

1. Blind rivets.
2. Bolted connections with nuts and washers.
3. Connecting plates for extending a profile or joining structural elements together.
4. Aluminum corners for forming an orthogonal cell of the supporting frame.

Because they are made of the same high-quality alloys and will ensure the structure’s long-term operation without the need for restoration due to premature physical wear, it is advised to purchase fasteners for aluminum structures along with profile elements from a single, reputable manufacturer.

Made from galvanized steel

When building gypsum board partitions, galvanized steel frame components such as profile guides are frequently utilized. As a result, a wide variety of hardware for these structural elements is available on the market:

1. Classic self-tapping screws.
2. Hardware such as “Bedbugs” and “Fleas”.
3. Extensions for galvanized profiles.
4. Crabs for orthogonal mating of supporting frame parts.

Vital. It’s crucial to remember that all metal components, including self-tapping screws and other fasteners, are either made of stainless steel or coated in a layer of galvanization to shield them from corrosion and premature failure.

Screw Type	Description
Drywall Screws	Commonly used for attaching drywall to metal studs. They have a sharp point for easy penetration.
Self-Drilling Screws	Ideal for attaching metal profiles to each other without needing a pilot hole. They drill through metal easily.
Fine Thread Screws	Best for securing drywall to light metal frames. The fine threads grip well without damaging the metal.
Pan Head Screws	Used when a flat, flush finish is needed. Their wide head prevents them from pulling through the material.

For an installation to be successful and long-lasting, selecting the appropriate screws is essential when joining a metal profile to a drywall profile. Self-drilling screws are frequently the best option because they save time and effort by easily penetrating both metal and drywall. The stability of your structure is ensured by the strong hold that their pointed tips and threads provide.

Screws with a higher gauge and longer length are imperative when working with thicker materials. This guarantees that the screws can safely pass through both profiles. Furthermore, you can prolong the life of your installation by using screws with corrosion-resistant coatings, which will shield it from rust and wear.

Always keep your project’s particular requirements in mind. For instance, choose screws that have been specially treated to withstand moisture if you’re working in a highly humid environment. This lessens the likelihood of problems like rust and gradual structural deterioration.

Focusing on these specifics and selecting the right screws for your application will result in a polished and dependable finish. Selecting the right screws not only improves the overall safety and longevity of your projects, but it also improves the quality of your construction.

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