What Are Drywall Nail? How Are Drywall Nail Installed?
What Are Drywall Nail?
Drywall nails are a type of fastener specifically designed for hanging drywall, and have been a preferred method among drywall contractors for decades.
While there is some debate over whether nails or screws are better for hanging drywall, the drywall nail has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The most common length of drywall nails are 1 3/8 inches and 1 1/2 inches, and they come in different gauges, which indicate the diameter of the shank. The most common gauge is 13.
The ringed shank and cupped head of a drywall nail are designed to help hold the nail in place after it is driven through the drywall and into the stud and to provide a smooth surface after mudding and sanding.
The biggest advantage of using drywall nails over screws is the speed of installation. Nails can be driven faster than screws, and a hammer is typically less cumbersome than a screw gun. Additionally, drywall nails are slightly less expensive than screws, which can be a significant cost savings when installing drywall over a large area.
However, the primary disadvantage of using a drywall nail over a screw is the risk of “nail pop.” This occurs over time and is a common blemish in older homes, where the pressure of gravity causes the nail to work its way loose and the head becomes visible through the wall surface. This is far less likely to happen when drywall screws are used.
When selecting the style of drywall nail, it’s important to choose the proper gauge and length for the type of drywall being used. The thicker the drywall, the longer the drywall nail should be.
For novice drywall hangers, it’s recommended to ask the hardware or home improvement store retailer for advice on the best option. When using nails to install drywall, it’s important to not skimp on the number of nails driven into each stud and to space the nails evenly so that each nail is bearing an evenly distributed amount of the drywall’s weight.
In the event of a nail pop, the best course of action is to remove the nail completely, drive a new nail slightly above or below the old one, and patch the area accordingly.
If you have a home with nail pops in the ceiling, it’s recommended to have the ceiling repaired by a drywall professional who will tighten the ceiling up completely by reattaching all overhead drywall, rather than spot repairing.
This can avoid a complete collapse of the ceiling, especially in older homes, and is far more cost-effective than a complete ceiling repair.
How Are Drywall Nail Installed?
Drywall nails are a simple and affordable option for installing drywall, as they can be installed with a basic hammer and do not require special tools.
However, it is important to check building codes in your area, as some regulations may require the use of screws, which have better-holding power, especially in commercial construction.
Additionally, more nails are required to properly attach drywall panels to studs than screws. For example it is recommended to place drywall nails at least every 8 inches on the wall.