Drywall Collated Screws For Fast, Professional Plasterboard Fixing
Fix plasterboard faster with our range of drywall collated screws. Designed for auto-feed screw guns, these fixings give you clean, consistent depth on every drive. No jams. No slipping. Just fast, reliable results across every drylining job.
We stock coarse thread, fine thread, and self-drilling options. All are available in trade packs of 1,000 screws and held in our UK warehouse for next-day delivery.
What Makes Collated Plasterboard Screws Different
Collated screws are loaded onto flexible plastic strips. Your auto-feed screw gun pulls each one forward automatically as you work. You keep both hands on the tool and never stop to pick up individual screws.
This makes a real difference on large jobs. Fixing plasterboard to a full partition wall or ceiling with loose screws is slow. With collated strips, your pace stays consistent from the first board to the last.
Each screw features a bugle head. This profile sits just below the surface of the board without tearing the paper face. The finish is flush and ready for jointing without extra filling.
Key Benefits At A Glance:
• Bugle head countersinks cleanly without tearing plasterboard paper.
• Plastic strip feeds smoothly through all major auto-feed systems.
• Consistent driving depth on every screw, board after board.
• Black phosphate or zinc-plated finish to suit your site conditions.
• Compatible with Makita, DeWalt, Senco, and Hilti screw guns.
Our Dry-Lining Screw Range Explained
We carry three core types of drylining fixings. Each one is built for a specific substrate and application. Pick the right type and your fixings will drive cleanly and hold firmly every time.
Coarse Thread Collated Plasterboard Screws
Designed for fixing plasterboard to timber studs. The wide, deep thread bites into softwood fast. It pulls the board tight without spinning or stripping the wood.
- Timber stud partition walls
- Ceiling joists and noggins
- Acoustic and fireline boards to softwood
Fine Thread Collated Fixings For Metal Framing
Fine thread versions are made specifically for light-gauge metal track up to 0.8mm. The closely spaced threads create more contact points with the thin steel, which prevents stripping.
- Light-gauge metal stud partitions
- Ceiling track systems
- Proprietary steel framing profiles
Self-Drilling Collated Screws For Steel Studs
Self-drilling steel stud drywall screws are needed for heavier gauge metal framing beyond 0.8mm. The drill-point tip cuts through the steel without pre-drilling. No pilot hole needed.
- Heavy steel stud framing up to 2.5mm
- Commercial partition systems
- Suspended ceiling steel grid fixing
Loose Plasterboard Screws For Manual Work
When an auto-feed gun is not available, loose drywall screws give you the same thread profiles and phosphate coating in standard trade boxes. Available in coarse and fine thread.
- Small patching and repair jobs
- Individual board fitting
- Manual screwdriver or drill driver use
Metal Framing Screws For Steel Track
Our metal framing screws are engineered for connecting metal studs and tracks together. These are not plasterboard fixings. They are designed for frame assembly before boarding begins.
- Metal stud to metal track connections
- Head track and floor track assembly
- Light steel frame construction
Double-Layer Plasterboard Fixing Strips
For fire-rated or acoustic partition walls, a second layer of board is often required. Longer collated screws pass through both layers and still achieve the minimum 25mm of stud penetration.
- Double-boarded fire partition walls
- High-performance acoustic separating walls
- Protective corridor and stairwell linings
Coarse Thread Or Fine Thread: Which Do You Need?
This is the most common question in drylining. The answer depends entirely on what sits behind the plasterboard.
Getting it wrong causes real problems. Coarse thread screws used in metal will spin and strip the steel. Fine thread screws used in timber will not grip properly and can back out over time.
Simple Rule To Follow:
• Timber studs or joists: use coarse thread. The aggressive thread digs into wood fibres and holds firm.
• Light-gauge metal track up to 0.8mm: use fine thread self-tapping. The tight thread pitch grips thin steel securely.
• Heavy steel framing above 0.8mm: use self-drilling steel stud drywall screws. The drill point cuts through thicker metal cleanly.
| Substrate | Screw Type | Thread Profile | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timber stud up to 100mm | Coarse thread collated | Bugle head / coarse | Black phosphate |
| Light-gauge metal track (up to 0.8mm) | Fine thread collated | Bugle head / fine | Zinc-plated or phosphate |
| Heavy steel stud (0.8mm to 2.5mm) | Self-drilling collated | Bugle head / drill point | Zinc-plated |
| Metal stud to metal track (frame assembly) | Metal framing screws | Wafer head / self-drilling | Zinc-plated |
Choosing The Right Screw Length For Your Board Thickness
Screw length is just as important as thread type. Too short and the fixing will not grip the stud. Too long and the point may break through the other side of a thin partition.
The general trade rule is to allow at least 25mm of thread penetration into the stud beyond the board face. Use the table below as your starting point.
| Plasterboard Thickness | Recommended Screw Length | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| 9.5mm single layer | 3.5mm x 32mm | Timber stud lining, low-level partitions |
| 12.5mm single layer | 3.5mm x 32mm or 38mm | Standard timber stud partition walls and ceilings |
| 15mm fireline or acoustic board | 3.5mm x 42mm | Fire-rated partitions, single-layer acoustic walls |
| 12.5mm plus 12.5mm double layer | 3.5mm x 55mm | Double-boarded fire and acoustic partition systems |
| 12.5mm to metal framing (light gauge) | 3.5mm x 25mm or 35mm fine thread | Metal stud partitions and ceiling track systems |
For structural timber assemblies or heavy-duty subfloor boarding, see our collated screws for wood. These use a different thread profile designed for subfloor and joinery work.
Screw Finishes And What Each One Does
The coating on a drywall screw affects how well it resists corrosion. It also affects how well jointing compound and paint bond to the screw head. Choose the right finish for your site conditions.
Black Phosphate
The standard finish for indoor drylining. Phosphate coating is dull and porous, which allows jointing compounds and plaster finishes to bond firmly without staining or flaking off over time.
- Timber and metal stud partition walls
- Ceiling board installations
- Dry internal environments only
Zinc-Plated (BZP)
Bright zinc plating offers better protection in slightly damp or humid internal areas. Self-drilling steel stud drywall screws typically come in a zinc-plated finish for this reason.
- Metal framing in humid internal areas
- Ground-floor partitions with damp risk
- Self-drilling screw applications
Auto-Feed Tool Compatibility And Strip Format
Collated drywall screws only work correctly when the strip format matches your screw gun. Most professional auto-feed systems use a standard 50-screw plastic strip. Our collated strips are designed for this format.
Our range is compatible with the following auto-feed screw gun systems:
- Makita auto-feed attachments (DAS180 and compatible models)
- DeWalt auto-feed adaptor systems
- Senco DS200 and DS200AC series screw guns
- Hilti auto-feed drywall driving systems
If you are unsure about compatibility, check the collation strip format against your tool's manual before ordering. Using an incorrect strip type can cause misfeed and damage to the magazine.
Depth Setting Tip For Clean Countersinking:
Set your screw gun's depth stop so the bugle head sits just below the board surface. The goal is a small, clean dimple in the paper face. The screw must not tear or break through the paper. A broken paper face weakens the fixing and requires extra filling before jointing.
Quick Reference Guide By Site Application
| Site Job | Screw Type | Size | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12.5mm board to timber stud | Coarse thread collated | 3.5mm x 32mm | Black phosphate |
| 15mm fireline to timber stud | Coarse thread collated | 3.5mm x 42mm | Black phosphate |
| Double 12.5mm board to timber stud | Coarse thread collated | 3.5mm x 55mm | Black phosphate |
| 12.5mm board to light metal track (up to 0.8mm) | Fine thread collated | 3.5mm x 25mm or 35mm | Zinc-plated |
| 12.5mm board to heavy steel stud (0.8mm to 2.5mm) | Self-drilling collated | 3.5mm x 35mm to 50mm | Zinc-plated |
| Metal stud to metal track connections | Metal framing screws | 3.5mm x 9.5mm wafer head | Zinc-plated |
Frequently Asked Questions About Dry-Lining Fixings
What Is The Difference Between Coarse And Fine Thread Drywall Collated Screws?
Coarse thread screws are for timber studs. Their wide thread pitch grips softwood firmly and pulls plasterboard tight. Fine thread screws are for metal stud and track systems. Their closely spaced threads bite into thin-gauge steel without stripping it. Using the wrong type for the substrate will lead to a weak or failed fixing.
What Size Screw Do I Need For 12.5mm Plasterboard?
For 12.5mm plasterboard onto a timber stud, use a 3.5mm x 32mm or 3.5mm x 38mm coarse thread collated screw. This allows at least 25mm of thread penetration into the stud, which is the minimum recommended for a secure fixing. For 12.5mm board onto light-gauge metal framing, use a 3.5mm x 25mm or 35mm fine thread version.
Are Your Strips Compatible With Makita And DeWalt Auto-Feed Guns?
Yes. Our collated drywall screws are supplied on standard 50-screw plastic strips. These are compatible with most major auto-feed screw gun systems, including Makita, DeWalt, Senco, and Hilti. Always confirm the strip format matches your specific tool model before ordering.
When Do I Need Self-Drilling Steel Stud Drywall Screws?
Self-drilling steel stud drywall screws are needed when fixing plasterboard to heavier gauge metal framing above 0.8mm. Their drill-point tip cuts into the steel without the need for a pilot hole. For standard light-gauge metal track up to 0.8mm, fine thread self-tapping screws are the correct choice.
What Finish Is Best For Indoor Drylining Work?
Black phosphate is the standard finish for indoor drylining. It provides adequate corrosion resistance in dry internal environments. The porous surface also allows jointing compound and plaster finishes to bond cleanly to the screw head, reducing the risk of staining or ghosting through the finish coat.
Can I Use Coarse Thread Screws On Metal Studs?
No. Coarse thread screws are not designed for metal stud framing. The wide thread spacing will not grip thin steel properly. The screw will spin in place and may strip the metal track. Always use fine thread or self-drilling screws for any metal framing application.
Do You Stock Trade Quantities For Site Orders?
Yes. Our dry-lining screws are available in trade boxes of 1,000 screws per pack. Orders placed before 2pm are dispatched for next-day delivery to UK site addresses. A trade account gives you access to volume pricing across our full range of drylining fixings.
UK Trade Supply With Next-Day Site Delivery
We supply dryliners, partition contractors, and fit-out teams across the UK with trade-grade dry-lining fixings. All stock is held in our UK warehouse in Hull and dispatched for next-day delivery on orders placed before 2pm.
Our dry-lining range covers three core collections. Browse collated drywall screws for auto-feed gun work, loose drywall screws for manual fixing, and metal framing screws for steel stud frame assembly.
Need help choosing the right fixing for your system? Contact our trade team on 01482 306 883 or email sales@jalft.com.
Summary: Match coarse thread to timber, fine thread to light-gauge metal, and self-drilling to heavier steel. Set your screw gun depth correctly. Get the board flat, the head dimpled, and the finish clean. That is all it takes to get drylining right every time.
