Industry
Fact-checked

At AboutMechanics, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is a Drywall Nail?

J. Beam
J. Beam

A drywall nail is a nail used specifically for hanging drywall. Though there is some debate amongst drywall contractors as to whether nails or screws are best for hanging drywall, the drywall nail has been a preference for decades. There are advantages and disadvantages to both types of fasteners.

A drywall nail typically has a cupped head and a ringed shank. The most common lengths are 1 3/8 inch (3.74 cm) and 1 ½ inches (3.8 cm). They are available in different gauges, which indicate the diameter of the shank. The most common is 13 gauge. The ringed shank helps the hold the nail in place after it is driven through the drywall and into the stud. The cupped head, which is concave, helps hide the nail for a smoother surface after mudding and sanding. Not every drywall nail has a concave, or cupped, head.

Drywall is commonly hung using drywall nails.
Drywall is commonly hung using drywall nails.

One of the biggest advantages to using drywall nails over screws is the speed at which the drywall is hung. Nails can be driven faster than screws and a hammer is typically less cumbersome than a screw gun. Drywall nails are slightly less expensive than screws, which can add up when installing drywall over a large area.

The primary disadvantage to using a drywall nail over a screw is the inevitable "nail pop." This occurs over time and is a common blemish in older homes. Over time, the pressure gravity applies to the drywall 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. Some contractors will use both types of fasteners, opting for screws when drywall is installed overhead for a ceiling and nails for walls.

Drywall nails are covered with mud and sanded so they blend seamlessly into the drywall when painted.
Drywall nails are covered with mud and sanded so they blend seamlessly into the drywall when painted.

When selecting the style of drywall nail, choose the proper gauge and length for the type of drywall being used. The thicker the drywall, the longer the drywall nail should be. If you’re a novice drywall hanger, ask the hardware or home improvement store retailer where you are buying supplies what is best. When using nails to install drywall, don’t skimp on the number of nails driven into each stud and space the nails evenly so each nail is bearing an evenly distributed amount of the drywall’s weight.

Ring shank nails are often used in drywall.
Ring shank nails are often used in drywall.

When repairing nail pops from a disengaged drywall nail, 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, you might consider having the ceiling repaired by a drywall professional who will tighten the ceiling up completely by reattaching all overhead drywall, rather than spot repairing. This could avoid a complete collapse of the ceiling, especially in older homes — a repair that would be far more costly than repairing the ceiling.

Discussion Comments

Talentryto

@rundocuri- In my opinion, it would be a mistake that could result in costly repairs in the future if you use nails other than drywall nails for your drywall installation project. This type of nail is specially made for drywall, and has several benefits.

I have put up drywall before, and I found that drywall nails have smaller heads than other types of nails. This is important when putting up drywall because the small heads are less obvious and more attractive on the finished walls.

Other types of nails have smooth shafts, which are not ideal for gripping and holding drywall into place for long periods of time. As the article points out, this is why drywall nails have rings.

Drywall nails are also not very expensive. You should be able to get a large box full of them without spending a lot of money. This small investment in your project is worth the cost compared to what you would have to spend to correct problems that develop after the drywall is in place.

Rundocuri

Is it o.k. to use other types of nails when putting up drywall? I am planning on remodeling a room, and I definitely want to use drywall nails instead of screws. I have a bunch of common nails, so I would rather use them than purchase new drywall nails.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Drywall is commonly hung using drywall nails.
      By: Greg Pickens
      Drywall is commonly hung using drywall nails.
    • Drywall nails are covered with mud and sanded so they blend seamlessly into the drywall when painted.
      By: Sherri Camp
      Drywall nails are covered with mud and sanded so they blend seamlessly into the drywall when painted.
    • Ring shank nails are often used in drywall.
      By: creative soul
      Ring shank nails are often used in drywall.
    • Drywall can be hung using either nails or screws.
      By: arti om
      Drywall can be hung using either nails or screws.