s***w gun strips phillips head?

Question

When I try and drive a 10x2 or 12x2 s***w into sheetrock and the wall stud the s***w goes in about 3/4 of the way and then the bit destroys the head of the s***w. I am using a new bit. I have not drilled any pilot holes. I can manually finish the task with a s***w driver but should I have to?

Answer 1

Use shorter drywall screws and make sure the phillips s***w driver bit matches the phillips slot in the s***w. Also make sure to keep the drill straight with the s***w, you don't need pilot holes with drywall screws.

Answer 2

I'll bet you have the wrong size phillips bit. Not sure why you are using such long screws on drywall.

Answer 3

lubricate the s***w thread with soap or any 'slippery substance' to hand if any s***w is too tight to drive in or as said ,use a shorter s***w.  

Answer 4

No, you shouldn't have to do it manually. Are you hanging drywall? If so, use shorter screws. If not, the best thing to do is throw the Phillips screws as far away as you can and use Robertson screws or at least Torx. s***w guns have too much torque for Phillips heads. You have to drive them in very slowly or they strip. I suggest changing to a different s***w head.

Answer 5

Use a lower speed so you can keep better control of the drill. Keep pressure applied to the s***w through the drill. Pre-lubricate the screws with wax or soap to help it pull into the studs.

Answer 6

Your problem is the length of s***w. If you are thinking a longer s***w will hold the sheet better there are a few things you should know.

First of all, your s***w length should be 1 5/8". They should be placed every 8" around the perimeter and 12-16" in the field. If you really want a long lasting job, use drywall adhesive on the framing. It comes in caulking tubes and is well worth the extra expense as it will hold the drywall firmly to the framing even with the normal expansion and contraction which occurs with changes is humidity. There is also a special bit which can be purchased at Home Depot that has a collar. This dimples the s***w head just beneath the surface of the sheet without breaking through the paper face. Any s***w that does this will not hold and should be removed and another installed aprox. 2" from the damaged area.