Metallics DWS5BD 6 x 2 in. Bugle Head Phillips Drywall Screws - Steel Black Phosphate - Fine Threads - Each

Fine thread is the metal stud screw. The DWS5BD runs 18 threads per inch with a sharp point, which is the combination used for 25 gauge to 20 gauge light steel framing. On wood studs you want a coarse thread drywall screw instead, since the wider thread pitch pulls board tight to lumber faster and holds better in soft wood. The sharp point also means this is not a self-drilling screw for heavy gauge steel.

Yes. The DWS5BD is made in the United States and is flagged compliant for both Buy American and ARRA, which is what a government, school, or healthcare procurement file usually needs on a fastener line item. Useful detail for public work where domestic sourcing has to be documented.

Keep black phosphate screws inside and dry. The DWS5BD is AISI 1018 steel with a black phosphate finish, which is a lubricity and mild corrosion coating for interior board work, not a weather coating. For exterior sheathing, soffits, or anywhere exposed to moisture, use a hot dipped galvanized or coated exterior screw instead.

A #2 Phillips bit. The recess is 0.176 to 0.201 inch in diameter and 0.106 inch deep, so a #2 seats fully. Running a #1 or a worn bit in that recess is what strips heads on a long board day, so keep spare #2 tips on the screw gun.

That is what the bugle profile is for. The head measures 0.315 to 0.347 inch across with a head height of 0.020 to 0.031 inch, so the curved underside dimples the paper and seats just below the surface for an easy mud coat rather than cutting through it. Set the gun depth so the head stops at the paper, not through it.

They are case hardened to Rockwell C44, which is the hardness range that lets a sharp point pierce light gauge steel framing without the shank twisting off. Hardness also means they are brittle in bending, so these are board fasteners, not structural or shear fasteners.