Metallics JWDW1V 8 x 1/2 in. Wafer Head Phillips Sharp Point Drywall Screws - Steel Zinc - Each

No pre-drilling or pre-punching needed. The JWDW1V is a self-piercing and tapping screw with a sharp point, so it pierces and forms its own thread as you drive it.

At 1/2 inch long, the JWDW1V is a short fastener meant for thin stack-ups, most commonly fastening track, clip, or trim to light gauge metal framing rather than hanging full board. For 1/2 inch gypsum over studs you need a longer screw so the thread passes through the board and still engages the steel. Metallics makes the WDW wafer head series in other lengths.

Fine thread, 36 threads per inch, UNF. Fine thread is the right choice into light gauge steel framing. For wood studs you want a coarse thread drywall screw instead.

A #2 Phillips bit. The JWDW1V uses a Phillips drive sized for a #2 driver, and the screw is rated to a minimum 45 Kg/cm torque, so a standard drywall gun or impact driver on a low clutch setting will seat it without camming out.

The wafer head on the JWDW1V sits low and spreads load over a large bearing surface, which is what you want when you are clamping sheet material or metal-to-metal and do not want the head pulling through or standing proud. Head height runs 0.082 to 0.098 in. and head width 0.426 to 0.446 in. A bugle head is the one you reach for when it has to countersink into paper-faced gypsum for finishing.

They ship 500 count in a jar, and 500 is the order minimum, so you are buying full jars rather than loose pieces. A jar weighs 2.25 lbs.

The JWDW1V is steel with a zinc finish and a silver head, which is an indoor, dry-location coating. For exterior work or anywhere with sustained moisture, specify a fastener with a coated or stainless corrosion rating instead.

The JWDW1V is flagged compliant for both ARRA and Buy American in Metallics' product data. Country of origin is listed as multiple, so if your contract requires a specific origin on the submittal, confirm the origin of the lot you receive.

Case hardness is Rockwell C28-38 and the steel is AISI 1018 to 1022. That is standard self-piercing drywall screw hardness, suited to light gauge framing and sheet. Heavier structural gauge calls for a self-drilling point screw with a drill flute, not a sharp point.