toe nailing drywall

Started by dug, April 02, 2011, 05:41:16 PM

Previous topic - Next topic

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

dug

I am doing my ceiling drywall now and have a question as to the right way to screw the butt ends that share the same stud.

I am using a drywall dimpler bit which works well in the field but I use a standard bit where I have to toe nail the screws slightly where two pieces join. I have heard that youy should never break the paper, but with even a little toe nail it seems unavoidable unless you leave part of the screw head sticking out.

What to do?  ???

Don_P

Nails around the edges and screws in the field works pretty good.


jr1318

Do a search on floating drywall joints work great, also makes taping easier. Basicaly your not landing seams on rafters or joist your seams are between them attached to a backer board.

whit

You have to land your gyp rock on the center of the beam so that you have room to screw/nail your next piece.

Your could also nail some 1X3 strapping across the whole width of the ceiling, 24 inches apart, and this would provide for a consistent nailing surface.

I wouldn't worry too much about ripping or cracking the gyp rock, you try to avoid it as much as possible but when you start taping and mudding your seams you should be fine. When you tape your seams you are going to apply the mud first to the seam and then run your tape over the mud. This first thin layer of mud will secure the tape and is going to fill in any of your rips/cracks.

If you happen to chip a significant piece right off, just screw back in place.

Hope this helps.

dug

Thanks everyone for the help. It's too late for me to do the floating drywall method, I am going to get some drywall nails next time I am in town and try that.

Do you have to use a special drywall hammer for these, of can you get by with a regular one?

I am doing my best to land the edges in the middle of a stud, but the screws really seem to mess up those edges with a little bit of toe on them. I know mud will cover it all but I guess I am just worried about it structurally.


Redoverfarm

Dug if you are really worried about it and want to use nails then use a ball pin and just gently tap it to sink the head below the paper surface.  I think they do make a regular hammer but it will probably be a waste of money given that it will be a one time purchase.

http://www.amazon.com/Estwing-E3-11-Drywall-Hammer-Handle/dp/B00002N5NE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1302126827&sr=8-1

 I just use screws and yes on the stud junctions it does mess up some but as long as the head of the screw is below the paper and doesn't interfere with the tape and mud go at it.

Don_P

Just a regular smooth face hammer is fine. Breaking through the paper does increase the risk of pops, bags and sags.

mysimplelife

youll surely get nailpops if you try to toe in drywall. you should really be able to hit it straight on if you land even close to the center. try the nails, but the screws will/should be the best. if you find your not landing on center, snap a chalk line on you preveous peice of drywall and "carefully and cleanly" razor out the edge.