Quck answer
When drilling into metal studs, it is important to use the right tools and techniques to ensure success. Here are some key steps to follow:
1. Gather the necessary tools: You will need a drill, drill bits suitable for metal, a marker, and safety goggles.
2. Mark the spot: Use a marker to indicate where you want to drill. Double-check for any electrical wires or plumbing before proceeding.
3. Start with a pilot hole: Begin by drilling a small pilot hole to guide the larger drill bit. This will prevent the metal from cracking or splitting.
4. Use the correct drill bit: Choose a drill bit specifically designed for metal. Carbide or cobalt drill bits are recommended for their durability.
5. Drill slowly and steadily: Apply firm pressure and drill at a slow speed to prevent overheating or damaging the metal.
6. Clean up: Remove any metal shavings or debris from the drilled hole to ensure a clean and secure fit for screws or anchors.
By following these steps, you can successfully drill into metal studs without any issues or damage. Always prioritize safety and take your time for the best results.
Steel studs are commonly used in commercial construction and some residential homes. These studs are lighter and cheaper than wood studs, and they are perfectly straight. They are fire, bug, and decay resistant, and they fit together easily. When covered with drywall, it is difficult to tell that they are metal, but you may encounter difficulties when trying to hang something and accidentally hitting a stud with a nail or screw. Most screws and nails won’t go through steel studs, so drilling a hole is necessary.
Why You Need to Drill
You may need to hang a flat-screen TV, pictures, mirrors, or install drywall inserts for various reasons. Self-tapping drywall inserts or anchors work well for hanging things on metal studs covered in drywall. However, they won’t penetrate metal studs without drilling a hole first.
Locate the Stud
Use a stud finder to locate metal studs and find the center of the stud. The typical spacing for metal studs is 12, 16, or 24 inches. The stud finder will give you a relatively accurate location, but keep in mind that metal studs are usually only 1 1/4 inches wide. Drilling a hole near the edge can compromise the stud or cause the hole to fail.
Find the Edge, Then the Center
To pinpoint the edges of the stud, use a small drill bit or a finish nail inserted into a drill/driver to drill holes in the drywall on each side of the stud. You may need to make a few holes to accomplish this, but you can patch them later with caulk or toothpaste. Once you find both sides, mark the center of the stud.
Drill Bit Type
Most drill bits can penetrate steel studs, but using the wrong bit can ruin the bit or result in a rough and jagged hole. For the best results, use cobalt, oxide, titanium, or carbide-tipped twist bits. These bits are often colored bright gold or silver and can penetrate steel studs cleanly and without significant wear.
Screw vs. Gauge
Drilling holes is not necessary for hanging drywall; drywall screws can penetrate without pilot holes. Use fine drywall screws with a 20- to 25-gauge rating to hang drywall on steel studs. For 12- to 20-gauge studs, use self-drilling drywall screws. These screws have sharper tips and finer threads to prevent stripping in metal. They also grip metal better than standard threads. Space the screws 8 inches apart along the edges and 12 inches on center everywhere else.
Attaching Trim
Pilot holes are necessary for attaching baseboard or other wood trim. Once you locate the stud, position the trim and drill a 1/4-inch countersink hole. Then, drill through the trim only (avoid drilling into the stud) with an 1/8-inch bit. Use 1 1/2-inch self-drilling trim screws to attach the trim to the drywall and studs.
Plumbing and Electrical Holes
Carpenters use hole saws to create larger holes in studs for electrical and plumbing purposes. However, ordinary hole saws may not efficiently cut through metal, if at all.
Metal Hole Cutter
Opt for a metal hole cutter specifically designed for cutting through metal materials. This type of cutter is equipped with hardened teeth that are spaced closer together, resembling a hacksaw blade. These teeth provide a cleaner cut and reduce the risk of the cutter getting stuck.
Steel Stud Punch Tool
If you find using a hole saw uncomfortable, a steel stud punch tool could be the ideal alternative. This tool functions similarly to a regular paper punch, but it is larger and more robust, allowing it to punch holes in steel. It offers a quick and efficient way to create holes in metal surfaces.
