What Type of Screws to Hang Cabinets on Metal Studs
Hanging cabinets on metal studs can seem daunting, but with the right screws and techniques, you can securely mount your cabinets like a pro. Here is a detailed guide on the best practices for choosing and installing screws to hang cabinets on metal studs.
Introduction
When renovating or building a new home, installing cabinets is one of the most important parts of the process. Cabinets provide essential storage and work space in any room. However, if you don’t use the proper screws and techniques for the job, your beautiful new cabinets may end up loose, crooked, or even detached from the wall.
Hanging cabinets on metal studs presents some unique challenges compared to other wall materials. Metal is extremely hard and screws can struggle to get a good bite. On top of that, the narrow width of metal studs leaves little room for error when drilling pilot holes and setting screws. With the right approach, none of this needs to stop you from getting a flawless installation.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover:
- The best screws for hanging cabinets on metal studs
- Recommended pilot hole size for metal studs
- Techniques for locating studs behind drywall
- Pro tips for keeping cabinets level and secure
- Preventing stripped screws and other common issues
Follow these tips and you can feel confident that your cabinets will stay strong, stable, and look beautiful for years to come.
Choosing the Best Screws for Metal Studs
The first step is using screws specifically engineered for going into metal. The hardness of metal studs calls for screws that can bite through tough surfaces. Here are the best options:
Self-Tapping Metal Screws
These screws have threading all the way up to the head specifically designed to tap and cut into metal as they turn. The coarse, sharper threads bite through the surface instead of relying on a pre-drilled hole. This makes them ideal for direct installation into metal studs. They come in various head types like pan head or truss head.
Self-Drilling Metal Screws
Self-drilling screws take it a step further with a drill bit tip that bores into metal as they turn. The drilling action eliminates the need for pilot holes. The threads follow behind to tap and secure the screw into the metal. They also have extra hard screw heads to withstand the drilling friction without stripping.
Sheet Metal Screws
These have an extra sharp gimlet point tip optimized for piercing thin sheet metals. They are engineered to tap into metal with less driving force while resisting snapping. The fine threading also provides excellent holding power. They work great for metal studs.
No matter which type you choose, make sure to get screws specifically made for metal. Standard wood screws are more likely to snap or strip when driven into metal studs. Stick with screws sized #8, #10, or #12 for most cabinet installations.
Proper Pilot Hole Size for Metal Studs
While self-tapping and self-drilling screws are designed to drill their own starting holes, pre-drilling pilot holes can still be helpful for keeping the screws straight and preventing stripping. Here are some pilot hole size recommendations for metal studs:
- #8 screw – 5/32 inch pilot hole
- #10 screw – 3/16 inch pilot hole
- #12 screw – 7/32 inch pilot hole
These pilot holes are slightly smaller than the screw diameter to allow the threads to bite. High-quality drill bits made for metal are also recommended to prevent “walking” when drilling starter holes. Slow speeds and firm pressure help achieve straight holes.
Some tips for pre-drilling metal stud pilot holes:
- Use a center punch to mark holes before drilling to prevent walking
- Apply firm pressure and drill at slow speeds
- Allow the drill to do the work, don’t force it
- Use a high-quality drill bit made specifically for metal
- Drill straight and avoid angling the bit
- Lubricate the drill bit with oil if necessary
Locating the Metal Studs Behind Drywall
Metal studs are hidden behind drywall, so the next challenge is finding exactly where they are so you can install the screws into the studs. Here are some tips for locating them:
Use a Stud Finder
A good stud finder can detect metal studs through drywall using electromagnetic sensors or capacitive technology. Slowly slide the stud finder across the wall until it indicates a stud edge. Mark the location with pencil.
Check the Wall Stud Spacing
Typically metal studs are spaced 16 inches or 24 inches apart as they go up the wall. Measuring and marking these intervals from any known stud location can help map where more studs are expected to be found.
Look for Drywall Seams
The drywall panels are often installed with seams aligned to the stud locations. Visible seams, corners, or fastener pops can indicate a stud lies behind that edge.
Knock to Find Solid Spots
Tapping along the wall with your knuckle or a hammer can help detect dense areas that likely have a stud versus more hollow-sounding areas. Solid knocking sounds indicate possible stud zones.
Use a Rare Earth Magnet
Strong rare earth magnets can detect nails or screws driven into studs by pulling towards those spots through the drywall. Slide the magnet over the wall until it grabs to locate those hidden fasteners.
Finding and marking the stud locations in advance saves time and prevents improper screw placements later. Take the time to carefully locate them before mounting cabinets.
Installation Tips for Hanging Cabinets on Metal Studs
Once you know where the studs are and have the right hanging hardware, follow these tips for safely installing the cabinets:
Double Up on Hanging Screws
Two screws per stud placed vertically about an inch apart provides twice the holding strength compared to a single screw. Stagger the screws diagonally from the adjacent stud for even more support.
Use Screws Longer Than Cabinet Backing
Choose screw lengths that will penetrate at least 1 inch into the metal stud after going through the cabinet backing material to achieve maximum grip.
Pre-Drill Holes in Cabinet Backing
Drill clearance holes in the cabinet back just slightly wider than the screw heads. This prevents splitting the wood when driving in the screws while still allowing the threads to grip.
Use Flat Washers for Wider Support
A flat washer distributes force more evenly under each screw head to protect the backing material. Be sure the washer diameter exceeds the screw head diameter.
Take Advantage of Stud Edges
Try to align cabinet sides with the stud edges to allow screws to be safely driven into the center of the stud. Avoid ends or corners of studs.
Use Shims Under Cabinets If Needed
If a cabinet section lands between studs, use rigid wooden shims under the cabinets to fully support the base until it is also screwed into nearby studs.
Work from the Bottom Up
Start installing screws from the bottom corners working upwards. This allows the upper cabinets to “settle” into proper position naturally as they are mounted.
Keep Cabinets Level
Periodically check for levelness side-to-side and front-to-back as you work. Tapping cabinets into plumb saves adjustment later.
Following these proven techniques will help assure your cabinets mount securely on metal studs and stay safely in place for the lifetime of the installation.
Troubleshooting Common Metal Stud Installation Issues
Despite the best preparation, some minor issues can still pop up when installing cabinets on metal studs. Here are some common problems and how to avoid them:
Stripped Screws
This happens when too much torque is applied to a screw, tearing up the drive head. Be sure to pre-drill properly sized pilot holes and use the recommended drill speed to prevent stripping.
Snapped Screws
Screws can snap in half if they are forced too hard when the threading binds up or bottoms out. Ease pressure as soon as you feel significant resistance to avoid breakage.
Crooked Cabinets
Not locating studs accurately can lead to one side of a cabinet being misaligned if its screws miss their marks. Double check your stud finding markers are correct before drilling.
Loose Cabinets
If inadequate contact is made between the screw threads and stud, cabinets will wiggle and feel insecure. Make sure your screws are long enough to penetrate the recommended 1 inch minimum into the actual stud.
Damaged Drywall
Excessive pressure when driving screws can damage the drywall surface or cause unsightly cracking around the cabinets. Pre-drilling into studs helps prevent this.
With practice and by following these metal stud hanging techniques, you can become adept at safely and professionally installing cabinets onto metal stud walls. The results will be secure cabinets that mount beautifully and add functionality to any room.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hanging Cabinets on Metal Studs
What type of screw should I use to hang cabinets on metal studs?
Self-tapping metal screws, self-drilling metal screws, and sheet metal screws are recommended for metal studs. Standard wood screws are prone to snapping.
How big of pilot holes should be pre-drilled into metal studs?
For #8 screws, drill 5/32″ holes. For #10 screws, drill 3/16″ holes. For #12 screws, drill 7/32″ holes. Match your bit size just under the screw diameter.
What if my cabinets fall between the metal studs?
Use sturdy wooden shims tightly fitted under the cabinets to fully support them until they can also be secured to the adjacent studs.
How can I tell if screws are stripping when driving them into metal?
You will hear a clicking sound as the drive head slips. Immediately stop and back the screw out. Use a pilot hole or lubricate the screw to prevent this.
Why should I use two screws per stud instead of just one?
Two vertically staggered screws distribute force more evenly across the stud. This doubles the gripping power compared to a single screw.
Conclusion
Installing cabinets on metal studs has its unique challenges, but carefully following the recommendations in this guide will assure your cabinets mount securely. The key steps are:
- Choosing screws designed for metal
- Pre-drilling properly sized pilot holes
- Accurately locating studs behind drywall
- Using an adequate number of appropriately long screws
- Keeping cabinets level and plumb as you install
Employing proper techniques like pre-drilling, finding studs precisely, and using specialty metal screws allows even novices to end up with expert results. Your beautiful new cabinets will gain years of solid service mounted on metal studs.
With a detailed understanding of the best practices for this type of installation, you can gain confidence and get flawless results. So don’t let the metal studs stop you! Follow these tips to hang your cabinets like a seasoned pro.
