Update: I was totally wrong about self-tapping screws for metal studs

For like 3 years I refused to use self-tapping screws on metal studs. I was convinced they were a gimmick and would strip out or snap off. Last month I had a 12,000 sq ft job in a new warehouse in Charlotte and the GC specifically asked for them. I had no choice so I ran a test on a small section first. Used my regular collated screw gun with the right setting and man they went in smooth as butter. No pre-drilling, no fighting with the bit walking around. After doing 40 sheets of 5/8 on that job I'm a total convert. Has anyone else had that moment where you finally gave in to a tool or method you were sure was overhyped?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_riley2mo ago

Man I had that same stubborn streak but with oscillating tools. I was over here cutting out drywall patches with a jab saw and a utility knife like a caveman for years. My brother finally shoved his Fein into my hand when I was trimming out a window in an old cinder block bathroom. Cut that metal latch plate clean off in like 30 seconds with zero dust. I went out and bought one that same afternoon and now I use it for everything from cutting pvc to trimming door jambs. It's embarrassing how long I fought it lol.

baker.ben10d ago

Wait, your brother just shoved his Fein into your hand and let you use it? That's crazy to me because those things are expensive. I've had people offer me their tools before but nobody's handing over a Fein like it's nothing. @emerychen hit it right though, that whole "gimmick" phase is practically mandatory. I did the same thing with my first cordless sawzall, thought it was a toy until I borrowed one and realized I was just making things harder for myself. The dust thing alone is enough to convert you, especially compared to cutting metal with a grinder. I still have a hard time believing you can cut a metal latch plate that clean in thirty seconds without any dust flying everywhere.

emerychen2mo ago

The whole "I told myself it was a gimmick" phase is basically a rite of passage in this trade. I did the exact same thing with impact drivers back when they first hit the market, swore up and down a standard drill was all anybody needed. Took one weekend hanging cabinets for my brother in law and I haven't touched a regular drill for anything but drilling holes since.