What is the smallest sized screw that can be used to attach 1/2 inch gypsum board to load bearing steel studs?

The correct choice is based on industry standards for securely fastening gypsum board to load-bearing steel studs. When attaching 1/2 inch gypsum board, using screws that are specifically designed for metal framing is crucial.

#6 screws, particularly with a length of 1 inch, are widely recognized as suitable for this application. They provide sufficient anchoring strength into the metal studs while ensuring the gypsum board is properly secured. The size and type of screw must be adequate to handle the weight of the gypsum board and any potential loads applied to it.

The other sizes mentioned—#4, #8, and #10—either do not meet the minimum strength requirements or would not fit the standard practices for this kind of installation. A #4 screw may be too small to provide adequate hold strength for this application, while #8 and #10 screws, while strong, are typically over-specified for this type of fastening, making #6 the best balance between structural integrity and material efficiency in this context.