Working with Metal Studs

[TomW]

We bought a house in Duval and I don't know if it has metal studs or not. I want to do a couple of things lke relocating closet shelving and maybe attaching a bracket to the studs for a TV but I have no experience working with metal studs. I normall use drywall screws for everything, will they work or is there another procedure? Can you locate them with a regular stud finder? The house was built in 2007. Thanks!

[Pharmer]

I think that you'll find in all the newer homes that the exterior studs are wood and interiors are metal. Sheet metal screws should work fine with the metal.

[RVRoadie]

It has been my experience that the metal studs are too flimsy to hold a sheet metal screw like a wood stud would. Best to use the heaviest molly bolt you can find and anchor to the drywall.

[elevatorman]

They use a mix of wood and metal studs. the best way to find out is to go to a house that is being built and look in the area in question. I believe the bearing walls are wood and the others are metal. A magnet can find the metal studs or the heads of the drywall screws.