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drywall screws going in crooked?

I am fixing some nail pops in my ceiling and I am adding drying screws near the pops for added support. The problem is that the screws keep going in crooked. I am holding the drill straight, but the screws are veering off course. How can I prevent this?

2 Answers

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  • 10 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    Straight screws go in straight. If you're sure you're holding the tool straight, that is, plumb in all directions as compared with the flat level of the ceiling, there are a couple of things I might suggest.

    One: is the drill motor in reverse? This is a more common problem than you might imagine.

    Two: are there knots in the joists at the points where the screws are tapping in?

    Three: are there "no-nail" plates at these points in the joists? They are there to keep you from screwing anything in, so as not to damage electrical or plumbing.

    If none of these help you, and you are positive it's not operator error, try driving the screws in part way with a hammer, and then screwing them home. That should do it.

    Good luck, and I hope this helps.

    Source(s): 39 years in the building trades
  • Anonymous
    10 years ago

    Change direction and go slow when they start to veer off course.

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