ASTM C954-22

Standard Specification for Steel Drill Screws for the Application of Gypsum Panel Products or Metal Plaster Bases to Steel Studs from 0.033 in. (0.84 mm) to 0.112 in. (2.84 mm) in Thickness

ABSTRACT
This specification covers the minimum requirements, physical properties, and test methods for steel drill screws for use in fastening gypsum panel products or metal plaster bases to steel members. The screws shall be manufactured from Grade 1018 to 1022 steel wire and the screw surface shall be carbonitrided to a specific depth. The apparatus for testing shall comprise of a power-driven drill screw gun and a vice or a similar device to support the stud during tests. Surface hardness and ductility of the specimens shall conform to the metallurgical property requirements as shall be determined by microhardness and bend test methods, respectively.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers minimum requirements for steel drill screws for use in fastening gypsum panel products or metal plaster bases to steel members from 0.033 in. (0.84 mm) to 0.112 in. (2.84 mm) in thickness.  
1.2 This specification also covers physical properties and test methods for determining performance requirements.  
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.4 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test methods described in this specification. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-May-2022
• ICS: 21.060.10 - Bolts, screws, studs
• Technical Committee: C11 - Gypsum and Related Building Materials and Systems
• Drafting Committee: C11.02 - Specifications and Test Methods for Accessories and Related Products

Relations

• Refers: ASTM C11-18a - Standard Terminology Relating to Gypsum and Related Building Materials and Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Refers: ASTM C847-18 - Standard Specification for Metal Lath
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Refers: ASTM C11-18 - Standard Terminology Relating to Gypsum and Related Building Materials and Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2018
• Refers: ASTM C955-18 - Standard Specification for Cold-Formed Steel Structural Framing Members
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2018
• Refers: ASTM C955-18e1 - Standard Specification for Cold-Formed Steel Structural Framing Members
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2018
• Refers: ASTM C1513-18 - Standard Specification for Steel Tapping Screws for Cold-Formed Steel Framing Connections
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2018
• Refers: ASTM C11-17a - Standard Terminology Relating to Gypsum and Related Building Materials and Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2017
• Refers: ASTM C955-17 - Standard Specification for Cold-Formed Steel Structural Framing Members
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2017
• Refers: ASTM C11-17 - Standard Terminology Relating to Gypsum and Related Building Materials and Systems
• Effective Date: 15-May-2017
• Refers: ASTM C11-16 - Standard Terminology Relating to Gypsum and Related Building Materials and Systems
• Effective Date: 15-May-2016
• Refers: ASTM C11-15a - Standard Terminology Relating to Gypsum and Related Building Materials and Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2015
• Refers: ASTM A1040-10(2015)e1 - Standard Guide for Specifying Harmonized Standard Grade Compositions for Wrought Carbon, Low-Alloy, and Alloy Steels
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2015
• Refers: ASTM C11-15 - Standard Terminology Relating to Gypsum and Related Building Materials and Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2015
• Refers: ASTM C955-15e1 - Standard Specification for Load-Bearing (Transverse and Axial) Steel Studs, Runners (Tracks), and Bracing or Bridging for Screw Application of Gypsum Panel Products and Metal Plaster Bases
• Effective Date: 15-Mar-2015
• Refers: ASTM C955-15 - Standard Specification for Load-Bearing (Transverse and Axial) Steel Studs, Runners (Tracks), and Bracing or Bridging for Screw Application of Gypsum Panel Products and Metal Plaster Bases
• Effective Date: 15-Mar-2015

Overview

ASTM C954-22, titled Standard Specification for Steel Drill Screws for the Application of Gypsum Panel Products or Metal Plaster Bases to Steel Studs from 0.033 in. (0.84 mm) to 0.112 in. (2.84 mm) in Thickness, establishes the minimum requirements, physical properties, and test methods for steel drill screws used in fastening gypsum panel products or metal plaster bases to steel structural members. Developed by ASTM Committee C11, this standard supports construction industries in selecting quality steel drill screws designed for reliable attachment in metal framing, particularly for lightweight steel studs.

Key Topics

• Scope: Specifies performance and manufacturing requirements for steel drill screws used with steel members 0.033 in. (0.84 mm) to 0.112 in. (2.84 mm) thick.
• Materials: Drill screws must be produced from Grade 1018 to 1022 steel wire, comply with wire manufacturing standards, and possess specific surface treatments for enhanced performance.
• Physical Properties: Outlines metallurgical requirements, such as surface carbonitriding, core hardness, surface hardness measured at the thread root, and necessary ductility to withstand a minimum 5° bend without fracture.
• Dimensions: Defines permissible variations in screw head diameter, screw diameter, length, type of recess (No. 2 “Phillips” or equivalent), and thread configuration for both gypsum panels and metal plaster base fastening.
• Performance Testing: Specifies penetration and metal lath test procedures to ensure that screws can self-drill into specified thicknesses of steel studs and adequately fasten gypsum board or metal lath without spin-out or slippage.
• Corrosion Resistance: Requires surface treatment that does not interfere with finishing materials, such as joint compound or plaster, and prevents corrosion or staining.
• Inspection and Certification: Details procedures for inspection, retesting, rejection, and certification to assure compliance throughout the supply chain.

Applications

ASTM C954-22 is widely applied in building and construction projects that utilize steel framing systems:

• Gypsum Wallboard Installation: Ensures secure attachment of gypsum panels to cold-formed steel studs for interior wall assemblies, ceilings, and partition systems.
• Metal Plaster Base Attachment: Specifies screws suitable for holding metal lath in place, which is used as a substrate for traditional plaster or stucco in both residential and commercial buildings.
• Light-Gauge Steel Construction: Supports manufacturers, contractors, and quality inspectors working with steel members in modern construction, helping them ensure the compatibility and safety of fasteners used in non-load-bearing and load-bearing partitions.
• Regulatory Compliance: Enables designers and contractors to specify compliant screws in contract documents and meet code requirements.

Related Standards

ASTM C954-22 references and aligns with several related standards to ensure the integrity of steel framing systems and associated fasteners. Notable references include:

• ASTM A510/A510M: Specification for carbon and alloy steel wire rods used in screw manufacturing.
• ASTM A1040: Guide for specifying steel grade compositions.
• ASTM C11: Terminology relating to gypsum and related building materials.
• ASTM C847: Specification for metal lath products.
• ASTM C955: Specification for cold-formed steel structural framing members.
• ASTM C1396/C1396M: Specification for gypsum board products.
• ASTM C1513: Specification for steel tapping screws for cold-formed steel framing connections.
• AISI S240: North American standard for cold-formed steel structural framing.

For industry professionals working in steel framing and panelized building systems, adhering to ASTM C954-22 ensures that steel drill screws meet stringent criteria for performance, quality, and safety, supporting long-lasting and compliant installations.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation:C954 −22
Standard Specification for
Steel Drill Screws for the Application of Gypsum Panel
Products or Metal Plaster Bases to Steel Studs from 0.033
in. (0.84 mm) to 0.112 in. (2.84 mm) in Thickness
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C954; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope Wire Rods and Coarse Round Wire, Carbon Steel, and
Alloy Steel
1.1 This specification covers minimum requirements for
A1040 Guide for Specifying Harmonized Standard Grade
steel drill screws for use in fastening gypsum panel products or
Compositions for Wrought Carbon, Low-Alloy, andAlloy
metal plaster bases to steel members from 0.033 in. (0.84 mm)
Steels
to 0.112 in. (2.84 mm) in thickness.
C11 Terminology Relating to Gypsum and Related Building
1.2 This specification also covers physical properties and
Materials and Systems
test methods for determining performance requirements.
C847 Specification for Metal Lath
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded C955 Specification for Cold-Formed Steel Structural Fram-
ing Members
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only C1396/C1396M Specification for Gypsum Board
C1513 Specification for Steel Tapping Screws for Cold-
and are not considered standard.
Formed Steel Framing Connections
1.4 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the
2.2 AISI Standard:
test methods described in this specification. This standard does
not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, S240 North American Standard for Cold-Formed Steel
Structural Framing
associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this
standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environ-
3. Terminology
mental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
3.1 Definitions:
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
3.1.1 For definitions relating to gypsum and related building
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
materials and systems, see Terminology C11.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.2.1 steel drill screw, n—self-drilling tapping screw with
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
the ability to drill its own hole, form or cut mating threads
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
without deforming its own threads or breaking during assem-
bly.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards: 4. Materials
A510/A510M Specification for General Requirements for
4.1 Screws shall be made from steel wire manufactured in
accordance with Specification A510/A510M.
4.1.1 Chemical composition shall be in accordance with
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C11 on
Guide A1040, Grade 1018 to 1022.
Gypsum and Related Building Materials and Systems and is the direct responsibility
of Subcommittee C11.02 on Specifications and Test Methods for Accessories and
Related Products.
5. Physical Properties
Current edition approved June 1, 2022. Published June 2022. Originally
5.1 Metallurgical Requirements:
approved in 1981. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as C954 – 18. DOI:
10.1520/C0954-22.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), 25 Massachusetts
the ASTM website. Avenue, NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20001, https://www.steel.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C954−22
5.1.1 The surface of the screw shall be carbonitrided to a 6.2.1 When tested in accordance with Section 10 and 11,
depth of 0.004 to 0.008 in. (0.10 to 0.20 mm). screws shall meet the requirements as follows:
6.2.1.1 Gypsum Panel Products—When tested in accor-
5.1.2 The core hardness shall be 32 to 40 HRC after being
drawn at a minimum temperature of 625 °F (330 °C). dance with Section 11, screw threads shall be capable of
pulling the head of the screw below the surface of the gypsum
5.1.3 The screw shall have no band of free ferrite between
the case and core nor shall the case contain appreciable board
6.2.1.2 Metal Plaster Bases—When tested in accordance
amounts of retained austenite or other soft constituents.
with Section 10, screw threads shall be adequate to pull metal
5.1.4 Surface hardness shall be determined by a micro
lath tight against the flange of a steel stud 0.033 in. (0.84 mm)
hardness instrument at “the root of the thread profile,” as
thick so that when subjected to a steady pull, the lath will tear
exposed by removal of enough material to form a flat surface
and not slip out from under the screw head when tested in
along the length of the screw.
accordance with 10.5.1.
5.1.5 Ductility—Screws shall have sufficient ductility to be
able to withstand a 5° bend without visible signs of fracture
7. Finish and Appearance
when tested as specified in paragraph 8.2.1 of Specification
C1513.
7.1 Screws shall be corrosion-resistant treated with a mate-
rial which will not inhibit adhesion to joint compounds or
5.2 Dimensions and Permissible Variations:
plaster and will not bleed through decorative finishes.
5.2.1 General:
5.2.1.1 Head Diameter—The head of the screw shall not be
7.2 Screws shall be straight, clean, smooth, neatly formed,
out of round more than 0.021 in. (0.51 mm) and have the
and free of defects such as burrs and deformations.
following shape and dimensions:
8. Sampling
5.2.1.2 Screw Diameter—Screws shall have a major diam-
eter not less than 0.136 in. (3.45 mm).
8.1 Obtain not less than 90 screws from not less than five
5.2.1.3 Points, shall provide for self-drilling into steel studs
containers.
from 0.333 in. (0.84 mm) to 0.112 in. (2.84 mm) in thickness
and meet the performance tests in Section 6.
9. Number of Tests and Retests
5.2.1.4 Driving Recess, shall be a No. 2 “Phillips” design
9.1 Testaminimumoffivescrewsforeachtest.Ifanyofthe
with a minimum depth of 0.104 in. (2.64 mm) as determined
first lot fails, test 25 more screws.
with a “Phillips” penetration depth gauge or a recess of equal
9.2 If two or more of the second lot fail the second test, then
performance.
the represented lot fails to meet the specified requirements.
5.2.1.5 Length—Nominal lengths shall be minimum length.
5.2.2 Screws for Fastening Gypsum Board:
10. Metal Lath Test Method
5.2.2.1 Screw-head minimum diameter shall be 0.3145 in.
(8.00 mm).
10.1 Summary of Test Method:
5.2.2.2 The top of the head shall be flat. The outer flange 10.1.1 This test method utilizes steel screws designed for
thickness shall be 0.025 6 0.005 in. (0.64 6 0.13 mm). The use to hold metal plaster base materials applied with power-
contour beneath the flange head shall be such that the screw driven screw guns of 2500 rpm maximum to steel studs.
head shall be able to be driven so that the head of the screw
10.2 Significance and Use:
rests immediately below the surface of the gypsum panel
10.2.1 This test method evaluates the ability of steel drill
p
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: C954 − 18 C954 − 22
Standard Specification for
Steel Drill Screws for the Application of Gypsum Panel
Products or Metal Plaster Bases to Steel Studs from 0.033
in. (0.84 mm) to 0.112 in. (2.84 mm) in Thickness
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C954; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope*Scope
1.1 This specification covers minimum requirements for steel drill screws for use in fastening gypsum panel products or metal
plaster bases to steel members from 0.033 in. (0.84 mm) to 0.112 in. (2.84 mm) in thickness.
1.2 This specification also covers physical properties and test methods for determining performance requirements.
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.4 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test methods described in this specification. This standard does not
purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to
establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test methods described in this specification. This standard does not
purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to
establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior
to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
A510/A510M Specification for General Requirements for Wire Rods and Coarse Round Wire, Carbon Steel, and Alloy Steel
A1040 Guide for Specifying Harmonized Standard Grade Compositions for Wrought Carbon, Low-Alloy, and Alloy Steels
C11 Terminology Relating to Gypsum and Related Building Materials and Systems
C847 Specification for Metal Lath
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C11 on Gypsum and Related Building Materials and Systems and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee C11.02 on Specifications and Test Methods for Accessories and Related Products.
Current edition approved April 1, 2018June 1, 2022. Published April 2018June 2022. Originally approved in 1981. Last previous edition approved in 20152018 as
C954 – 15.C954 – 18. DOI: 10.1520/C0954-18.10.1520/C0954-22.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C954 − 22
C955 Specification for Cold-Formed Steel Structural Framing Members
C1396/C1396M Specification for Gypsum Board
C1513 Specification for Steel Tapping Screws for Cold-Formed Steel Framing Connections
2.2 AISI Standard:
S240 North American Standard for Cold-Formed Steel Structural Framing
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 For definitions relating to gypsum and related building materials and systems, see Terminology C11.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 steel drill screw, n—self-drilling tapping screw with the ability to drill its own hole, form or cut mating threads without
deforming its own threads or breaking during assembly.
4. Materials
4.1 Screws shall be made from steel wire manufactured in accordance with Specification A510/A510M.
4.1.1 Chemical composition shall be in accordance with Guide A1040, Grade 1018 to 1022.
5. Physical Properties
5.1 Metallurgical Requirements:
5.1.1 The surface of the screw shall be carbonitrided to a depth of 0.004 to 0.008 in. (0.10 to 0.20 mm).
5.1.2 The core hardness shall be 32 to 40 HRC after being drawn at a minimum temperature of 625°F (330°C).625 °F (330 °C).
5.1.3 The screw shall have no band of free ferrite between the case and core nor shall the case contain appreciable amounts of
retained austenite or other soft constituents.
5.1.4 Surface hardness shall be determined by a micro hardness instrument at “the root of the thread profile,” as exposed by
removal of enough material to form a flat surface along the length of the screw.
5.1.5 Ductility—Screws shall have sufficient ductility to be able to withstand a 5° bend without visible signs of fracture when
tested as specified in paragraph 8.2.1 of Specification C1513.
5.2 Dimensions and Permissible Variations:
5.2.1 General:
5.2.1.1 Head Diameter—The head of the screw shall not be out of round more than 0.021 in. (0.51 mm) and have the following
shape and dimensions:
5.2.1.2 Screw Diameter—Screws shall have a major diameter not less than 0.136 in. (3.45 mm).
5.2.1.3 Points, shall provide for self-drilling into steel studs from 0.333 in. (0.84 mm) to 0.112 in. (2.84 mm) in thickness and meet
the performance tests in Section 6.
5.2.1.4 Driving Recess, shall be a No. 2 “Phillips” design with a minimum depth of 0.104 in. (2.64 mm) as determined with a
“Phillips” penetration depth gagegauge or a recess of equal performance.
5.2.1.5 Length—Nominal lengths shall be minimum length.
5.2.2 Screws for Fastening Gypsum Board:
Available from American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), 25 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20001, https://www.steel.org.
C954 − 22
5.2.2.1 Screw-head minimum diameter shall be 0.3145 in. (8.00 mm).
5.2.2.2 The top of the head shall be flat. The outer flange thickness shall be 0.025 6 0.005 in. (0.64 6 0.13 mm). The contour
beneath the flange head shall be such that the screw head shall be able to be driven so that the head of the screw rests immediately
below the surface of the gypsum panel products.
5.2.2.3 For screws less than 1 ⁄2 in. (38 mm) overall length, the threads shall extend to the lower edge of the head contour.
5.2.3 Screws for Fastening Metal Plaster Bases:
5.2.3.1 Screw head minimum diameter shall be 0.437 in. (11.1 mm).
5.2.3.2 The top of the head shall be flat or contoured. The underside of the head shall be flat.
5.2.3.3 The threads shall extend to the underside of the head.
6. Performance Requirements
6.1 Spin-Out:
6.1.1 Screws shall self-drill and drive into a stud 0.0538 in. (1.4 mm) thick with an approximate hardness of 65 HRB without
spin-out.
6.1.2 Screws shall self drill and drive into a stud 0.0966 in. (2.5 mm) thick, with a hardness of 80 HRB without spin-out.
6.2 Performance:
6.2.1 When tested in accordance with Section 10 and 11, screws shall meet the requirements as follows:
6.2.1.1 Gypsum Panel Products—When tested in accordance with Section 11, screw threads shall be capable of pulling the head
of the screw below the surface of the gypsum board
6.2.1.2 Metal Plaster Bases—When tested in accordance with Section 10, screw threads shall be adequate to pull metal lath tight
against the flange of a steel stud 0.033 in. (0.84 mm) thick so that when subjected to a steady pull, the lath will tear and not slip
out from under the screw head when tested in accordance with 10.5.1.
7. Finish and Appearance
7.1 Screws shall be corrosion-resistant treated with a material which will not inhibit adhesion to joint compounds or plaster and
will not ble
...