Peter Taylor wrote:
"jacob" wrote...
Putting up plasterboard:
What's the point of Screwfix 'plasterboard- jagged'' nails as
compared to galvanised clout nails, and how far apart should
they be?

They're supposed not to pull out so easily. I don't see the
point, myself - ELH clouts (modern name!) every 4" or 6" are
fine, they should be decent gauge and long enough.


Clout nails have a large flat head, used for nailing roofing
felt. The problem about using them for plasterboard is that
the skim coat of plaster doesn't adhere to the large head and
usually falls off leaving a hole - proper plasterboard nails
have much smaller heads.

The problem is that they're rarely put in close enough together
or fully home. This means that there can be a gap, or a gap can
develop, between the PB and joist - then when someone pushes on
the PB, all the heads push up little domes of skim and discs of
plaster can fall off! To repair this, the PB must be pushed up
tight, existing nails must be punched down, new ones put in if
need be, and the lot filled.


But I agree with Andrew - use drywall screws if you can - 32mm
for 9mm plasterboard and 38mm for 12mm board.

This is OK but there can still be big problems with inept fitting,
especially where too few screws are used and/or they are over-
driven and the heads break through the outer layer into the
plaster; this can lead to whole boards falling off!!


It's also much quicker and easier, especially if you're working
alone.

No, I don't agree with that at all.


J.B.