How to mount projector screen to metal joists in ceiling?

[Aisha1208]

Good morning

I would like to flush mount a 10kg projector screen to the ceiling of our living room. The framing of our house is entirely of steel, including the ceiling joists, which are then covered in plasterboard. There are two brackets provided with the projector screen, each of which can take 4 screws to mount them to the ceiling (see attached photos). The screen can also be wall mounted and the company provided screws and drywall plugs, but I assume that is to screw into timber studs. Given we are trying to screw into metal joists, I was planning on using self-tapping screws and also drilling pilot holes to make the job a bit easier but I'm wondering what size screws are best. My plan at the moment is to use 8G STS screws of 32mm length (https://www.bunnings.com.au/zenith-8g-x-32mm-galvanised-button-head-metal-screws-25-pack_p2410086) but I'm not sure if I should use a higher gauge and a longer length?

Any advice would be very much appreciated!

Thank you!

Aisha

[JacobZ]

Hi @Aisha1208,

A warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community and thank you for your question.

Using 4 of the screws you've linked to in each bracket should be perfectly fine assuming the head of the screw is wide enough to span the width of the hole. 

Metal screws work by pinching the metal between the thread of the screws so the length of the screw is not important as long as it goes through the metal. The gauge of your screws is also fine.

The main consideration you should make is whether the metal joists are fine to support the weight of the screen. Considering they are designed to carry the weight of plasterboard, it shouldn't be an issue, but if you know the manufacturer of the steel framing, it is worth looking into it. It might seem overkill, but it is always better to be safe than sorry.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[Aisha1208]

Hi Jacob

Thanks very much for your reply, that's really helpful! I'm confident the metal joists can support the weight of the screen but will double check. 

Many thanks

Aisha