I'm in the process of finishing my basement and only have the ceiling left to complete. I used metal studs for the framing and am using a metal grid system for a drop ceiling. How should I attach the wall molding to the walls? The manufacturer says to use nails, but that's obviously not an option with the metal studs. Would a drywall screw meant for metal framing work?
A coarse thread drywall screw would work, but then you would have to counter-sink each screw and go back and putty over each screw before you paint your molding or it would look horrible. Rent an air compressor and a finish nailler. It will shoot the finish nails into the metal studs. (just make sure that you use 16 gauge not 18... they would just bend ). It will make the job quick and easy too. It will be well worth the cost of renting if you don't want to buy one.
I would use a modified truss screw. It has a good grip thread and a flat bearing surface to the head to help support the thin metal. An added advantage is that the head is thin and won't interfere as much with objects sliding over them, like ceiling tiles. Haven't had any luck finding them at place like The Home Depot, but most lumber yards carry them.
The wall trim only holds the weight of 1/2 of the outermost tile. So, there is not much weight to support. I've successfully attached the wall tile to stucco'ed concrete walls using liquid nails adhesive. I used a couple nails and scrap boards leaning against the wall to hold the angle in place until the glue set. The t-strips are suspended from the ceiling. Since you have drywall, tack the angle in place with enough nails to hold it while the glue sets. Rather than liquid nails, I'd use something white (like RTV) so you don't have to repaint the glue that shows. Also, the RTV will fill in the gap where joint compound makes the wall not flat.
