There are various drywall tools available for both professionals and novices, from basic tools like hammers and tape measures to specialized equipment like power drills and banjo cones. Higher quality tools often lead to better results, but may require a higher initial investment. Basic tools include saws, razors, taping knives, jointing knives, mud pans, sanding blocks, and drywall lifts. Professionals may also use power drills, T-squares, banjo cones, screw guns, hand router tools, and drywall stilts.
From automatic devices to portable equipment, there are a wide variety of drywall tools on the market to assist both professionals and novices in installing drywall. Simple jobs, like repairing small holes in drywall, generally require basic drywall tools like drywall hammers, duct tape knives, and tape measure. A full drywall installation, on the other hand, may require more specialized drywall equipment like a power drill, T-square, and banjo cone. Higher quality drywall tools often lead to the best long-term results, even though they may require a more expensive initial investment.
Basic drywall tools include a drywall hammer, tape measure, and saw for cutting the drywall to size or for cutting holes for light switches or electrical outlets. In general, these tools are always essential, even for small drywall repair jobs. Another must-have tool is an all-purpose razor, which is usually used to cut the drywall paper to the correct size.
Taping knives and jointing knives are other basic drywall tools. Taping knives usually come in six or eight inch (about 15-20 cm) sizes while jointing knives are usually ten inches (about 25 cm) long. Using a duct tape knife, a drywall finisher can fill the tape joints in corners and seams. Generally, joint knives are used to apply multiple layers of finishing mud to flat seams. A common knife can also be used to get rid of excess drywall.
Other important drywall tools include a drywall mud pan, a post sander, and sponge sanding blocks. Post sanders and sponge sanding blocks can be used to smooth out joint compound applied to drywall. While not essential, a foot-operated drywall lift can prove useful, particularly for large jobs. Drywall lifters are drywall tools that simplify the process of tightly fitting one piece of drywall against another piece.
Professional drywall refinishers often use power drills, T-squares, and aluminum drywall tape banjos when completing a project. A power drill makes it easier for a drywall installer to mix the drywall mud. A t-square is a type of drawing tool that allows a drywall installer to draw lines to cut through the drywall. Banjo cones are used to apply drywall tape and mud in one step, often saving a significant amount of time.
Some professionals use screw guns instead of hammers and drywall nails because screw guns can be more consistent. After the drywall is hung, a hand router tool is sometimes used to cut out electrical outlets, doors and windows. Drywall stilts can also be used, although they can be difficult for the amateur to handle.
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