A drywall jack is a tool that helps with the installation of drywall, especially on high or angled ceilings. It has a sturdy base, a vertical pole that can extend up to 15 feet, and a grip that holds the drywall securely. It can be disassembled and rented for occasional use.
A typical four-foot by eight-foot (about 1 meter by 2.5 meters) sheet of drywall can weigh between 75 and 100 pounds (about 35 to 45 kilograms). Since handling this material for a drywall project, especially a ceiling project, can be awkward and difficult, a handy tool, known as a drywall jack, can come in handy. A drywall jack is a large, clamp-like tool, on wheels, with a drive shaft vertical extension pole that makes hanging drywall anywhere above eye level a markedly easier task.
A drywall jack is much sturdier than it looks. The base is typically three-pronged. The wheels attached to the ends of the three prongs are often capable of rotating a full 360°, which helps make moving the jack even easier.
Connected to the base is a main vertical pole which can often extend up to about 10 to 15 feet (about 3 to 4.5 meters) in height. Drywall jacks are also available for higher installations. A large round crank, similar to a steering wheel, is usually attached to the center post on a V-shaped horizontal frame. This crank helps raise and lower the drywall.
Connected to the top of the main vertical post is the portion of the tool that holds, or grips, the drywall. This piece is typically shaped like the letter H, with the cross rod on some models capable of extending up to 16 feet horizontally to handle large pieces of drywall. The parallel prongs of this section of the drywall jack have rubber grippers at each end, gripping the drywall firmly and holding it steady during the installation process.
After a sheet of drywall has been loaded onto the drywall jack and the clamps have been tightened, the crank is rotated, extending the center post and the secured sheet of drywall to the desired height. Not only is a drywall jack useful for hanging drywall on typical ceilings, but it’s especially useful for raised, vaulted, sloped, or otherwise oddly angled ceilings and walls. Whereas installing drywall, especially ceilings, is typically a two- or even three-person job, a drywall jack can help make it a one-person job.
Drywall jacks vary in size and capacity, and most can be disassembled and reassembled easily. Depending on how much drywall you hang, it may be wise to buy or build your own. For the occasional drywall hookup, renting a jack is usually a relatively inexpensive option.
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