Some people may consider a drywall project as an easy assignment. But did you know that not using the right tools for this task can lead you to an error-filled DIY experience? So, if you don’t want expensive and time-consuming mishaps, check out this brief post by our team as we try to identify which common tools are essential to use for drywall sheets.
Top 16 Must-Have Tools For Drywall Work
#1: Jab Saw
Admit it or not, smaller jobs like cutting holes in a sheet of drywall can be a complex procedure for newbies. Lucky for you, a jab saw can help in cutting drywall holes with depths measuring 6 to 8 inches, making your DIY projects more manageable than you ever imagined.
If you’re handling a large job that involves a pole sander or sanding block, our DIY experts recommend keeping sanding sheets on stand-by. You’ll need these materials for sanding drywall sheets after the jab saws are done with the cutting procedure.
#2: Utility Knife
The utility knife is among the best tools that you can’t miss when working on drywall projects. It’s commonly confused with drywall knives, but many DIYers prefer this alternative tool as it can be useful in any DIY project, not only in drywall installation.
And while any kind of knives may serve their purpose of making your drywall work easier, our experts don’t recommend ones with snap-off blades. If you want a reliable and convenient cutting tool, get yourself some utility knife from Hart tools that come interchangeable blades instead.
It’s also important to consider ones with screw-down handles when you shop for a utility knife because they offer greater stability than the standard ones sold in the market.
#3: Drywall Knife
When embarking on a DIY drywall project, the drywall knife is another tool you can’t exclude from your list. We’re confident that you’ll find its flat blades highly convenient as they’re specifically made for applying drywall mud to seal the sheets. The best alternative for this tool is a corner detail sander that serves the same purpose as a sanding finish.
Although they’re not expensive, drywall knives are sold in different sizes, so our team suggests inspecting them carefully before making any purchase. If you plan on slopping drywall mud for taping, knives sized 4 to 6 inches are the perfect options. Meanwhile, a 12-inch drywall knife is mainly used for consistent finish and final coats.
#4: Corner Knife
You may not know it, but a typical drywall knife can’t reach narrow edges, which is why it’s crucial to have a specialized corner knife in your toolbox. Unlike regular knives, you can navigate it at a 90-degree angle without any hassle during the drywall installation.
DIYers view a drywall corner knife as one of the best drywall tools because it can be used for corners, drywall mud bucket cleaning, and coving.
#5: Drywall Banjo
Out of all the tools used for installing drywall, we can say that banjo is the best option for users who detests manual tapering methods. If you’re not familiar with it, this tool is solely dedicated to applying paper tapes to a sheet of drywall. Our resident DIYers recommend using this if you’re a beginner so that you can avoid the bubbling of drywall tape.
#6: Screw Gun
It’s not a secret that the usage of traditional hammer and nails are still relevant for smaller projects up to this day [1]. However, instead of drywall nails, you’ll notice that most manufacturers nowadays promote drywall screws to hang drywall sheets. Why? Because screw guns make the drywall job faster.
It also ensures that the drywall screw is installed securely on the sheets. Although manually inserting drywall screws isn’t out of the question, it doesn’t suit bigger jobs that involve fastening dozens of screws.
If you want to take control of the speed of your installation, getting a drywall screw gun is still the best way to go.
#7: Drywall Saw
Besides jab saw, another cutting tool you can consider buying is the electric drywall saw. It may not be mandatory equipment to have in your workshop, but having this tool around can make the cutting process bliss.
Instead of a manual jab saw, electric drywall saw offer accuracy and speed that are highly needed for large-scale tasks.
If you’re worried about the cost that a power saw may incur, you can opt for traditional drywall saw designed with coarse teeth that’s capable of cutting odd shapes in your sheets.
#8: Cordless Drill
If greater efficiency and versatility are what you seek for your drywall project, a standard cordless drill from brands like Kobalt or Bosch will do the trick. Compared to its corded counterpart, your movements aren’t restricted when using this tool.
#9: Drywall Screws
Along with the basic drywall tools, our team also suggests keeping drywall screws in your toolbox. When you shop for these materials, you’ll notice that they come in two varieties; the coarse-thread and the fine-thread.
You’ll most likely need a fine-thread screw for fastening if you’re working on metal framing. However, if you’re dealing with wood studs and other home improvement tasks, you can count on coarse-thread screws to do the job.
Generally, professional DIY workers like us would recommend having stocks of ⅝ inch screws as this size is the most widely used for drywall tasks.
#10: Drywall Lift
Drywall installation isn’t a one-man’s job. But if you found yourself no choice but to do it yourself, a drywall lift is the best drywall tool for support. This tool can cost higher than other support tools, so some users prefer to rent drywall lifts to help in lifting heavy sheets.
Another support tool lift you can consider when working alone, is the drywall stilts. If you need to reach ceilings as high as 8 feet, you can use it as an alternative to a typical ladder if you don’t have one at your disposal.
#11: Dust Vacuum
Let’s face it. Dust is a common dilemma when working with tools and construction materials. While its generation cannot be stopped, having a drywall dust vacuum can create a barrier to stop the dust from spreading.
It’s not mandatory, but if you happen to fancy buying a drywall dust vacuum, our team urges you to select ones that have suction cups. You may not know it, but units like these work wonder on smooth floors. Most recent models can also be connected with drywall sanders.
#12: Sanding Pole and Sheets
There are hard-to-reach edges where drywall sanding sponges are of no use. For this dilemma, using a sanding pole with an extensive reach is your best alternative. These finishing tools are for wearing down the drywall after completing the installation.
The best drywall tools that can help with the sanding process are the sanding sheets. If you’re a frequent woodworker, you’d know that these materials come in two varieties. First, the fiberglass mesh is designed with holes to give specks of dust opening and prevent them from caking up on the surface.
The other one has the visual of typical sandpaper. However, our resident woodworkers recommend these sheets for finer drywall sanding.
#13: Sanding Sponge
Sanding sponges aren’t new in the market, but if you can compare their appearance to kitchen scrubs used to clean pots if you haven’t seen one. Like dish scrubbers, a drywall sanding sponge has a smooth side and an abrasive surface on the other.
And while it’s widely popular, we don’t recommend relying on a sanding sponge on all your finishing tasks. This tool is effective for touchups alone.
#14: T-Square
Most of the square here have substitutes, but a drywall T-square has none. It’s either you have it, or your DIY drywalling project will be hard to complete. Besides getting the right measurement, buying a drywall t-square allow users to cut sheets up to 48 inches in length.
Available drywall t-squares in the market have heads that can be adjusted in different angles from 30 to 75 degrees.
#15: Tape Measure
A tape measure is among the no-brainer and basic drywall tools you’ll need in this DIY project. You’ll need this for measuring how many sheets you’ll need to install in your walls. If you’re working on longer walls, get ones that can measure up to 12 feet long.
#16: Mud Pan
During the drywall application, you’d get your knife with excess mud, so it’s best to have a drywall mud pan sitting next to you during the process.
Also check:
FAQ
Are drywall corner tools good?
Yes, drywall corner tools are good. If you use it accordingly with the right application of pressure, this tool can make your DIY drywalling project better results. And because it’s specifically designed for hard-to-reach corners and edges, users of this tool can expect more convenient and efficient operations.
What is the number one tool when hanging drywall?
The number one tool when hanging drywall is a utility knife. Although considered a common sight in DIY projects, these knives can come in handy during cutting operations. When you shop for one, you’ll find that some of them have interchangeable and quick-change features that you’ll find useful.
Conclusion
It doesn’t matter if you’re using the best drywall tools, knowing when and how to use them still determines the success of your project. Even if you’re just a casual DIY worker, our team still urges you to add some of the tools in your workshop as they can come in handy in other projects as well.
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