Tools Needed to Remove Drywall
Drywall demolition can be a tough, messy job but with a few tools readily available at most home centers, the job can go a lot easier. The first consideration is what may be hidden behind drywall. Pipes, electrical wire, cables and ductwork can all be run between walls and concealed by drywall. This makes tool selection very important.
Safety
Drywall removal creates a lot of dust and debris. Sometimes drywall comes off in small chunks and the powdery gypsum inside will coat anything around. It's always best to wear a dust mask or respirator when removing drywall and seal the room off with sheets of plastic duct taped to the walls outside the room.
Sledgehammer
Many people picture slamming into drywall with a heavy sledgehammer to tear open large holes and affect quick removal but the sledgehammer should not be the tool of choice and should be used only sparingly if at all. Sledgehammers tend to pulverize drywall and that makes the mess even bigger. Plus there is the concern about what lays lurking behind drywall. A sledgehammer will do an equally effective demolition job on pipes and ductwork that you may want to keep intact.
Claw Hammers
Everyday claw hammers are a better choice. Framing hammers have a claw end, some heft and still provide better control than sledges. Use a claw hammer to gently open up holes in the drywall that are just large enough to get your hand and the hammer inside. This will let you see what is inside that may need to be avoided during the demolition. It also lets you place the hammer inside the wall and tap near studs where nails or screws holding the drywall in place are located. By pulling drywall off the walls in large sheets, the mess is better contained.
Pry Bars
Small pry bars are extremely useful for removing baseboard, cornices and crown molding before tearing out drywall. Just slip them behind the nails holding this trim in place and gently pull the pry bar toward you. Larger pry bars can be helpful for pulling off more stubborn sections of drywall that adhere to the studs and they can aid in nail removal.
Fastener Removal
Portable drills armed with screwdriver bits are great for removing screws left in the wall studs after the drywall is removed. A large pry bar or the claw hammer will work well for pulling out nails if the drywall had been fastened with them. For hard to reach screws and nails, a reciprocating saw may be the only choice as they can be cut off flush to the stud.
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