Hanging and finishing drywall can be a difficult task unless you have the right tools. A drywall finisher's tool belt will be equipped with a myriad of drywall tools such as a razor knife, assorted sizes of joint compound knives, drywall tape and sanding blocks. A drywall installer also will use tools in order to make hanging the drywall easier such as drywall jacks and drills. Hanging and finishing drywall with the right tools ensures a professional quality finish with the least amount of effort.
Installation Tools
Drywall jack. A drywall jack in used by drywall installers to hold large sheets of drywall up for easy installation on ceilings. The sheet of drywall is jacked up until it is pressed against the ceiling joists. The installer will then climb a ladder and affix the drywall to the ceiling joists with a drill and drywall screws.
Drills. No drywall installer's toolkit is complete without a heavy-duty drill. The drywall installer will run drywall screws through the drywall and into the wall studs underneath, attaching the drywall to the wall or ceiling, using this tool.
Razor knife. Razor knives are used to cut drywall sheets to size. If a full sheet of drywall is too large for the space or a hole has to be cut for an outlet or light switch, a drywall installer will use a razor knife to score the paper on the back of the sheet of drywall before breaking the board to the correct size.
T-square. This device allows installers to cut straight lines in the drywall as well as to measure specific distances
Finishing Tools
Joint compound knife. The joint compound knife is used to apply joint compound to the joints where different sheets of drywall meet. The knife is a simple tool consisting of a flat length of steel with a smooth edge.
Drywall tape. Drywall tape is used under the joint compound to cover any gaps in between the individual pieces of drywall.
Sanding blocks. Sanding blocks are used to remove excess joint compound from the surface of the drywall and ensure a smooth finish.
Miscellaneous Tools
Tape measure. All drywall installers will carry a tape measure. This tool allows the installer to measure distances longer than with a T-square
Pencil. A pencil is invaluable for calculating the amount of drywall needed for a specific space. It also is useful for marking the location of outlets, light switches or other items to cut around.
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