Installing dry wall requires very specific tools. The process is simple and requires a little technical expertise. Before you actually start, we suggest reading up on the process. You might not have enough experience but reading a few articles and books on how to install dry wall will ensure that you don’t do any basic mistakes that will negate all your hard work. If you are following a specific method, make sure that you use the tools and materials that are indicated for that method or material. Also ensure that you follow manufacturer’s instructions to the tee to avoid problems later on.
Top tools for drywall installation
There are a range of dry wall tools that can be used during the installation process. Ideally, when you are buying drywall, the brand manufacturer will recommend a complete list of tools, adhesives and nails that are to be used in the installation process. Follow these instructions to the tee but keep these few tools handy too.
1. Stainless Steel Mud Pans- You will need a range of quick setting compounds that will keep the drywall in place. A stainless steel mud pan is ideal as you can mix a large amount of joint compound and the pans can be cleaned up easily too.
2. Joint compound or adhesive or joint tape- Make sure that you follow the manufacturers instructions to the tee about the joint compound that is to be used with a particular dry wall. If you can find ready-mix compound, then use it as it dry fast and there is no need to adjust the quantities of water, adhesive and compound to get the right consistency. Sticking mud is also used to embed the tape and cover seams, trim down rough edges and cover any nails or screws that have been put into the drywall to seal it in place. These adhesives are particularly effective in high-moisture areas and in high retention areas like ceilings.
3. Nail attachments and screws- Manufacturers recommend the screw or nail that has to be used with the brand. However, the two main types that you can stock up on are the cement coated nail and the annular ring nail. If you are hanging ½-inch drywall over lath and plaster, make sure that the nail goes through the drywall and penetrates the underlying wall stud. There are a huge range of screw attachments that can be used with dry wall. Ideally, select a length that will penetrate metal framing 3/8th of an inch and wood framing at least 5/8th of an inch.
4. Cut out tools and supports- These are necessary to get the drywall in the required shape. For example, you will need a circle cutter, tape measure, spirit levels, cutting benches and stands, jibs, pouches, rasps, pencils, hatchets and knives.
Mechanical Tools: Automatic Drywall Tools
Apart from handheld manual tools, you will need mechanized versions that will do quick work of installing the drywall quickly.
1. Drywall screw-guns- These are an ideal way of installing screws into drywall if you are working on bulk projects. The gun will counter-sink the screws faster and harder into the drywall.
2. Drywall hammer- This is a very specific tool that is used to drive nails into the drywall. The hammer has a hatchet type of end that can also be used to repair rough edges of drywall or repair broken pieces of drywall.
3. Drywall lift- This is large piece of equipment that is not readily available for home use. Ideally, you can rent this piece from tool centers to hold a panel in place while you securely nail or screw it down.
4. Dry wall saws- These are rotary saws that work just like an ordinary saw but which cut around corners making a finer finish as compared to other saws.
Finishing And Polishing: Drywall Finishing Tools
A large range of finishing and polishing tools like random sanders are also used in polishing the drywall. Be very careful while using rotary cutting and polishing tools as they can easily cut into the wall negating all your efforts.
