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Cordless Drill
I always hang drywall and gypsum board with screws instead of nails.
I find that they hold better.
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Drywall Dimpler Setter Bit
This drill bit is great for setting screws just right. It leaves a
little dimple in the drywall that is great for allowing mud to cover
the screw head.
It also prevents screws from going to deep. |
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Utility Knife
The best tool for cutting drywall is a sharp utility knife. Make sure
you have extra blades. |
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4 ft. Drywall T-Square
This simple way to mark sheets of drywall for cutting is to use one
of these. You can also use it as the guide for your blade when cutting.
It ensures that you get a good perpendicular line without a lot of
measuring. |
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Tape Measure
As with most projects you will need a good tape measure. |
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Keyhole Saw
A keyhole saw will allow you to cut out holes for electrical outlets
and fixtures more easily. It can also cut out around window and door
openings if necessary. |
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Pry Bar
This tool comes in handy when you need to raise a sheet of drywall
off of the floor, or pry one into position so that seams align properly. |
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Panel Lift
This device helps lift ceiling panels into place. It is very simple
to use and allows one person to do this difficult task with ease.
I recommend renting this tool because they usually run a few hundred
dollars. They can usually be rented for around $50 a day. |
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Mud Pan
This device will hold your plaster or joint compound while you apply
it to walls and seams. I prefer the hawk (shown below), but because
they are so inexpensive, you should get both and see what works best
for you. |
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Drywall Mud Hawk
Another device to carry joint compound or plaster while you apply
to walls and seams. |
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6" Joint Knife
The most important tool in my opinion when mudding. Make sure you
get a good one that is stiff. If it has a lot of flex, it will bend
when being run over seams. This causes too much compound to be removed,
thus making more work. |
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8-10" Drywall Taping Knife
I keep a number of drywall knives around for various applications.
It's recommended that you apply a second coat over seams with a knife
wider than the 6". Some people only use a 6" and the trowel
below. Again you will have to decide what works best for you. This
knife can also be used for decorative finishes, so it may be handy
to have regardless. |
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12" Curved Trowel
Use this for applying the final coats over seams. Because it is slightly
curved, it leaves enough compound on the seam to hide any evidence
of where sheets meet. |
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Corner Trowel
I don't use this tool often, but some people I know really like it.
It's for applying mud to interior and exterior corners. It's inexpensive,
and you may like it, so I suggest giving it a try. |
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Sanding Pole and Paper
You will find a sanding pole very handy for getting seams smooth,
especially on ceilings. I recommend the paper with the tiny holes
in it. I doesn't clog up as much and takes down the material quickly. |
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Sanding Pads
These foam pads are covered with a gritty sandpaper surface. They
are great for getting into tight spots. They are also very good for
corners and over screw heads. |
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Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaner
The best way to cleanup drywall dust is with a vacuum. Make sure you
get a filter that will work with fine particles. If not, you will
blow a lot of what you get up back into the air. Some sanding tools
even let you hook up a vacuum. I haven't had much luck with them though. |
