A wide range of occupations necessitates the use of specific tools and equipment. Drywall installers must also use a number of tools to complete their tasks. If you have a strong desire to learn this industry in order to become a drywall installer, it is well worth your time to read this about machinist tools. This article will undoubtedly be of great use to you in this regard. If you want to be a drywall installer, you need to have a good understanding of the tools you will need. So, let us go through this article on the tools of a drywall installer.
What do Drywall Installers do?
A drywall installer is someone who builds inside walls for residential and commercial construction projects using drywalls. A drywall installer’s primary job is to prepare drywall panels for installation. Taking measurements and cutting panels, shipping drywall and equipment to project sites, putting up the panels, fixing nail holes, using tape and sealing compounds, and sanding the joints to prepare for painting are all part of this process.
You must be able to carry heavy things, do repetitive physical activities, and stand for the most of each work shift. While you can work as a freelancer, most drywall installers begin their careers working for a construction company. And later on, you may perhaps be able to start up your own drywall installation business.
How is the Income of a Drywall Installer?
Drywall installers are well compensated. Here are the figures from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average annual salary for drywall and ceiling tile workers was $47,460 in May 2020. Half of the employees were paid more, while the other half were paid less. The lowest 10% of the employees earned less than $29,890, while the top 10% made more than $85,070.
As you can understand, this is a decent income. So, there is no doubt that by becoming a drywall installer, you can make good money. Furthermore, if you start your own business and develop it, you may be able to make staggering amounts of money as an employer employing other professionals as well.
What are the Tools of a Drywall Installer?
Alright. Now, we are going to discuss the tools of a drywall installer. First of all, let us list them out for our convenience.
- Drywall saw
- Power drywall saw
- Unity knife
- T-square
- Drywall screw gun
- Sanding sponge
- Sanding pole
- Drywall corner knife
- Tape measure
- Dust mask
Basically, these are the most essential tools of a drywall installer. In addition to these essential tools, drywall installers can also make use of computer software on numerous occasions. However, these are mainly the most essential tools that a drywall installer would need in the main.
1. Drywall saw
You may refer to the jab saw using a variety of names. In fact, you may call it a keyhole saw, pad saw, alligator saw, or jab saw. This is a long, thin saw that is used to cut tiny, often difficult features in a variety of materials. The fixed blade type and the retractable blade type are the two most common types of keyhole saws.
The retractable-blade version is typically seen with a cast-iron handle or, less frequently, a hardwood handle. If the blade’s entire length is hindered in some manner, the ability to retract the blade to an optimal length helps to minimize undesired flex. The blade is generally fastened by one or two holding/thumbscrews of both kinds.
In today’s construction industry, the fixed-blade type is much more common. Specific designs for these trades are available as certain building processes and materials have advanced. A sharpened point at the blade’s tip, for example, may be pushed or poked through soft materials like drywall without the need to drill a hole for the blade.
Nevertheless, this is the traditional type of drywall saws. But now, there are power drywall saws as well. We will discuss power drywall saws in the next part of the article.
IRWIN Tools ProTouch Drywall/Jab Saw (2014100)
This drywall saw has a thick-body blade. That is exceptionally rigid. It can surely help you with better cut control. And this allows fast and smooth cutting. For a drywall installer, we think that this would be a good one. Even on Amazon, this has received pretty good reviews and ratings. Hence, this surely is a tool that we can recommend to you.,
2. Power drywall saw
Power drywall saw will make both simple and complex drywall cuts and reduce time spent cutting outlets and vent holes. It is only a drywall installer who knows how valuable a power drywall saw is for him or her.
Of course, you can go for traditional manual drywall saws. But we recommend you to go for power drywall saws. They are much more beneficial than traditional manual ones.
Makita XDS01Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Cut-Out Saw, Tool Only
As we told you power drywall saws are much more effective and efficient than normal drywall saws. So, this would not be a waste of money even if you spend some more money and buy a power drywall saw. Consider this a fruitful and productive investment. For quicker and more efficient cutting, this speed motor provides 0-6,000 strokes per minute. And the adjustable blade depth and short 1/4″ stroke length of this piece of equipment help prevent damage to objects behind the board being cut.
3. Utility knife
The utility knife, often known as a sheetrock knife, is also one of the essential drywall installation tools. Because drywall is not cut all the way through when cut to length, you can score the face of the drywall with a utility knife. The drywall will next be snapped along the scoreline to shatter the gypsum inside, and the reverse paper side of the drywall will be cut.
A utility knife should do for your drywall job if you already own one. Only utility knives with snap-off blades are ineligible in this regard. To increase stability, look for a utility knife with interchangeable blades that screw into a screw-down grip.
That is it. No saws are required for drywall rough sizing. In this case, using a circular saw is not the right thing to do. It is always advisable to go for a utility knife all the time.
DIYSELF 2Pack Utility Knife Box Cutter Retractable Blade Heavy Duty(Red)
In terms of utility knives, this is obviously a great product that you can go for. The box cutting blades that this has are disposable and cost-effective. And this has a wider retractable blade and a more comfortable grip. Also, this utility knife has received excellent reviews and ratings from its customers. Specifically, this has received good ratings for certain factors such as value for money, ease of holding, ease of using, safety features, ergonomics, and sturdiness.
4. T-square
A drywall T-square differs from other types of straight edges or squares in that it is 48 inches long, allowing you to cut the complete width of a sheet of drywall. Not only so, but the square’s head (the cross-end) slips neatly over the drywall’s edge and is long enough to ensure that the square is perfectly in place. The T-square is by far your most expensive drywalling purchase, yet there is no replacement. But there are applications of a T-square for purposes other than drywalling, which is a little consolation. You have the ability to adjust the heads of some drywall T-squares to 30, 45, 60, and 75 degrees. That is actually a wonderful feature.
Alvin, Aluminum Graduated T Square, 18 Inches
This is 1.5 inches wide and 1.6 mm thick. And in the process of manufacturing this T-square, the manufacturers have used Grade A Aluminum. Therefore, there is no need to worry about the durability of this product. We think that you would be able to make use of this T-square big time. Therefore, we are not hesitant to recommend this to you.
5. Drywall screw gun
For drywall installers, a drywall screw gun is a very handy piece of equipment. With a few minor exceptions, a drywall screw gun works similarly to a conventional drill. Firstly, it comes with a semi-permanent Phillips head bit. Second, most drywall screw guns feature a depth gauge that may be adjusted to prevent the screw from pushing in too far and tearing the paper. However, a dimple remains to facilitate completion. Finally, most drywall screw guns feature a clutch that is activated by applying pressure. When the screw is pushed into the drywall, this engages the drill motor, and when the screw is driven in, it disengages.
Usually, a drywall screw gun consists of components such as a handle, trigger, belt clip, depth adjustment, dedicated drill bit, and drill bit housing. Nevertheless, you can use a drywall screw gun instead of a normal drill and drywall bit to speed up the drywall hanging process. Many drywall installers prefer to utilize a drywall screw gun on larger jobs because of their efficiency. You can perform your tasks so quickly with the use of drywall screw guns.
DEWALT 20V MAX XR Drywall Screw Gun, Tool Only (DCF620B)
This drywall screw gun, unarguably, is a pretty good one for you. This has great speed. It can work up to 4000 RPM. And with this drywall screw gun, you can surely maintain consistent screw depth as well. Also, this has received excellent reviews and ratings from its customers. So, we think that this would be a good one for you for your long-term use.
6. Sanding sponge
The sanding sponge combines the functions of a sanding block and sandpaper. On one side, a sanding sponge has an extremely abrasive surface, while on the other, it has a gentler surface. Nonetheless, it is not a good idea to use the sanding sponge for all of your sanding work. It is just good for touch-ups.
Anyway, there are plenty of advantages that you can gain if you use sanding sponges. Mainly, sanding sponges are pretty comfortable. And these are very efficient. Also, sanding sponges have the ability even to reach the tightest corners. Further, sanding sponges can resist clogs and sand rounded edges. These are the benefits that you can gain by using sanding sponges.
However, these are a little more expensive than sandpaper. And they are not as versatile as sandpaper as well. Also, you do not get a number of grit options when it comes to sanding sponges, unlike in sandpaper.
Onarway Sanding Sponges 10 Pack Wet and Dry Dual-use, Coarse and Fine Sanding Blocks – 60/80/100/120/180/220 Grits 6 Different Specifications, Washable and Reusable, Ideal for Wood Metal Polishing
The sanding blocks are composed of high-quality brown corundum with high-density sponges as bottoms. They are flexible and simple to use, with no sand loss and long service life. The Sanding Sponges come in a 10 pack with a variety of coarse and fine specs in 60/80/100/120/180/220 grit. The lower the number, the coarser the grit and the greater the polishing effectiveness; nevertheless, the rougher the grinding effect; you may use the smaller numbers for roughing and then the bigger numbers for delicate processing. The sanding sponges are intended for both wet and dry usage, reducing flushing and increasing productivity. It may also be rinsed with water, making it easy to clean and reuse; however, please make sure to dry the water after each usage. Considering all these, we hope that this would be great for you in general.
7. Sanding pole
Many would use sanding sponges to smooth up drywall after its installation. However, reaching specific places with a single drywall sanding sponge might be challenging in some situations. The best option that you have is using a sanding pole in this case. These poles provide you a greater range of motion.
Wingnuts secure mesh sanding sheets to the sander’s end. The sander and a sanding pole are then screwed together. There are two types of sanding sheets that you would need. They are coarse fiberglass mesh with open holes and sheets that look like regular sandpaper. The fiberglass mesh lets drywall dust flow through, preventing the sanding surface from being caked. Finer sanding necessitates the use of sandpaper-type sheets. The drywall dust takes considerably longer to cake on this delicate surface, and you can clean it with a whisk broom on occasion.
WEN 6377 Variable Speed 5-Amp Dual-Head Drywall Sander with 15-Foot Hose
With tool-free installation, it comes with both triangular and circular hook-and-loop sanding heads. And this has variable speed adjustment. That makes this operate anywhere from 600 to 1500 RPM. The sanding disk receives maximum torque from a 5-amp head-mounted motor. The combination of an automatic dust removal system and a 15-foot dust hose reduces the clean-up time of this piece of equipment. 9-inch sanding discs in 60, 80, 120, 150, 180, and 240 grits, as well as 11-1/4-inch triangular sandpaper, come with this product. So, we think that this is a good one for a drywall installer.
8. Drywall corner knife
While a standard drywall knife will take care of the majority of the job when it comes to applying the material, it would not perform as well in corners. To make things easier, you would have to use drywall corner knives. These specialty knives feature a 90-degree angle. So, it would be pretty convenient for you. Hence, this becomes one of the most essential tools of a drywall installer.
Inside Corner Knife, 4″x3.5″ – LEVEL5 | Pro-Grade | Metal Hammer End | Drywall Gyprock Plasterboard Sheetrock | 5-310
This has used flexible stainless steel. It offers a smooth finish on the interior corners. And when spreading spackle and paint compound, a heavy-duty ergonomic rubber grip helps to decrease fatigue. And these tools are durable and dependable. For a drywall installer, we are so certain that these would be immensely useful in many aspects. Hence, it would be a wise call for you to go for this drywall corner knife.
9. Tape measure
Basically, tape measures are with regard to the measurements that you have to make. Measuring is the initial thing that you would have too when it comes to drywall installation. And of course, measuring is perhaps the most important process of all. It is, of course, the most important part of the whole process of drywall installation. If you go wrong in initial measurements, things would turn out to be a mess. So, what matters here the most is to get a good start. When you get a good start, it is more like you have completed more than half of the process.
And the most fundamental and most useful piece of equipment that you can use in this regard is the tape measure. Using the tape measure, you can accurately measure what you need to measure. Almost all the tape measures come with marks of centimeters and inches. Therefore, you can probably go for what you prefer.
Nowadays, tape measures come with a range of modern features as well. With these features, things have become more convenient than before. So, we think that you can make use of tape measures to take accurate measurements to arrive at the successful completion of your work when you are on drywall installation tasks.
Nevertheless, it is not only drywall installers who use tape measures. This is an obvious fact. Almost all the professionals in the construction field have to make use of tape measures on most occasions. For all of them, it is for the initial measuring tasks that tape measures are important.
CRAFTSMAN Tape Measure, Self-Lock, 25-Foot (CMHT37225S)
As we told you, tape measures are of immense importance for drywall installers. That is mainly due to the necessity to get precise measurements all the time. And here is the tool that we recommend to you in terms of tape measures. The blades of this 25-foot self-lock tape measure automatically lock into place until you push a button to retract them. The auto-locking function allows for smooth, pleasant retraction, preventing the hook from slamming against the case, making the tapes more user-friendly and durable. To make taking measures easier, fractions are printed on the blade.
10. Dust mask
The most important aspect that you must consider when you are doing something is your safety. And here also, it is pretty vital to make sure that you are completely safe when you are doing something. When it comes to the safety protocols that you can follow in drywall installation, the utilization of a dust mask is obviously an important thing to do. So, we recommend you use a dust mask.
No matter how skilled you are at your job, drywall dust will be stirred up while you work. A mask prevents dust particles from entering your lungs. Although this is not a must-have for you to accomplish your professional tasks, this obviously is a must-have when we consider your health and safety.
AstroAI Face Mask Reusable Dust Mask with Filters, Adjustable for Woodworking, Construction, Outdoor (Black, 1 Mask + 6 Extra Activated Carbon Filters Included)
Face masks became quite common and famous with the pandemic outbreak. Nevertheless, for drywall installers, it really does not matter whether it is amid the pandemic situation or not. It is always necessary to wear a dace must when at work. For drywall installers, it is mainly necessary to safeguard themselves from dust. And this mask, we think, would be a great one for you to buy for sure. Non-oil particles in the air, such as dust and other non-oil-based particles, can be removed using a four-layer filter of this mask. Increased ventilation of this mask allows heat and moisture to escape, avoiding fogging of spectacles. Further, a better fit is provided by the soft nose cushion on the filters and the adjustable snap-on nose clip. The ear loop is flexible, which prevents friction on the ears.
Caring for your Drywall Installation Tools
Taking care of your equipment is essential no matter what industry you operate in. If your job requires you to use tools, you must understand how to properly care for them. This is more important than knowing about the tools of a drywall installer. Here are some ways for you to think about.
- Clean your tools often
- Store them in the right way
- Check regularly if they are damaged
In the next part, we are going to tell you all about these in detail. Go ahead reading!
1. Clean your tools often
As you may understand, knowing how to utilize the tools is insufficient. You must know how to look after them. Keeping your tools clean is one of the most essential things to remember. This is crucial for a professional like a drywall installer. If you do not clean the tools after each use, you will not be able to use them for an extended period of time. Therefore, make sure to thoroughly clean your tools and equipment after each use. So, they would not quickly degrade.
2. Store them in the right way
The second thing is to store the drywall installation tools in the right way. If you do not maintain them correctly, they may wear out more quickly. The way you store things has a big influence on how long they last. Because of that, pay attention to how you store them. This is a crucial piece of guidance. As a consequence, you may be able to use them for a long time.
3. Check regularly if they are damaged
You must inspect your tools on a regular basis to verify that the tools are in good operating condition. This offers a number of benefits. You will be able to establish whether or not the particular tools require any maintenance if you do frequent inspections. You can always purchase a new one if it is not in good condition. It is crucial. If you utilize the same tool without doing any maintenance or repairs, you would not be able to complete the work successfully.
The Bottomline
This article was about the tools of a drywall installer. The careers of a plumber, electrician, carpenter, masonry worker, HVAC technician, ironworker, glazier, solar installer, and so on, also require tools like this. If you have an interest, you can read about them as well. In conclusion, we hope that you will succeed in your industry big time.
