Whether you are new to the professional drywall scene or have a small DIY drywall project to complete, you will need to acquire the right tools and supplies to get the job done. But building your workshop with drywall tools is not enough. You must also understand what they do and how they work. As a novice professional in the industry, you get to learn this from your mentors at work over time; but as a homeowners with a DIY drywall repair, you will have to learn this information a bit sooner if you want to get the work done quickly.
Below you will find some of the most common drywall materials. Continue reading to learn about them, including what they are, what they do, and where to get them.
Drill
Drills come in several makes and models. You can choose between a cordless or corded drill. Both work well with drywall work. Many professionals prefer cordless for obvious reasons. Drills are used in the drywall industry for installation purposes. Installing gypsum board requires a power drill and screws.
Drywall Saw
Saws for drywall come in various shapes, sizes, and serrations. They are used to cut board to size, so the type you need will vary depending on the particular needs of your project. You can choose among double-sided saws, hand saws, fine-finish saws, hacksaws, and more.
Miter Box
A miter box is a terrific tool used to measure saw strokes and miter cuts. Not only do they provide smooth and even cutting motion, they provide safety for your hands and fingers.
Utility Knife
Utility knives are used for cutting, leveling, trimming, and scraping drywall board. They come in multiple fashions and multiple blade sizes. They are usually made of stainless steel, so they are durable and long-lasting.
Joint Knife
Also called a taping knife, a joint knife is the tool used to scoop, scrape, spread, and smooth out drywall mud. It has a wide blade that comes in various sizes, from 4 inches to 14 inches.
Drywall Tape
Drywall tape is an important tool because it creates a physical bond between adjacent sheets of drywall. It is the surface to which the plaster sticks to. It provides a seamless surface for drywall installation and repairs and more.
Mud Pans
A mud pan is the flat plate, usually paper or metal, that holds spackle and mud. They come in all different shapes and sizes. Some can hold up to ½ a gallon of drywall mud.
Drywall Screws
These are special screws used to hold up gypsum board. They have extra course threads that stay secure in drywall. There are several kinds, all with different sizes and applications, including fine-head, self-drilling, pan-head, and more.
Joint Compound
This is a white powder containing gypsum board dust that is combined with water to produce a mud. This mud is then used to seal joints between drywall sheets. This is also called mud, spackle, or plaster. It is used to create the smooth, level 5 drywall finishes you see in quality constructed buildings and homes.