What Tools Are Needed for Drywall Repair?
Need to repair damaged drywall in your home? Use our drywall tools list to get the job done right. It examines the six essential drywall tools you will need.
There’s more to drywall repair than just putting some joint compound on a wall and calling it a day. A drywall contractor has special tools that are used to get the compound smooth and perfectly blended with the wall.
If you're planning to do it yourself, these are the 6 essential drywall tools you will need. But consider the cost – if you purchase all these tools, will the return be worth the investment?
1. Hawks and mud pans
A hawk is a large square sheet of metal supported by a center handle. Mud pans resemble meatloaf pans and have crisp, sharp edges. These tools are used to carry the drywall compound with you while you work. Hawks are the tool of choice for professionals, so they tend to cost a little more. A mud pan will work nicely for occasional repairs.
2. Knife
Plaster repair requires the right kinds of knives. Putty knives range in size from two inches across to more than a foot. The size you need depends on how large a repair you are doing. Nail holes are easily patched with a narrow knife, but larger work over seams or big holes will require a wider blade.
3. Sandpaper
You cannot do a proper patch job with sandpaper. A sanding block is OK, but actual paper with a special hard sanding pad is better. If you will be working on higher areas, invest in a sanding board that you can put an extension on.
4. Sanding sponge
Sanding drywall produces a ton of dust. Small jobs can be finished with a sanding sponge. Used along with a bucket of water, the sponge will eliminate concerns about drywall dust. They should be used with care, however, to avoid removing too much of the compound.
5. Corner tools
Inside corner tools are perfect for finishing off the difficult area in the corner of a room. It will speed up the process of finishing a stretch of drywall. However, it’s not typically required for repairs around the house.
6. Tape
Large repairs, like cracks or seams, should be fixed using tape. The tape will prevent the crack from reappearing and can easily be blended in with the wall. Holes can be covered using special sheets of self-adhesive mesh.
The process involved in repairing drywall is straight forward and simple. What many people don’t realize, however, is that working with the drywall compound takes a great deal of experience. It takes skill to get the wall completely smooth and blend the repair. If you are unfamiliar with the process, it might be worth it to hire a drywall contractor.
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Editor's note: This article originally posted on Feb. 20, 2012