10 Essential Tools Every Professional Bricklayer Needs
Hanging, gluing and finishing drywall is a heavy task to do quickly and correctly. As a professional bricklayer, your job is to provide a level of service that drywall DIYers cannot compete with.
To hang, finish, and repair drywall like a pro, you'll need a variety of tools and accessories. . But what kind of tools and accessories, exactly? If you're not sure what you need and what you don't need for your drywall business, read on.
We've compiled a list of 10 essential tools every professional bricklayer needs for drywall jobs and why.
Mud Pans
The first tool you will need is a mud pan. Mud pans hold mud, or pipe dope, as you transport it to the construction site. These pans are available in several sizes. It is important to choose one that is large enough to accommodate your compound, but light enough to carry around easily.
Aluminum frying pans are an economical and lightweight option that many masons prefer.
Abrasive sponges
Abrasive sponges are a necessary tool for touch-ups. Abrasive sponges are of two types: abrasive and non-abrasive. Abrasive sponges have one side with a rough texture and another side with a smooth texture. They are very similar to the washer-dryers you use in the kitchen.
Non-abrasive sponges are completely smooth. These are large sponges ideal for wet sanding, a technique commonly used for sanding small or hard-to-reach areas of drywall.
Sanding Pole and Sheets
Sanding sticks attach firmly to the sander, providing an elongated handle that makes it easier to reach high surfaces and into crevices and crevices. In addition to a sanding stick, you will also need sanding sheets. There are two types of sanding sheets: coarse-mesh fiberglass sheets and sandpaper sheets.
You'll need both, so be sure to stock up! The fiberglass mesh has small holes that let dust through. This way you won't attack the sanding surface. Sandpaper sheets are ideal for fine sanding. Dust slowly accumulates on the sheet; to maintain it, clean it from time to time with a whisk broom.
Utility Knife
A utility knife is an essential tool for cutting drywall. As long as it doesn't have snap blades, any utility knife will work. You can also use what you already have in your pocket. However, knives with sturdy, interchangeable blades secured in a screw-on handle are the most stable and least prone to unexpected breakage.
Drywall Knives
Putty knives look and function similar to drywall. knives, but they should not be used to spread mud.
Instead, you'll need to use specialized drywall cutters. Drywall knives have wider and thinner blades than putty knives and are more flexible. They are available in a variety of sizes. Ideally you will need a 4 or 6 inch knife to place the mixture and tape and a 12 inch knife for the feathers. Luckily, drywall cutters are inexpensive, so you can stock them up and never run out.
T-square
You would also like to invest in a T-square, but not just any. Drywall T-Squares are longer than your average straight edge or square. They come in an overall length of 48 inches which allows you to cut the entire width of a sheet of drywall. The cross end of this tool fits snugly over the edge of the drywall and is long enough to reach the other end. This way it is easy to guarantee a perfect fit.
Some T-frames also have adjustable crossbars for added convenience.
Jab Saw
The next essential tool that every wall professional needs is the drywall saw. Drywall saws, also known as band saws, are indispensable tools. Bandsaws, like utility knives, are used to cut drywall. They work best for short, straight cuts and rounded cuts.
These saws have long, serrated blades with sharp points that cut effortlessly through drywall. You can also "stick" the pointed tip of the bandsaws into the drywall and press down with the palm of your hand to create an edge to start the cut.
Screws
Drywall hung drywall with nails and a hammer, but no longer. To hang drywall, you will need special drywall screws. Drywall screws come in two varieties: coarse thread and fine thread.
Coarse thread screws are easier to use and most projects require 5/8 inch screws. For the average 4x8 drywall, you will need approximately 32 screws. Larger boards require more, so plan ahead based on the size of each job.
Cordless Drill
You will also need a drill, not a hammer, to hang the drywall. Drilling screws directly into drywall is the fastest and most efficient method.
Ideally, we recommend using a cordless drill/driver. If you're using a corded drill, you'll need to change sockets frequently. The cable can also get tangled or pulled, which can pull the connector out of the socket and slow your work exponentially. Overall, cordless drills are cheaper and less complicated than corded drills.
PPE
Finally, don't forget to dress in the necessary PPE, or personal protective equipment, before starting work.
PPE protects you from common workplace hazards such as drywall dust and chemicals. By wearing the proper PPE, you can keep yourself safe on the job.
One item you will need is a mask. Traditional sanding methods produce a lot of dust. To keep these tiny but harmful particles out of your lungs, wear a NIOSH/MSHA approved dust mask when dry sanding and other dust-generating work.
Goggles are another important piece of safety gear that keeps dust and chemicals out of your eyes. A pair of thick work gloves is also recommended to protect your hands from chemicals and sharp tools.
You need a lot of tools and accessories for your drywall business. But don't be put off by the amount of stuff you need and how much it costs. At Timothy's Toolbox, you can find all the drywall tools and accessories you need at affordable prices.
Whether you need to dress yourself or the whole team, shop with us today! And if you have any questions, give us a call - our friendly, knowledgeable team is here to help.
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