Basic Tools Needed to Repair Drywall

Tools for Basic Drywall Work

Simple drywall patches and repairs can be done using tools that most homeowners already have. If you are a homeowner interested in doing small drywall repairs, you can buy most of the tools mentioned here for less than $100.

Basic tools for cutting drywall

Drywall is easily cut using simply a drywall utility knife. The basic concept involves scoring through the paper on one side of the sheet of drywall and then bending the board until it breaks the interior gypsum material. You can read a step by step guide to cutting drywall here. You will also want to use a drywall T square as a straight edge as well as a measuring tape. There are of course other tools that allow you to cut drywall but these are the basics.

Basic tools for hanging drywall

Drywall can be installed over wooden studs using either nails or screws as fasteners. When installing drywall on steel studs you must use screws. Therefore you need at least a drywall hammer or an electric drill to install drywall. You can use a cordless drill but you have to be careful not to puncture the drywall paper when setting the screws.

Basic tools for taping and finishing drywall

Taping and finishing drywall patches is done with drywall finishing knives. Good quality taping knives can be purchased for around $12 to $18 each, and a good quality drywall mud pan can be found for around $15 to $20. Some people debate whether stainless steel knives are better than blue steel knives. It comes down to the trademan's preference. On the other hand, stainless steel mud pans are always the best choice.

The following is a list of tools needed to do simple drywall repair and drywall patches:

If you are contemplating tackling a project larger than that of patching a few small holes in the wall, you will need more than the few tools mentioned above.