This step by step diy article is about drywall repair tools. Fixing drywall holes, dents and scratches is not as complicated as it might seem at first, especially if you get accustomed with the main techniques, materials and tools.
While we discuss the other aspects in the rest of our articles, in this post we highlight the main tools required for this kind of projects, along with briefs explanations about their role and utility.Pay attention to the tips and plan every project thoroughly.
As in any other project, the preparation steps are maybe the most important. Therefore, we recommend you to assess each repair individually and afterwards to choose the materials and tools needed. The best part is that most of the tools are quite cheap, you can get the most basic tools for repairing drywall at under 50 dollars. If you clean them after using them, we can assure you that you have made a lifetime investment.
Tools needed for repairing drywall
In order to repair damaged drywall, such as dents, holes or scratches, you need to use the right tools and to lean the basic techniques. While in other projects we show you the right methods to fix drywall for each situation, in this article we show you the right tools for the job.
Useful Tips: While you don’t have to buy all these tools for minor repairs, we still recommend you to have them in your toolbox, as you don’t know when you have to tackle a complex project.
Drywall repair tools
First of all, you need to buy a good utility knife, as it is an essential tool when repairing drywall. On one hand, you are going to need one when cutting the mesh or tape to the right size. On the other hand, this tools is very useful when cleaning the damaged areas and removing the loose paper and debris.
Useful Tip: In addition, you are going to need a good utility knife for cutting drywall sheets to the needed size.
In addition, a drywall saw is an extremely handy tools, as you can use it in many different situations. On one hand, this tools is great for cutting circular or rectangular holes in drywall, as the blade is narrow and sharp. Just punch the tip trough the wall and cut along the marked lines.
Moreover this tools is indispensable when cutting out a damaged area, as you can get the job done in just a few minutes. Alternatively, you could use a jigsaw or a saber saw, but they are a lot more expensive.
You also need a T-square for your drywall projects. The square is ideal for marking the cut lines.
If the damaged area is large, you need to cut it out and install a patch, having the same thickness with wall, to a backer support. In order to secure the patch into place, we recommend you to use a good screwdriver with torque control.
Useful Tip: Make sure you don’t over-tighten the screws, otherwise they might damage the paper layer. The heads of the screws have to be just under the surface of the wall. In this manner, you can cover the small cavities with mud and get a smooth surface.
Next, you should get yourself a narrow putty knife, as the one in the image. This tools is ideal for filling dents in drywall or for mixing small quantities of mud.
Taking into account that a small drywall knife is very cheap, there is no reason you shouldn’t get one for your projects.
For applying the first coat of mud over the repaired area, a 6” taping knife is a must have. This tools is maybe the most versatile, as it allows you do make many repairs even without having the rest of the tools.
Useful Tip: Nevertheless, if you want to obtain a professional result, you should also take a look on the rest of the complementary tools, as they can add value to any drywall repair project.
A 10” putty knife is a great tool for drywall repairs, as you can spread the second coat of compound properly. As compared to the first layer of mud, the second one has to be about 1-2” further in all directions.
Useful Tip: In this manner, the transition between the patch and the wall will be hardly noticeable and the result professional.
A 14” putty knife is not essential for small repairs, but is highly recommendable for serious projects. If you have to mud a large patch, you just cannot get the job properly, without using a large tapping knife.
You have to smooth the irregularities on the drywall patch using a sand block. Use circular moves to even out the patch, otherwise the transition between the repaired area and the rest of the wall will be highly visible to anyone.
Useful Tip: It is essential to pay attention to the edges of the patch if you want to obtain a neat look. Using the right techniques and tools will make the repair unnoticeable, even to you.
Last but not least, you should get yourself a good drywall repair patch, as it is the easiest way to fix holes. These kits are affordable and and come with all the materials you need to fix the surface.
Thank you for reading our project about drywall repair tools. Check out the rest of the project if you want to learn drywall repair tricks and techniques. LIKE us on FACEBOOK for more updates.
