Drywall Screwdriver

Drywall Screwdriver

How To Put Up Drywall

How to Drywall

Whether you are refurbishing an existing room or creating an addition, adding drywall is a great do-it-yourself project. Proper drywall techniques can make the difference in how a room looks, but with a few tips you'll be able to make your room look great. Most materials and supplies can be found at your local home improvement center or hardware store. You will be able to save a lot of money by doing the project yourself plus you'll have the satisfaction of accomplishing your home improvement project.

Materials and Supplies

The first part of starting a drywall project is to ensure you have all the materials and supplies needed. Supplies and materials should be purchased based on the amount needed. Calculate this by determining the total square footage of the room plus ten percent to allow for waste. Divide this total by thirty to in order to use 4' x 8' drywall sheets, and round up to the closest number. You will then need joint tape, joint compound, screws and nails. For each 1,000 square feet purchase 370 feet of joint tape, 140 pounds of joint compound, 700 screws and 700 nails. This will provide all the supplies and materials needed to complete your project.

Tools

Having the proper tools is also necessary in successfully completing a drywall project. You will need a utility knife for cutting the drywall plus a T-square for making properly aligned cuts. A saw is also handy for cutting out places for electrical outlets or other obstacles. A rasp can be used for shaving slightly over cut pieces but it is not necessary. Fastening screws and nails will require a hammer and screwdriver. It is recommended a power screwdriver be used. A taping knife is essential for finish work and helps spread joint compound. You will also need a sander to smooth all the seams.

Hanging and Fastening

Hang sheets from the top to the bottom, perpendicular to the framing. Check your local building codes for fastening requirements as these may vary. Use screws every sixteen inches along the frame and fill in with nails so fasteners are found every seven inches. Countersink both screws and nails for a more secure fit. Make sure to position joints properly. Hand cut joints should meet other hand cut joints and natural edges should meet natural edges.

Finishing

Once all the sheets are in place, you will start applying joint compound to the seams. Don't be concerned about using too much. Run the knife along the seam, pressing it into the space. Next, use tape, lightly pressing it from one edge to the end, centered over the seam. Working from the center to the end, press and smooth the tape out. Apply a thin layer of compound over the tape so you can still see it. Fill in all the countersunk nails and screws with compound also at this point. Allow this to dry at least twenty four hours before starting the next process. The next process involves more compound to smooth out all the edges from the previous step including the nails and screws. Allow this to dry another twenty four hours. The final coat will take some patience as here is where you want to make the edges completely smooth. Take care to ensure all edges are smooth and filled. Finally, you will sand the walls. Make sure to wear protective masks as there will be a lot of dust generated and vacuum often to remove particles.

Once you are finished with the drywall project you will be ready to prime the walls. Priming will help hide any imperfections and will give you an even surface for your final product. You may now choose to paint or wallpaper the walls to your taste. The entire process will take several days including drying time and labor.

About the Author

Gray Rollins is a featured writer for NorthDrywall.com. To learn more about drywall tools and drywall panels, visit us.

Makita FS2200 Drywall Screwdriver with 8-ft Cord $84.99 Drywall Screwdriver w/ 8' Cord - FS2200. #2 Phillips Insert Bit - 784313-A. Magnetic bit Holder - 784801-1

Makita FS4200A Drywall Screwdriver with 50-ft Cord $99.99 Drywall Screwdriver w/ 50' Cord - FS4200A. #2 Phillips Insert Bit - 784313-A. Magnetic bit Holder - 784801-1

Makita FS6200 Drywall Screwdriver with 8-ft Cord $99.99 Drywall Screwdriver w/ 8' Cord - FS6200. #2 Phillips Insert Bit - 784313-A. Magnetic bit Holder - 784801-1

Factory Reconditioned Makita FS4200-R Drywall Screwdriver $59.99 Drywall Screwdriver - FS4200-R. #2 Phillips insert bit - 784261-7. Magnetic bit holder - 784801-1

DEWALT DW276 6.5 AMP 0-2,500 RPM VSR Drywall/Framing Screwdriver $109.99 6.5 AMP 0-2,500 RPM VSR Drywall/Framing Screwdriver - DW276

DEWALT DW255 6.0 AMP 0-5,300 RPM VSR Drywall Screwdriver $89.99 6.0 AMP 0-5,300 RPM VSR Drywall Screwdriver - DW255

Makita Makita Drywall Screwdriver FS4200 $109.73 Drywall screwdriver 0 to 4000 RPM, 6A Adjustable depth locator assembly with Sure-Lock feature for consistent screw depth Cast aluminum gear housing for less weight and increased durability Depth locator holder for convenient storage during framing applications Convenient bit storage on base of grip reduces downtime Large variable speed trigger with lock-on button for continuous use Metal reinforced belt clip for increased durability Includes: No. 2 Phillips insert bit (model No. 784313-A) and a magnetic bit holder (model No. 784801-1) Brand #: Makita FS4200 UPC: 088381600873 Keywords: drywall screwdriver

Dewalt Dewalt 6.3a Drywall Screwdriver DW272 $120.92 6.3a drywall screwdriver 6.3A, 0 to 4000 RPM Metal gear housing for increased durability Depth-sensitive nosepiece for consistant fastener depth Rubber-grip 2 finger trigger for increased comfort Fastens drywall and wire lath to 20 to 25-gauge metal and wood studs Fastens 2 to 25-gauge studs to track Brand #: Dewalt DW272 UPC: 028875002721 Keywords: screwdriver drywall vsr screwgun drill

Dewalt Dewalt 6a Drywall Screwdriver DW255 $101.22 6a drywall screwdriver Variable speed reversing, 0 to 5300 RPM 2 finger soft-grip trigger switch Ball bearing construction Tough 1-piece set and forget nosepiece Quiet clutch convenient belt clip 6A motor Screwdriver, bit tip holder, and 1 bit tip included Brand #: Dewalt DW255 UPC: 028877328997 Keywords: drywall screwdriver

Factory Reconditioned Milwaukee 6742-80 Drywall Screwdriver, 0-4,000 RPM $59.99 Drywall Screwdriver, 0-4,000 RPM - 6742-80. No. 2 Phillips Bit - 48-32-1040. 1/4-in Magnetic Bit Holder - 48-32-3065. Drywall Locator Assembly - 49-26-1036. Product Manual

Fein SCT 6.25 1/4-in Drywall Screwdriver $289.99 1/4-in Drywall Screwdriver - SCT 6.25. Hand Strap. Belt Clip. Dust Proof Depth Stop. Magnetic Chuck for 1/4-in Bits. 1/4-in Size 2 / Phillips Bit with dust-protection ring

Fein SCT 5-40 1/4-in Drywall Screwdriver $329.99 1/4-in Drywall Screwdriver - SCT 5-40. 1/4-in Size 2 Phillips Bit with Dust Protection Ring. Depth Stop. Magnetic Chuck. Hand Strap. Belt Clip

6742-20 - Drywall Screwdriver $101.96 [6742-20] ENERGY STAR UPC: 045242057979 9.81L x 3.06W x 13.19H 3.25 LB 0.23 Cubes

W6V4 - 6.6Amp Drywall Screwdriver $121.72 [3741287] UPC: 717709009738 2.5L x 9.4W x 12.5H 3.38 LB 0.17 Cubes

6825 - Drywall Screwdriver $148.41 [458-6825] UPC: 088381030250 10.83L x 2.87W x 9.45H 4.13 LB 0.17 Cubes

Factory Reconditioned DEWALT DW272R 6.3 AMP 0-4,000 RPM VSR Drywall Screwdriver $69.99 6.3 Amp 0-4,000 RPM VSR Drywall Screwdriver - DW272R

Factory Reconditioned DEWALT DW257R 6.2 AMP 0-2,500 RPM VSR Deck/Drywall Screwdriver $64.99 6.2 AMP 0-2,500 RPM VSR Deck/Drywall Screwdriver - DW257R

Factory Reconditioned DEWALT DW255R 6.0 AMP 0-5,300 RPM VSR Drywall Screwdriver $59.99 6.0 AMP 0-5,300 RPM VSR Drywall Screwdriver - DW255R

Milwaukee 6740-20 Decking, Drywall and Framing Screwdriver, 0-2,500 RPM $119.99 Decking, Drywall andamp; Framing Screwdriver, 0-2,500 RPM - 6740-20. No. 2 Phillips Bit - 48-32-1040. 1/4-in Magnetic Bit Holder - 48-32-3065. Drywall Locator Assembly - 49-26-1036. Product Manual

DEWALT DC520KA 18V Cordless XRP 1/4-in Drywall/Deck Screwdriver Kit $259.99 18V Cordless 1/4" Drywall/Deck Screwdriver Kit - DC520KA. (2) 18 Volt Cordless XRP Batteries. 1-Hour Charger. Bit Tip & Magnetic Holder. Drywall Nosepiece. TEKS Nosepiece. Kit Box

Milwaukee Elec. Tool Milwaukee Elec. Tool 6.5a Drywall Screwdriver 674220 $101.72 6.5a drywall screwdriver Trigger speed control 0-4000 RPM Powerful 6.5A motor Simple positive depth adjustment All-metal gear case and diaphragm Includes No. 2 Phillips hex bit, magnetic bit holder and belt clip Impact-resistant, nonconductive glass reinforced nylon motor housing, triple-sealed against dust contamination Brand #: Milwaukee Elec. Tool 674220 UPC: 045242057979 Keywords: screw gun drywall screwdriver