Handyman services in Southeast Michigan are the ones to call when you need small home repairs like drywall and paint. Handyman services are capable of handling the homeowner’s to-do list and they can easily move from one job to the next, often completing your repairs in one day. Here are some drywall repair tips for the do-it-yourself homeowner:
Drywall repair and installation is much easier when you have the right tools for the job. Using inferior drywall tools will result in unsatisfactory work. Drywall repair, installation and finishing takes time and effort; begin with the correct tools to do the job right.
You do not have to buy professional tools like the combination mud and tape dispensers unless you are planning to go into the drywall installation business. On the other hand, you should choose quality tools. Here are the basic tools the do-it-yourselfer needs for repairing or installing drywall:
Mud Pan – Choose a stainless steel pan that won’t rust; do not use the plastic pan with the metal strip which tends to rust.
Drywall Knife – Choose a 4 – 4-1/2 inch steel knife; one with a good quality name that won’t rust. This is the one to use with taping because it fits into the joints where two beveled edges of drywall meet, making it easier to imbed the tape.
Finishing Knife – Choose a good quality, 10” steel knife for the finishing coat to feather out the edges of the seam.
Corner Tool – Some people prefer the plastic but there are good quality steel corner tools too.
Other tools include a tape measure, T-Square, utility knife, drywall saw and a cordless drill/driver.
There are some basic supplies you will need as well:
Tape – Professionals prefer the paper tape; some homeowners like the mesh tape. Paper tape is much easier to cover and the best choice for taping seams.
Mud – All Purpose Joint Compound is the easiest to use and the least expensive. It comes in two different kinds; the one in the green bucket is the best. You can also buy the powder and mix it, but it hardens quickly and is only recommended for professional use.
Drywall Screws – Do not substitute a different type of screw; be sure to use drywall screws.
Once the drywall repair is done and the mud is dry you will need to sand it. Either use sandpaper or drywall sanding screen. Both come in various grit count for early sanding and final, finish sanding.
Even the do-it-yourselfer should choose high quality tools to get the best results; however, it isn’t necessary to buy professional tools. For the hand tools, be sure to choose brand names that you know are high-quality.
Sound easy enough or have you decided to hire a handyman service to do the job? If you hire a handyman service, take a look around your home and prepare a list of other small home repairs you need done. Have you had enough of the squeaky doors or closet doors that do not shut properly? Are you tired of looking at the holes in the walls and scratches on the floor? It’s the little things that count! Your local handyman service will be able to take care of it.
Keith Paul owns HandyPro Handyman Services of Southeast Michigan, serving consumers and business owners in Oakland, Wayne, Washtenaw Counties, Allen Park, Ann Arbor, Belleville, Beverly Hills, Birmingham, Brownstown, Canton, Detroit, Dearborn, Farmington Hills, Flat Rock, Garden City, Livonia, Northville, Novi, Plymouth, Riverview, Rochester, Royal Oak, Southfield, Trenton, Troy, Walled Lake, West Bloomfield, Westland, Ypsilanti and neighboring cities and communities. 48104, 48109, 48111, 48025, 48164, 48173, 48183, 48193, 48188, 48202, 48204, 48206, 48207, 48209, 48211, 48216, 48218, 48219, 48221, 48224, 48126, 48128, 48331, 48335, 48135, 48152, 48167, 48374, 48377, 48193, 48307, 48067, 48034, 48076, 48183, 48083, 48085, 48098, 48323, 48185, 48197
Hiring a handyman, Carpentry, Plaster, Drywall, Acoustic Ceilings, Grout tub, fix leaky faucet, home warranty/maintenance, paint home, caulk bathtub, replace locks, garage doors, cabinets, countertops, fix running toilet, repair squeaky door, install molding, security services, stained glass, door repair/install, drywall repair, painting, kitchen, insulation, gutter cleaning, concrete, masonry, repair gutters, remove wallpaper, replace ceiling fan, caulk awning, siding repair, install shelves, organizers, ceramic tile, window well covers, replace bathroom fan, draperies, blinds, shades, glass, mirrors, deck cleaning and sealing, and much more…just ask!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Hi,
ReplyDeleteGreat post on handymen services..
A stainless steel drywall pan is the best and can last a lifetime. Choose a 12-inch pan with heavy steel construction. These good pans cost very little and cleanup much better than cheap plastic drywall pans.
ReplyDeleteTaping and finishing knives are needed and good knives will make your job easier. You will need a combination of knives; 3 and 6-inch for taping and finishing small patches, 8-inch for intermediate finishing and a 12-inch knife for the final application of patching compound.
Hawk and trowel for the adventurous do-it-yourselfer. This is the preferred tools for finishing for many professional drywallers.
Cutting drywall is easy with a sharp razor knife or drywall saw. Both should be a part of your tool kit. Use a drywall rasp to smooth the cut edges.
A drywall hammer should be the only hammer used to set fasteners. This hammer has a convex shape head to minimize damage to the face paper.
A good T-square. This is a large, 4-ft square used for marking and acting as a guide during cutting. You canÂ’t do without a good square for cutting a sheet of drywall.
25-ft measuring tape. Longer wider measuring tapes are stiffer and easier to use.
Chalk line and blue chalk. Use a chalk line in situations that are difficult to scribe a straight line between two points on the drywall panel.
Drywall lifter is a nifty little tool used to lift the panel an inch or so off the floor with your foot.
Screw gun or variable speed drill and screwdriver attachment for installing the wallboard with drywall screws.
Mixing paddle and heavy duty drill for mixing large amount of joint compound and water. A hand mixer can also be used.
Sanding tools are a must and can range from a simple medium-course sanding block to specialized drywall sanders. A pole sander will make quick work when sanding large areas. To cut down on the dust a sanding attachment for a shop vac can be used.