How to Choose the right drywall mudding tools for Novices to Pros
I've been doing drywall for over 40 years, and in that time, I've spent a fortune on tools & materials since I bought my first tools in 1977, and have found many of them to be poorly made, not really useful, etc. You don't have to waste your money like that. I'll list a selection of tools below and I'll try to break them down by categories to help you choose the tools that will be right for you.
Note: If you want a much more detailed explanation of these items and many more, pick up my new Ebook by clicking on the book image, and it will explain all the terminology, tool descriptions and what they are used for, tool suggestions, material descriptions and much more.
I do make between 3-5% on the affiliate links below, but I only recommend items I believe in.
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Here's some other Mudding Tools
If you're a hawk and trowel guy, these are some of the best.
These bucket scoops are much better at getting the mud out of the bucket, scraping it clean, etc.
I used to doubt the usefulness of this tool, but now it's 1 of my favorites. These work great on butt joints, repairs and skim coating. There's many more options available at this link. ⏩ - To see one in action watch the videos in this playlist - https://bit.ly/SkimCoatList
This is what you use to spray small orange peel and knock down texture jobs.
If you're a pro or just want the best drill possible, this corded drill may start your whole house spinning it's so powerful. It will last a lifetime
This mixing paddle is my new favorite because it mixes very quickly, introduces less air and shakes your bucket far less than other mixers plus it doesn't want to spin your bucket on the floor as easily.
This a fantastic set as it comes in a really nice hard case with wheels and has everything you need to skim coat a job.
If you want to make a living taping and finishing drywall, take the time to learn how to use these tools as they will make you a lot more money than they cost
What if I could cut 50% off the amount of time it takes you to do a basic repair? Depending on your skill level, that just might happen after you read my book.
I'm an affiliate for Level5 tools, but I also believe they are the best tools out there. Please use my links or I don't get any credit, and it really helps us. Thank you Or, if if you call, be sure they credit That Kilted Guy
If you just want to choose your own tools, here's the entire line of Level5 Drywall Tools- go HERE
☑️ Miscellaneous Drywall Mudding Tools
🟢 The best paint extension pole 2-4' (for the sander above too)- https://geni.us/extensionpole
🟢 The BEST Knockdown Knife - https://geni.us/KDKnife
🟢 Rubber Skimming blade mentioned in other videos -https://geni.us/rubberblade
🟢 A more affordable, but strong Mixing Drill (I haven't tried it but the reviews and specs look good) https://geni.us/StarterMudDrill
🟢 Mesh Tape dispenser (optional) - https://geni.us/Meshtapegun
🟢 Drywall Taping Banjo - Level5 Store
🟢 For our full drywall tools store- https://www.amazon.com/shop/thatkiltedguydiyhomeimprovement
☑️ Other Drywall Sanders
If you haven't watched my video on drywall sanders, check it out HERE
🟢 Drywall Rectangular Super Sander (All Pros use this one) - https://geni.us/SuperSander
🟢 Triangle Sander- https://geni.us/TriangleSanders
🟢 Black Widow Sander- https://geni.us/BlackWidowSander 🟢 Cordless 9" Vacuum Sander - https://geni.us/DewaltCordlessSander 🟢 Hand Sander - https://geni.us/DrywallHandSander
☑️ TapeBuddy Tools
For those of you who don't do this often, these tools are simpler to use, although the tapebuddy is slower.
🟢 TapeBuddy simple taping tool - https://amzn.to/3KN9tVY
🟢 Mixit Paddle - https://geni.us/MixitPaddle
🟢 TapeBuddy Taper, mixer and bucket scoop- https://amzn.to/38UdUkm
☑️ Miscellaneous Tools
🟢 The BEST Stud Finder I've Ever used- https://geni.us/FranklinStudFinder
🟢 A nice hard case for the stud finder - https://geni.us/FranklinCase
🟢 The best paint extension pole 2-4' (for the sander above too)- https://geni.us/extensionpole
🟢 A quiet compressor for the texture hopper - https://geni.us/mycompressor
You may be able to use a smaller compressor, but will have to let it catch up more often if spraying larger sections
☑️ Miscellaneous supplies
🟢 Guardz torn paper sealer. Stops Torn Brown Paper from bubbling - https://geni.us/Gardz
(spray shellac also works, but stinks and is flammable)
🟢 Drywall Mesh tape - https://geni.us/Meshtap
(be sure you only bed it with Fast Setting Mud, aka Hot Mud)
☑️ My Camera Gear
🟢 Sony A6400 Camera. (I have 3 they are so good)- https://geni.us/SonyA6400tkg
🟢 My Wireless Lav mics, AWESOME mics- https://geni.us/1wVNfJy
🟢 GoPro Hero 9 - https://geni.us/ocAa
☑️ Mosquito be goners
If you haven't seen my video on Mosquito control watch THIS PLAYLIST-
🟢Mosquito bits - https://geni.us/MosqBits
🟢Mosquito dunks - https://geni.us/MosqDunks
🟢5 Gallon Buckets - https://geni.us/5GallonBuckets If you still want to add another layer of protection, I recommend this item which I used when I lived on 20 acres. It kills them by luring them into a fan, where they slowly die. It works really well, and doesn't require propane, etc.
🟢 Bug killing fan- https://geni.us/BugFan
🟢For other mosquito repellants, etc, - https://geni.us/BugZappers
🟢 Diatomaceous Earth is an all natural, safe way to kill fleas, cockroaches and more- https://geni.us/DiatomaceousAndDuster
In my Drywall Academy classes and my YouTube channel, I try to teach ways to minimize sanding, but even I have to sand often. I sand way less than novices, but it's part of doing drywall, despite what some hotshot young drywallers might try to get you to believe.
I recommend that if you only dabble in this, you can probably get by with a sponge sander. Used right you can sand most any smaller drywall repair. But if you want to do any larger repairs, get the Radius Sander, or the Black Widow. The Radius uses 9" sanding discs which are easier to find, and it's more affordable. But the Black widow is a great sander, although you can cut gouge lines in the mud easier do the square shape, vs the round shape of the radius which makes it nearly impossible. And the sandpaper for this is harder to find. You can get it online or at most drywall supply places.
Advanced Taping & Mudding Tools
These are some tools I would recommend for those of you with advanced mudding skills and knowledge, but you seldome, or never tackle large new construction types of jobs
Recommended Hand Tool Set
This next set takes things up even further. The knives are even higher quality (notice the better hammer end, and the Level5 logo on the handle, which is how they mark their higher end tools). This set also includes more knives, including a full set of the Solid stainless steel knives which should last a lifetime if take care of, as well as a large and small mixing paddle, plus 2 skim coating blades, and the extra large carry bag. They also clean up easier and hey, they just look awesome.
Recommended Sanding & Mixing Tools
Sanding, even the best seasoned pro, like me, has to sand. So here's some manual and power options for you. The manual ones are a must. The power ones will really cut down on dust if you get the vacuum to go with it and the proper vacuum bag.
Start out with some sanding sponges, and a pole sander like these. I use these a lot for drywall repairs, but also for new construction.
For a power sander, I recommend a name brand, like Dewalt. Yeah, you can get by with a cheaper version, but if you plan to do this for the long haul, and make good money at it, buy the good stuff. Be sure to get some vacuum cleaner bags rated for drywall as it will go right through an ordinary shop vac filter.
If you're a homeowner, or really on a budget, these Vevor Power sanders actually do a good job. They are a little heavier usually, they wobble a little more and are quite as user friendly, but they will do the job. I've used one many times when my Porter Cable sander was broke down.
This is just a sampling of tools you might need, and your needs might be different than others, so I have many more lists with a lot more choices on my Amazon Store. Check it out HERE.
Mudding Tool List for Novices
I'm going to list some basic tools I recommend you get if you are someone who has never done this before, or you just occasionally take on a smaller drywall repair project. Just click the images to view them on the Level5 Website. This is the brand I use, and although I make a small commission on these, I recommend them because they are the highest quality tools that will last you a lifetime if you take care of them. And check out the tools under Sanding Tools for some other items I recommend for you.
Level One
I'm going to recommend three choices here. The first set is a good all around set of mudding tools that will take of most simple tasks and minor repairs.
Level Two
If you want to step it up a notch, the 2nd set here adds more knives, giving you more versatility, plus a bucket scoop (very handy if you work out of a bucket) a small mixing paddle a jab saw and a really nice carry case.
