Automatic Drywall Finishing Tools

Tapers

• Automatic taping tools apply a thick layer of joint compound and lay the tape on it. Another finisher then uses hand tools to smooth the paper tape flat and remove the excess joint compound. Many types of automatic taping tools exist. On the inexpensive end, banjos are large metal boxes that hold joint compound and coat the tape as it passes through the compound chamber. More advanced automatic taping tools have thick handles that hold the joint compound. The finisher contracts the handle to squeeze out the joint compound.

Applicators

• To speed the second coat, automatic joint compound applicators extrude an appropriate amount of joint compound while simultaneously smoothing the application, making it easier to sand later. Flat applicators work best for flat seams, such as those near the center of a wall or ceiling. Also, flat applicators work well on outside corners. Angled applicators work best for interior corners. To apply the third coat, finishers use these applicators with a joint compound mix of a thinner consistency.

Sanders

• Automatic sanders are motorized abrasive discs that rotate rapidly to sand the compound smooth. Many are equipped with vacuum technology, decreasing the amount of dust created and making cleanup easier. While it is possible to use small belt sanders or similar devices to sand joint compound, specially designed drywall sanders are more effective because they sand large areas quickly.

Nail Spotters

• The screws that drywall installers use to attach the boards to the wood studs require three coats as well. Nail spotters are automatic finishing tools that apply just enough joint compound to fill the depressions made by the installed screws. They are called nail spotters because drywall installers primarily used nails in the past, but screws are more common today. To use a nail spotter, a finisher loads it with joint compound and then runs it over a screw head. Typically, screw heads require three separate coats.