Tools for a Suspended Ceiling

Tape Measure

• A tape measure is crucial to not only get the proper measurement along the wall where the drop ceiling will hang but also to properly measure any cuts that have to be made in the metal frame rails that hold the ceiling tiles in place. Tape measures come in a variety of lengths, ranging from 12 to 100 feet, and should be at least as long as the longest wall in the room.

Level

• Before you start installing the suspended ceiling, mark lines along the wall where the ceiling will meet it. For example, if the suspended ceiling will hang 2 feet from the real ceiling, measure this on the wall and draw a line along all four walls. The level is used to check the line on the wall to make sure it is perfectly level.

Stud Finder

• A stud finder is an electronic device that is run along a wall and identifies where the wood studs are behind the wall. Depending on your specific stud finder, it will either light up when you've found a stud or emit a beep. Find the studs so you can nail the perimeter of the suspended ceiling frame into the wall. If you don't secure the frame to a stud, the suspended ceiling won't have enough support.

Cutting Tools

• Tin snips, wire cutters and a utility knife are all required. The tin snips are used to cut any pieces of the suspended ceiling's metal frame rail while the wire cutters are used to cut wire to the correct length. The wire hangs from the actual ceiling and attaches to the frame rail at various points to provide extra support. The utility knife is used to cut any ceiling tiles to fit, such as around the perimeter where full-size ceiling tiles won't fit.