Helpful Drywalling Tools

I am happy – no, not just happy – I am giddy with excitment because 97 percent of the drywalling for Phase One of the never-ending remodeling project is finished. Having hung over 60 sheets of drywall, I like to think that I’ve learned a thing or two or twenty about the topic. Now I’ll graciously pass that knowledge along to you, because that’s what I do. Since the Academy Awards are right around the corner, let me explain it to you this way: If Joey and I played the leading roles (and yes, we would both be nominated in the Best Performance category) in an independant film called “Drywalling: A Journey to Hell and Back,” then the following characters were most definitely our supporting cast:

The Drywall Lift
Though awkward and boxy in shape and little squeaky at times, this guy worked like a champ. We rented this glamorous piece of equipment (just $25 per day!) to aid us in our efforts to attach REALLY heavy sheets of drywall to the ceiling. Drywall comes in varying thicknesses and according to building code, ceiling drywall must be 5/8ths of an inch thick (for fire protection between floors). Our walls are composed of 1/2 inch drywall, which is quite a bit lighter.

Here’s a picture of it in action:

Lovely, isn’t it? In short, a drywall lift is a must if you have more than just a few sheets of drywall to hang. As I mentioned above, drywall is heavy enough to make holding it over your head for more than 2 seconds a really uncomfortable experience. On to the next helper…who beats the pants off the drywall lift due to its overall versatility…and because it’s a person…

Our friend Chris (aka Rem).
Cumulatively, Rem has spent weeks helping us with our house doing miserable jobs like demo, framing and more. What’s so amazing is that he’s doing it for free. We feed him and give him beer and he works. It’s amazing and we are beyond grateful. We owe him so big that I’m actually fearful of what he might ask us to do for him return – like build his next house. Actually, he’s seen the work we do, so he knows better than to ask for that. Hopefully you can all find a Rem of your own to help you out. Cause ours is booked.

And finally, the device that has helped us repeatedly over the last 11 months…

C’mon, you knew that was coming. Of course it’s beer. How else would you survive almost a year of living in a house that’s torn apart (there are rooms without electricty and/or heat!) and a year of working with your spouse on an incredibly overwhelming and stressful project without the word “divorce” ever being mentioned? Beer, people! You must have beer***. And you must also be cocky or naive enough to actually believe you have the ability to put your destroyed home back together with only minimal help from professionals. Then, once you realize you’ve bitten off a tad more than you can chew, you reach for a beer to keep from totally freaking out. By the time that beer is finished, you’ll have regained your sanity and perspective. If this happens enough times in the period of one day, you may eventually decide that it’s time to “show this house who the motherf*$@#ing boss is,” or you’ll realize it’s no longer safe to operate power tools.

So, there you have it. Three tools to make drywalling, and remodeling in general, a little easier. You can find the drywall lift at your neighborhood equipment rental store, the beer at a nearby liquor store, and the Rem…well, good luck with that one.

***No, I am not promoting alcoholism.

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