Here's my Recommendations for Tools & Materials
As a Pro, 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: I can list much more here than on Youtube, but I'll only list the most common items here but there's many more that might be helpful to you. 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.
Note that I do make between 3-5% on the affiliate links below, but I only recommend items I believe in.
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I'm an affiliate for Level5 tools, but I also believe they are the best tools out there. For 10% OFF these tools, enter the code KILTEDGUY10 when checking out. NOTE: you need to order these online to get the discount, and to ensure we get credit. Or if you call, be sure they credit That Kilted Guy and ask for the discount using my code.
If you came here from my book, click the link in the green box and you will find most of the tools I recommended there.
If you just want to choose your own tools, here's the entire line of Level5 Drywall Tools- go HERE
🟢 Skim coating blades are AMAZING, and can be very helpful for novices to float out a wide repair. Here's a 24" Metal Skim coating blade (Plus other sizes) - https://geni.us/XFCZH
⏩ - To see one in action watch the videos in this playlist - https://bit.ly/SkimCoatList
🟢 For a Basic Set of Pans and knives - https://geni.us/BasicHandToolSet
🟢 For an advanced Mud pan and knife set- https://geni.us/ize6U
🟢 If you have a pan, here's a set of 3 wide finish knives - https://geni.us/3WideKnives
🟢 To mix your mud you need a mud mixer but the one you need depends on how often you'll use it. For pros and those who mix up more than 2-4 buckets a month, go with this one like mine -https://geni.us/FsjWx I'll give you some mixing drill choices below.
🟢 If you only occasionally mix drywall mud, or you only have a cordless drill, Check out the Tape Buddy Mixit tool- https://geni.us/MixitPaddle
🟢 For a Hawk & Trowel Set- https://geni.us/urlJsH
🟢 For Full sets of Automatic Taping Tools- https://geni.us/Adlj
☑️ Miscellaneous Drywall Mudding Tools
🟢 The best paint extension pole 2-4' (for the sander above too)- https://geni.us/extensionpole
🟢 Affordable Texture sprayer hopper that I USE - https://geni.us/Hopper
🟢 The BEST Knockdown Knife - https://geni.us/KDKnife
🟢 Rubber Skimming blade mentioned in other videos -https://geni.us/rubberblade
🟢 The Dewalt Mud Mixing Drill I use (super tough) https://geni.us/DewaltMudDrill
🟢 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 - https://geni.us/DrywallBanjo
🟢 For our full drywall tools store- https://www.amazon.com/shop/thatkiltedguydiyhomeimprovement
☑️ Drywall Sanders
If you haven't watched my video on drywall sanders, check it out HERE
🟢 9" Circular drywall Sander, great for beginners or pros alike- https://geni.us/HydeRadialSander (You'll need a pole like the one below)
🟢 The best paint extension pole 2-4' (for the sander above too)- https://geni.us/extensionpole
🟢 Drywall Rectangular Super Sander (All Pros use this one) - https://geni.us/SuperSander
🟢 Triangle Sander- https://geni.us/TriangleSanders
🟢 New Wen Powered Vacuum assisted Drywall Sander- https://geni.us/Wen1pieceSander
🟢 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
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.
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.
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.
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, 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. They also clean up easier and hey, they just look awesome.
DRYWALL SANDING TOOLS
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.
If you haven't watched my video on drywall sanders, check it out HERE
🟢 9" Circular drywall Sander, great for beginners or pros alike- https://geni.us/HydeRadialSander (You'll need a pole like the one below)
🟢 The best paint extension pole 2-4' (for the sander above too)- https://geni.us/extensionpole
🟢 Drywall Rectangular Super Sander (All Pros use this one) - https://geni.us/SuperSander
🟢 Black Widow Sander- https://geni.us/BlackWidowSander
🟢 Triangle Sander- https://geni.us/TriangleSanders (really mostly for pros)
🟢 New Wen Powered Vacuum assisted Drywall Sander- https://geni.us/Wen1pieceSander (if you sand a lot, get this, and a good drywall dust rated vacuum, or with a filter rated for drywall dust)
🟢 Cordless 9" Vacuum Sander - https://geni.us/DewaltCordlessSander
🟢 Hand Sander - https://geni.us/DrywallHandSander
Vevor Tools & Supplies
☑️ Vevor Tools and Home Appliances. Their slogan is Tough Tools, Half Price and I feel it's true. They seem well built and at very affordable prices. Vevor has been generous to offer me most of the items below to test out and show you all. I do make a small commission on any sales, but I do believe in these tools, especially for the price. NOTE: Prices are current as of 8.19.23 and may change after this so verify first.
Code for Promotion: Use VVPROMO to get 5% OFF Sitewide in Vevor
Drywall Sander
Vevor Drywall Sander, I have one of these to try and it looks solid, $99.00
Rolling White Board
Vevor Rolling White Board, I use daily and love it, $138.99 -
Drywall Stilts
Vevor Drywall Stilts 18"-30" $93.99-
Portable Paint Booth
Vevor Portable Paint Booth for projects, $43.99-
Chain Hoist
Vevor Chain Hoist, another item I have to try out, $94.00 -
Pipe Bender
Vevor Pipe bender, for bending smaller copper & aluminum tubing, $34.00-
Concrete Saw
Vevor Concrete Saw, $124.00 -
24" Skim Coating Blade
Vevor 24" Skim Coating Blade $31.99-
Rolling Stool
Vevor Rolling Stool, $42.99 -
Utility/Water Pump
Vevor utility/water pump $44.99-
Hydraulic Punch
Vevor Hydraulic Sheet Metal Punch $130.00-
Skim Coating Blade Set
VEVOR Skimming Blade Set,10"+24"+32" Blades + 35"-78" Extension Handle, $89.99-
Solar Combiner Box
VEVOR PV Combiner Box, 4 String with 15A Rated Current Fuse, 63A Circuit Breaker, Lightning Arreste Connector for On/Off Grid Solar Panel System, IP65
High Voltage Lightning Arrester
IP65 Protection Level