Using A Drywall Lift Can Make Working On Ceilings Easy
Drywall stilts may look a bit strange, but they can save do it yourselfers a lot of time. If you are planning to drywall many ceilings and high walls, stilts are a great way to save you from having to move your ladder too often as some jobs may require you to move your ladder two or three times to tape and mud a single seam. Another great way to speed up your drywalling project is to use a drywall lift to position your sheets of drywall.
Stilts are not the kind of drywall tools for everyone, because they can be dangerous. (In some countries like the U.S. they might even be disapproved by local authorities like OSHA). Using drywall stilts requires strong coordination and good physical condition, because you will be using the muscles in your legs to keep yourself upright and balanced. But like any tool, drywall stilts can be mastered with practice and hard work.
Before you start using drywall stilts you should stretch your leg muscles, particularly your calves. Using stilts has been compared to wearing ski boots, since your ankles are virtually immobilized. Thus it is important to make sure your legs are ready to compensate for the unaccustomed stress. You should also make sure your materials such as taping tool or the sander are within easy reach before you mount your stilts – nothing is more irritating than having to dismount to reach your supplies and drywall tools. Your ladder can be useful for this task, as can scaffolding.
Using A Drywall Lift
A drywall lift, as its name implies, lifts sheets of drywall so that you do not have to. This useful tool holds your material much steadier than any assistant can, and will ensure that your seams stay straight while you fasten the sheet to the ceiling.
Unless you are planning to install drywall on a regular basis, you should rent a lift. They are available from many rental agencies. Before you bring your drywall lift home, make sure you ask a staff member how to operate it. While most lifts are relatively simple to operate, it would be a shame to ruin even a single sheet because you did not know how to operate it.
Time Savings With Stilts And Lifts
Stilts and lifts can cut your project time in half or more, and can increase the amount of work you will be able to do without an assistant. That is why most professional installers use drywall lifts and stilts.