Hanging drywall correctly depends as much on using the right tools as it does on following the correct process. To hang dry wall correctly, the panels should first be placed on the ceiling. This allows them to be supported by the drywall panels that form the walls. When hanging the ceiling panels, it is best to use a dry wall jack. The easy to use, hand operated jack holds the panel firmly in place on a level plane, preventing it from cracking due to unequal pressure and ensuring that the panel rests directly against the ceiling joists.
When the drywall is measured and ready to be affixed to the ceiling and wall joists, either ring shank nails or screws can be used to hold it in place. 1-1/4" screws or rink shank nails should be used for 1/2" drywall. Considering the sizable number of screws or nails used in most drywall projects, 12" apart on ceiling joists and 16" apart on wall joists, a screw gun is one of the most time saving drywall hand tools available. The screws or nails should be driven slightly beneath the surface of the drywall.
Most screw guns automatically place the screw at its ideal depth. When using nails, a special drywall hammer with a rounded head is used to place the nails at their proper depth. A stud remover and installer kit is another drywall tool that can save time, especially when a misplaced screw needs to be removed without damaging the drywall.
Throughout the drywall hanging process, a level should be applied to each hung drywall panel to insure that it is not sloping. Even the smallest deviation from a level plane can cause a room seem bigger at one end, or make a drywall-lined column look as if it is "twisting" from top to bottom.
Once the drywall is secured to the studs, a metal corner bead is nailed to the outside corners to prevent them from chipping. The seams between the drywall panels are then "taped" over using joint tape to allow for a smooth coat of paint. Finally, joint compound is applied with a metal or plastic scraper to the corner beads, screw or nail depressions and other minor blemishes.
Once the joint compound is dry, it is smoothed with sandpaper to remove any raised portions. An electric sander is ideal in this situation. It requires less effort than hand sanding and its flat surface insures that the wall is sanded perfectly flat. After sanding, the drywall is ready for paint.
Hanging drywall is not a difficult process, especially when the wall joists and insulation are already in place. However, it is one of the most detail-oriented processes that a homeowner can undertake. If the measurements are not precise or the drywall is not level, there is nothing left to do but tear it out and start over again. Once the necessary drywall tools have been acquired and the process steps have been laid out, the key to success becomes using a tape measure and a level with great vigilance.
