Drywall professionals use automatic taping tools to create smooth, seamless joints.
Drywall finishing professionals rely not only on skill and training to create smooth, strong joints, they employ a range of automatic taping tools to increase efficiency and reduce effort. Automatic drywall taping tools distribute both joint tape and joint compound and apply finishing layers to butt joints, inside corners and outside corners. Take advantage of the increased speed and productivity offered by professional drywall tools; become familiar with automatic taping tools, and choose the right ones for your project.
Automatic Taper
The term "automatic taper" generally refers to automatic taping tools that apply both drywall joint tape and joint compound. Most automatic tapers hold joint compound in a long, tube-like barrel. The tool lays and embeds joint tape by means of a set of spring-loaded wheels protruding from the barrel's tip. As a drywall finisher runs the tip of the tool across a wallboard joint, the tool concurrently distributes tape and joint compound. In addition to applying the bed coat, many automatic taping tools smooth and feather the edges of the bed coat's compound. Specially designed automatic taper tips allow the tool to apply tape and joint compound to inside and outside corners.
Flat Box
Drywall professionals typically use the term "flat box" to denote tools which apply only joint compound, also called "mud." The flat box tool often attaches to a long extension pole, similar in appearance to a broom handle. The primary component of the flat box tool is a rectangular box that holds premixed portions of joint compound. When pressed and rolled against a drywall butt joint, the applicator side of the flat box tool applies a thin, smooth layer of joint compound.
Corner Roller
Like the flat box, the corner roller applies only mud to a drywall joint. Unlike the flat box, the corner roller's shape and design allows it to apply mud to angled joints, such as 90-degree inside and outside corners. The corner roller attaches to an extension pole and holds premixed portions of joint compound.
Hole Filler
The hole filler distributes and smooths drywall mud over nail and screw holes. The hole filler shares its operation and appearance with the flat box; it's just smaller. Like the flat box and corner box, this tool attaches to an extension pole and applies mud as it is pressed and rolled across a flat surface.
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