A drywall jack helps attach drywall to ceilings.
Installing drywall on a ceiling is not a one-person job. One piece of drywall can weigh up to 100 pounds. This is why a drywall jack or lift is a must when attaching drywall to a ceiling. These can be rented from your local home improvement store at an hourly or daily rate that will be well worth the cost. This device can also be used to hang the upper piece of drywall on walls. Once the drywall is loaded onto the jack, the crank will do the lifting for you and hold the drywall in place while you secure it.
Instructions
1. Assemble the lift if need be. The base consists of three prongs with locking wheels. Fit the telescoping pole with the crank assembly attached into the center pole support of the base. Slip the cradle into the top of the pole to hold the drywall in place. The cradle usually has grips or support hooks to keep the drywall from sliding once it is placed on the cradle.
2. Lock the wheels of the lift. Place a sheet of drywall on the cradle so that the edge is resting on the support hooks. The finished side of the drywall should be facing the center of the lift.
3. Tilt the cradle so the drywall is parallel to the ceiling. Lock it in place. Unlock the wheels. Roll the lift into the approximate position for installation. Lock the wheels.
4. Turn the crank until the drywall is about half an inch from the ceiling. If necessary, unlock the wheels and adjust the position of the lift so that the drywall is in the desired location. Lock the wheels. Turn the crank until the drywall is pressed firmly against the ceiling framing. Lock the crank on the lift.
5. Move the stepladder into position. Drill screws through the drywall and into the ceiling joists using a drywall screwdriver or an electric drill. The screws should be no more than 1 foot apart.
6. Unlock the crank and lower the drywall lift. Unlock the wheels and move the lift to the next position. Install the next sheet of drywall.
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