The 7 Best Drywall Tapers
This wiki has been updated 27 times since it was first published in March of 2017. Anyone who has taken part in a new construction project or helped renovate a house knows how critical drywall is for forming rooms in modern buildings. In order to achieve that smooth finish, each sheet needs to be mudded and taped – a process that is made faster and easier by using one of these efficient tapers, which are available in a variety of styles at prices to meet any budget. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Walboard Quick Load
2. Marshalltown Tapeshooter
3. Buddy Tools TapeBuddy
Editor's Notes
April 03, 2019:
Noted that users consistently expressed satisfaction with the speed of the Marshalltown Tapeshooter, which may partially be a result of its easy-to-adjust mud flow control mechanism. We decided to move this model up in the rankings. Reports indicate that the Homax Taping Tool is an effective yet affordable model, which is particularly adept at maintaining the proper mud thickness. However, due to numerous complaints about its lack of a tape cutting mechanism, we dropped this a few slots in the list.
The Walboard Quick Load checks off just about every box for do-it-yourself folks, and plenty of boxes a pro would be looking for as well: quality craftsmanship, an adjustable hand strap, a sharp tape cutter, and a smooth dispensing mechanism. When we considered its mid-range price tag, it was a logical choice for the top spot.
Although the Buddy Tools TapeBuddy (the only new addition) varies from the other options in its method of dispensing tape, it is nonetheless a useful model that will speed up the task. To use it, you load the tool with mud, then pull the tape out yourself, at which point the mud will already be applied. We noted that it’s easiest to use with a partner who can pull the tape out and hand it to you, especially if you’re working on a ladder.
4. Marshalltown Soft Grip
5. Kraft Wood and Web
6. Homax 6500
7. Delko Tools Banjo
In addition to his corporate career as a marketing and communications professional in Chicago, Sam runs a popular blog that focuses on the city’s flourishing craft beer and brewery scene. He received his degree in journalism from DePaul University (which spurred his interest in freelance writing) and has since spent years developing expertise in copywriting, digital marketing and public relations. A lifetime of fishing, hiking and camping trips has left him well-versed in just about any outdoors-related topic, and over several years spent working in the trades during his youth, he accumulated a wealth of knowledge about tools and machinery. He’s a travel junkie, a health and fitness enthusiast, and an avid biker.