Category: New Products

So you’re about to embark on the road to becoming a fully trained professional plasterer? That’s great news – but what exactly do you need to get started?

Understanding what tools an apprentice plasterer needs can be challenging, especially if you’re completely new to the industry and starting from square one. That’s where we come in!

As one of the UK’s leading suppliers of plastering and dry lining equipment, we’re perfectly placed to help you get the tools you need at a great price.

What tools do you need as part of your apprentice kit? Don’t panic, we’re going to run through a complete kit so you know exactly which tools you need to start your plastering journey.

This is the complete apprentice plastering kit checklist so get your notepad out, here we go!

The Checklist

As a minimum, any plastering apprentice will need the following tools to start work on site:

• Plastering Trowel
• Bucket Trowel
• Hawk
• Water Brush
• Corner Trowel

These tools are required for any novice plasterer learning their trade – as time passes, you’ll need a few more as your skill level improves, but the list above covers the basic techniques. All our apprentice kits contain these tools as a minimum, so check these out if you’re looking for a comprehensive collection of plastering tools.

Before we get to the tools in more detail, there’s one brief but important point that needs to be made. We often get asked if buying cheap plastering tools is worth it, and the short answer is no – you’ll never get a high quality finish from a low quality piece of equipment, so if you’re serious about becoming a professional and reputable plasterer, you need to invest in your tools set.

Not only do the better tools give you a better finish, they’ll also speed up your work and generally make life on site that bit easier for you.

Anyway, back to the list! First up, we have the most important tool in your arsenal…

Plastering Trowel

If you’re going to plaster a wall or ceiling, you’re going to need a trowel of course. Choosing the right trowel for you can be tough as there are thousands on the market, but our apprentice kits use trowels selected from respected brands like Marshalltown and Nela.

When you’re starting out and learning how to plaster, we’d suggest starting out with a 14” trowel as this brings the perfect balance of size and control. Too small a trowel and you’ll struggle to hold the plaster when applying it to a wall; too big and you won’t be able to develop your technique effectively.

Learning how to use your plastering trowel correctly will be tough at first, but once you get the hang of it you can look to upgrade your tool.

Whatever you do here, don’t go for something cheap – your plastering trowel is what will deliver the high quality finish so it makes sense to invest. We recommend the Marshalltown 14” trowel which comes as part of the Marshalltown apprentice kit.

Bucket Trowel

Another key tool is the bucket trowel, used for scooping up your plaster before applying it to the surface. Again there are thousands of options here just like the plastering trowel, but it’s slightly less critical to invest in quality here as this tool doesn’t directly impact the finish of your work.

All our apprentice kits contain a bucket trowel as standard.

Hawk

You have a choice of material when it comes to plastering hawks – plastic or aluminium.

In some cases, apprentices can find plastic hawks easier to use due to their lighter weight. That said, because they’re made from plastic they have a tendency to snap after periods of extended use.

Aluminium hawks are included in our apprentice packs as they are stronger and more durable, making them a longer-lasting option. They can be slightly more tricky to use because of their weight, but aluminium is still quite light and there’s no risk of the hawk snapping.

Water Brush

All apprentices will need a water brush as this is used towards the end of the plastering process to give a perfect finish to the final coat of plaster.

It’s also a handy tool to have around when you’re running behind schedule and the plaster is starting to set – a quick wipe with your water brush and you can save your walls.

Again, water brushes are dime a dozen but the cheap knock-off versions will leave bristles in your plaster and delay you on site. Invest in a reliable branded tool here.

Corner Trowel

Last but by no means least, we have the corner trowel. Another crucial tool in your kit, the corner trowel is used to smooth down the plaster in the corner of a room.

When you’re working on an entire room, you’re going to need to plaster in the corners where the walls meet. Without a corner trowel, leaving a high quality finish at a 90 degree angle will be almost impossible.

Our apprentice kits always include a corner trowel as standard, usually from reputable brands like Marshalltown and RST.

Summary

This concludes our list of the key plastering tools any apprentice needs to start their journey of becoming a professional plasterer. This isn’t an exhaustive list and it’s likely that you’ll need many more tools on the job, but this list is a great place to start.

Don’t forget to check out our range of apprentice kits designed to give you all the tools you need at a fantastic price!

After a long day on site, it’s time to down tools and head home for a well-deserved break before starting up again the next day.

The plastering or drylining tools you’ve worked hard and paid for need to be stored safely overnight under lock and key until the next morning, so it’s important to know they’re in a safe place away from the possibility of damage or worse, theft.

When it comes to high quality secure storage options for tools of all shapes and sizes, Armorgard offer some of the best products on the current market. From concept and design through to manufacture and servicing, their team support the UK’s network of plasterers and drylining with robust tool storage systems built around the needs of the everyday user.

We’re delighted to stock a selection of plastering and drylining tool storage products from Armorgard to our customers. We’ve chosen to partner with Armorgard because of their continued attention to detail and value for money across their entire product range – something we know our customers have benefitted from time and time again.

Not only that, Armorgard understand that storing drylining tools safely shouldn’t be taken lightly. Theft from building sites or the work vehicles of professional tradesmen is unfortunately all too common these days, so keeping your tools protected in an Armorgard storage unit can provide the security and reliability you need.

This brand understands that their products will ‘take a knock’ every now and then, especially on site, which is why their range is designed with a core focus on strength and durability.

If you need a safe way to store your tools, Armorgard offer a variety of different options to suit the size and weight of your products. All Armorgard products are tested to a strict quality control standard to ensure the very best quality and guarantee the safety of your plastering or drylining tools.

Not only are these storage systems safe, they also pay attention to small details that can make using the system that little bit easier, for example:

• Powerful gas-powered struts are used on each storage box to help open and close the lid, taking away the weight and allowing you to focus on grabbing the tools you need.
• Heavy duty Chubb-style keys come as standard and won’t snap easily. They can also be removed from the lock when the box is unlocked for ease of access.
• Each product is branded with a unique serial number for additional security and this gives you the option of a guaranteed replacement key service in the event you misplace your existing set.
• Forklift skids are in place on all the storage system products for extra mobility and come with pre-drilled holes which allow castors to be added simply and easily.

During the development of all their products, the Armorgard team spend a significant amount of time on construction and works sites to ensure their next set of tool storage options are tailored to the needs of the market. New products must continue to match the already high standards set by their predecessors and, most importantly, remain innovative and versatile.

Here at Gypsumtools, we’re proud to provide a selection of Armorgard products including the ever-popular OxBox Site Box as well as the mobile Cutting Station and Folding Board Trolley. All of these products combine stylish design with reliability, something that is almost guaranteed to improve your productivity when working on site.

As the UK’s go-to brand for durable products that work, Armorgard are comfortably ahead of the competition for tool storage innovation and quality.

If you’re about to start putting up some drywall or thinking about becoming a drywalling professional, getting the right kit for the task in hand can be challenging – especially if you’ve little-to-no experience in the field already.

That said, you’ll be pleased to hear there is a range of automatic drywalling tools that have been specifically designed to make your life quicker and easier. With years of design and development behind them, these tools are must-haves if you want to drywall effectively.

One of those tools is the drywall flat box.

What Is A Drywall Flat Box?

Once your drywall has been put up, you’ll want to start covering the joints between boards with a combination of tape and joint compound to leave a smooth finish across the entire surface of your wall. You can do this by hand or by using an automatic taper for speed and efficiency.

After the tape and compound have been applied, this is where your flat box comes in.

Drywall flat boxes come in various sizes (including 7”, 10” and 12”) and is run over each joint in turn, trowelling the compound and feathering the edges for a precise crown. They are used to ensure more consistent results and a smooth finish across all drywall joints. The box is designed as a device that will make your drywalling life easier and the job of covering joints much quicker to complete.

We think that once you’ve used a drywall flat box, you won’t want to go back to doing the job manually!

How To Use A Drywall Flat Box

Take a look at our drywall flat boxes to see what exactly we’re talking about here.

The flat box in itself isn’t a complicated tool to use, but mastering its delivery of compound in a smooth and consistent way will take practise. The box is filled with joint compound and this pushes the hinged pressure plate forward – this in turn forces the joint compound out through a slot on the face panel.

The adjustable crown setting dial gives you the freedom to amend how quickly the joint compound is pushed through the slot, meaning you can change the amount of joint compound being used between applications.

When you start to work on your drywall, the compound flows out of the slot in the face plate and a steel blade then smooths it to ensure a consistent finish throughout the application.

As you use your drywall flat box, make sure you lay the box wheels and blade flat against the joint. Then, release the brake lever which is located at the bottom of the handle and put consistent pressure onto the face plate as you move the box across the length of the joint.

Remember to keep the handle angled at 45 degrees to deliver the best finish possible. Also, make sure you start at the end of the joint and work in towards the middle – to finish a vertical joint, start at the bottom, work to the middle and then from the top down.

Last but by no means least, when you remove the drywall flat box from the wall, do this in a smooth sweeping motion to avoid leaving clumps of compound on the joint.

Reasons To Use A Drywall Flat Box

There are a number of advantages to using a drywall flat box, much in the same way as using an automatic taper. These benefits include:

• Complete joint finishing quicker and more efficiently
• Finishing with the flat box requires significantly less physical effort than finishing by hand
• Easier to finish joints in hard-to-reach areas
• Work safer, without the need for ladders or plastering stilts
• Enjoy a smoother, cleaner finish on every joint
• Save both time and money with less room for error

Summary

If you only need to drywall one site or the job is relatively small, you might feel that investing in a drywall flat box isn’t necessary. Flat boxes require regular maintenance and cleaning after each use, so while it could be a pain for small sites, it could be a blessing for any larger drywall jobs.

We offer a selection of drywall flat boxes including the Columbia Fat Boy Box and the Level 5 Mega Flat Box – you can take a look at the full range here.

Order your drywall flat box online today!

As one of the leading jointing compound products available on the market right now, 4T has been designed specifically for the drywall professional.

If you’re looking for a compound that can make your job easier, this is the one for you. 4T has such a multitude of uses that it can save you both time and money over the long term – use it for everything from embedding tape and finishing corner bead to topping and texturing.

And before we get into this post, we’re delighted to announce we are ready to take your pre-orders of 4T jointing compound buckets right now, available on pallet for just £15 each – so get in touch on 08456 254321!

Benefits of 4T

Because it’s such a versatile compound that is perfect for use in automatic tools on a wide range of projects, there are so many benefits that come with choosing to work with 4T jointing compound.

There’s the ease at which this compound can be sanded down when dry. As it’s such a high quality product, the drywall professionals we know love how 4T compound reduces the physicality of the sanding process thanks to its easy-to-sand properties. There aren’t many other jointing compounds on the market that can reduce the physical demand of sanding, but 4T sets the bar in this area.

Furthermore, the lightweight properties of 4T jointing compound deliver low shrinkage and make it incredibly quick to clean up. Rushed to finish you taping jointing and need to tidy up your workspace? Don’t panic – 4T can be easily wiped away before it hardens and doesn’t leave any residue on your tools. This is certainly a compound that you can trust time and time again.

Most notable of all these benefits though is the glass-like finish this compound delivers – something that can’t be matched by other similarly priced products on the market. 4T has been developed to attach to walls evenly and consistently, meaning you’ll be left with a near pock-free finish every time.

Combine all this with a great low price and you have the ideal jointing compound!

Buy 4T Direct From Us!

Here at Gypsumtools we provide 4T compound by pallet and now by bucket, giving you complete flexibility on how you want your compound delivered. Not only that, our stock of 4T in buckets gives you much more than just the compound itself.

Each individual bucket is completely reusable which means when you run low on compound, you can resupply using our boxed 4T rather than having to reorder another bucket. Also, the bucket is the perfect mixing tool – stick your paddle straight in, mix your compound and away you go. You can even place your pump directly into the bucket to fill your automatic taping tools.

Our new buckets of 4T compound are also 17 litres in size compared to the standard boxes which are only 14.7 litres. We are currently offering our buckets on a pallet at just £15 each, with single buckets also available at £16 each – pre-order yours now by calling 08456 254321.

The perfect product for taping tools, topping and texture, 4T is the only multipurpose compound you’ll ever need.

When it comes to the plastering and drylining industry, Flex have been at the forefront of the market with their range of drills, mixers and vacuums for decades.

With their commitment to developing quality tools and providing great customer service, Flex Power Tools are one of the biggest brands we work with – and we’re delighted to be among their group of specialist approved dealers in the UK.

Who are Flex?

Established back in 1922, Flex’s success has been built across the last hundred years thanks to an astonishing ability to innovate and solve new on-site problems with robust products time and time again.

Their first creation was to develop some of the earliest handheld tools which were powered by stationary electric motors attached to flexible shafts. It was this tool that inspired the name ‘Flex’.

Today their product range is quite different! Utilising all their years of experience, they have developed a number of high quality plastering and drylining tools all aimed at improving both job efficiency and safety. A fantastic example of this is one of their latest products – the Flex Giraffe – which was originally developed back in 1997 as the first electric-powered long-neck sander for ceilings and walls.

The latest variation of the Giraffe tool is one of their most popular products today thanks to its telescopic function, interchangeable sanding heads and perfect handling. You can take a look at this amazing sanding tool in more detail here.

What makes them different?

Flex continue to display fantastic commitment to the trade – their amazing product range is only available via a number of approved distributors, including Gypsumtools! And there is good reason for their decision.

As an organisation, Flex believe that users who place high value on both the quality and functionality of their tools expect the best advice. In order for that to happen, only authorised and trained dealers such as the team here at Gypsumtools are able to sell their tools.

To support this ongoing commitment to their customers, Flex also offer a 2 year manufacturer’s guarantee on all power tools purchased through an approved dealer.

Gypsumtools are proud to provide Flex tools as part of our plastering and drylining tools range, and are delighted to work with them both now and going forward.

Our specific range of Flex products covers power mixers, wall sanders, ceiling sanders, drills, vacuums and more. Perfect for any building professional, these tools are all available to order online and you can also enjoy free deliver on any order over £99 (excluding VAT).

Summary

Here at Gypsumtools, our expert team take great pride in the quality of the tools we stock – which is why we choose to work with some of the best tool manufacturers in the world just like Flex. Our in-house experts will always be able to offer their advice and guidance when using Flex tools so you can get the job done quickly and safely.

To find out more about any of our Flex tools, give us a call on 08456 254 321 and speak to a member of the team.

Over the last few years, there’s been a stark increase in the use of plastic trowels within the UK plastering industry.

Not only that, there is now a clear division between tradesmen as to which is the better tool for the job – plastic or metal.

With such a huge range of choice now available both online and in store, the plastering world has seen significant leaps forward recently in terms of the technology available and the tools used on site day-to-day. For example, a trowel that gave a great finish 3 or 4 years ago has now probably been surpassed by a more modern and lightweight version.

For many plasterers in the UK, the choice between a plastic or a metal trowel is quite clear. You’ll either love the new plastic varieties or loathe them!

Let’s take a look at each version in turn, and then we’ll deliver our opinion on which trowel reigns supreme.

Metal Trowels

The more traditional plastering trowel is usually made from stainless steel and is therefore built to last. They will usually require a little more maintenance but if looked after can last for years at a time.

By default, any type of metal trowel will be stronger than a plastic one and is therefore much less susceptible to damage when being used on site.

Despite their strength and reliability, metal trowels are generally heavier than their plastic counterparts and this can have an impact on your ability to plaster a wall effectively the longer a job goes on. For example, plastering for 3 hours with a metal trowel will be far more strenuous than using a plastic trowel.

Metal trowels can be relied upon to bring consistency to your plastering as they have done for decades, but the rise in popularity of plastic trowels has given that alternative option for plasterers looking to take their work to the next level.

Don’t forget about the brand new Level 5 Spatulas that can be relied on to deliver a high quality finish consistently – this is why the spatulas are the number one choice for many plastering professionals at the moment.

Plastic Trowels

The new kid on the block is the plastic trowel. Lighter and more flexible, plastic trowels are ideal for those in need of a tool that is easier on their body when plastering.

Most plasterers that have recently made the switch to plastic trowels have done so due to their lighter weight. Less weight means less effort is required to plaster a wall – and let’s be honest, who doesn’t want that?

There is now a huge range of plastic trowels available on the market to suit almost any need, so if you’re looking to try one out, now is the time.

Plastic tools aren’t without their downsides however. As they aren’t made from such a sturdy material, they are more susceptible to damage during use, especially when going over beads for example.

Summary

It’s fair to say that the plastic trowel shouldn’t be viewed as a complete replacement for your metal trowel just yet – they’ve been specifically designed and developed to help with the finishing of a wall or ceiling.

What we will say is that it’s certainly worth trying out a plastic trowel to see if it suits your plastering style, as it will invariably make your life easier if so.

The majority of plasterers don’t like to change their kit too regularly, especially when they’ve found a specific tool that they’ve used for a while and are really comfortable with – but this is definitely one area you might want to experiment.

With steadfast dedication to the construction industry that stretches back nearly 100 years, Milwaukee Tools have been leading the way with their unique and revolutionary solutions to the most common trade problems.

One thing you want from any drylining or plastering tool is performance – and that is where the philosophy of Milwaukee Tools has delivered time and time again. The ‘disruptive innovation’ ingrained into this brand has helped it to repeatedly create tools that deliver unrivalled reliability and offer a new level of productivity for their users.

As proud stockists of Milwaukee Tools here at Gypsumtools, we are delighted to offer our customers access to one of the most trusted industry-leading brands on the current market. With a wide range of power tools, accessories and hand tools to choose from, there is something for almost every trade profession.

The tools that Milwaukee bring to the table are often trade-specific and provide a unique solution to common on-site issues – whether it be through their Lithium-ion technology used in their M12, M18 and M28 drill systems or their Shockwave Impact Duty driver bits which have been engineered to be the most reliable, best fit driver bits in the world. There are no boundaries with this brand – they will take on and overcome almost any challenge the drylining world can throw at them.

So how do they manage to do this so consistently? The key is working alongside professional tradesmen all over the world, allowing Milwaukee to understand the ever-changing demands of the construction industry and design their products accordingly. Their aim is always to help professionals work faster and smarter, not ignoring the small details that can make a world of difference. It’s this level of ‘disruptive innovation’ that continues to deliver exceptional new products time and time again.

Throughout their history, Milwaukee have been responsible for some of the biggest breakthroughs in power tool design:

1924 – the ‘Hole-Shooter’ was the first lightweight, portable one-handed drill
1949 – Milwaukee developed the first right-angle drill
1951 – the Sawzall Reciprocating Saw, the first self-contained portable electric hacksaw
1979 – the first U.S-made annular grinder
2005 – Milwaukee becomes the first power tool manufacturer to use lithium-ion technology
2008 – the first manufacturer to use Ice Hardened strengthening technology

This isn’t even the full list of company achievements, but as you can see, it does go some way to demonstrating the incredible and unrelenting desire Milwaukee have to develop and design tools that really do help the end user. While some manufacturers out there have shifted their focus to the mass markets in recent times, Milwaukee have continued to remain focused purely on the core user group.

It’s not just the manufacturing process that they invest in either. Milwaukee Tools also benefit from established partnerships with some of the top universities around the world which plays a key role in their recruitment process, allowing them to fast-track the very best young talent in engineering, marketing and sales.

Combining this with heavy investment in the next line of products, Milwaukee can constantly look to the future safe in the knowledge that their tools stand at the forefront of the plastering and drylining marketplace. As a brand, they pride themselves on being defined by unprecedented speed, agility, innovation and most importantly, quality.

Making the workplace a safer and more productive environment, forms the cornerstone of Milwaukee Tools mission – something that we echo here at Gypsumtools.

If you’re looking to buy your next set of drylining or plastering tools, look no further than Milwaukee Tools. As an organisation, they are always looking to reach new heights and hit that next level of performance for the benefit of all their customers.

You can view our full range of Milwaukee Tools by clicking here.

If you’re considering investing in some new high quality drywall equipment, Columbia Taping Tools should be one of the first brands you turn to.

Every product made by the team at Columbia is built to the highest possible standard – no exceptions. They guarantee this quality on all their products based on the materials that go into every single tool they make.

Other companies might try to cut corners and save money by sourcing their materials from more affordable locations, but Columbia are proud to manufacture all their drywall taping tools in Canada using only the very best American steel, aluminium, rubber and plastic.

When you use drywall taping tools made by Columbia on site, you’ll instantly recognise their exceptional build quality and durability compared to other taping tools on the market. These tools are built to work as hard as you do, and last for years rather than months.

This unique approach to taping tools comes from Columbia’s founder, Bernie St James. Bernie ran his own business as a drywall taper for many years, but wasn’t satisfied with the quality of the tools available on the market. They would often be made cheaply, with little attention paid to detail or actual on-site performance – and that’s when he started Columbia Taping Tools all the way back in 1979.

Using his own high standards as a benchmark, Bernie was able to develop a complete range of drywall taping tools that focused around exceptional craftsmanship and reliability. All of Columbia’s products are built using these principles of real-world experience and a passion for good, honest hard work.

When you buy anything from our range of Columbia Tools, not only will you get a top quality product, you’ll be benefitting from over 35 years of industry experience and get to use some of the most innovative tools available on the market. The outstanding build quality is obvious on all Columbia tools, and they take great pride in manufacturing products that their customers love from the very first use.

Not only that, all Columbia drywall taping tools are backed by one of the best product guarantees in the world. Have an issue with a Columbia tool? Regardless of whether it’s a Predator automatic taper, an extension handle, a flat box or any other product, simply get in touch with us and we’ll do everything we can (with Columbia’s help!) to get you back to work.

This fantastic guarantee covers a full five-year period, so you can purchase your taping tools safe in the knowledge that they will be repaired or replaced in the unlikely event something does go wrong.

Here at Gypsumtools, we’re delighted to be working in collaboration with Columbia Drywall Taping Tools and offering their fantastic product range on our website, over the phone, or at our trade counter in Leicester – where you can touch and feel it before you make your purchase. We have absolute confidence in their range of tools and we would highly recommend them to any drywall professional.

If you want to enjoy the privilege of using some of the best drywall tools on the market, take a look at our full Columbia product range.

Find out how you can make huge savings on our taping tools with our Taping Tool Kit Builder, featuring DeWalt and Level 5 taping tools.

OX Tools is recognised in the construction industry as a manufacturer of tried and tested tools that are not only dependable, but affordable too. Want to know more about their range and the benefits they can bring to you on the job? Read on!

About The OX Tools Brand

Celebrating an amazing 40 years of manufacturing high performance products, OX Tools was originally born in Australia in 1974. After building up a great reputation as being tough, dynamic, dependable and affordable, the brand brought their tools over to the UK.

Many industry professionals and individual DIYers alike regard OX tools as an ‘extra man on site’. Using American, German and other European technology, OX products are known for their innovation and toughness. High quality at a low price.

The OX Tools Range At Gypsumtools

Wondering where you can get your hands on the range from OX Tools? You’ve come to the best place! Here at Gypsumtools, we have a number of products that you’ll want to add to your toolbox. View the OX Tools products and buy online in no time at all!

Why not add a few more essentials to your basket? As there’s free delivery on orders over £99! Plus all the handy advice you’ll need to get the job done with your new tools.

OX Speedskim Plastering Rule

OX Tools’ Plastering Rule is perfect for use on ceilings, walls and floors leaving the work with a perfectly formed, flat surface to continue with.

It has a semi-flexible, plastic blade and is very effective for use on medium or larger areas. This tool enables any plasterer to flatten and rule off with no trouble at all.

What’s more, the plastering rule also features the Speedskim Technology™ button release interchangeable blade feature.

OX Speedskim Finishing Rule

The Speedskim technology has been designed with you in mind. The revolutionary Speedskim Stainless Flex Finishing Rule is designed to increase meterage output and enhance the finish of the job whilst reducing the effects of fatigue and RSI.

Making your job much easier, it is also designed to take replacement blades with a smooth blade change mechanism and can be used with a universal pole attachment to access those hard-to-reach areas (both sold separately).

This high-quality tool enables you to achieve the same great finish for all gypsum based finishing plasters, whether it be applied by hand or spray.

View the whole range of OX Tools.

If you have any questions or queries about any of the products, give us a ring on 08456 254 321 or email [email protected] and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.