How to Order the Right Amount of Drywall for a Job

You need the right equipment to work efficiently once your drywall arrives:

Essential Cutting Equipment

The Milwaukee 5693-20 M18 FUEL Reciprocating Saw handles thick studs and metal framing when you’re doing rough-in prep before hanging. At $499, it weighs just 7.5 lbs with battery, making it portable for multi-story jobs.

For scoring and snapping, nothing beats a quality utility knife like the Stanley 18-302 Pro. The $29.99 price point is reasonable considering you’ll use it daily. Keep at least three blades on your belt—dull knives create uneven breaks that telegraph through tape and mud.

Fastening Tools

The DeWalt DCN275D1 20V MAX Cordless Drywall Screwdriver saves hours per day compared to manual guns. At $149, it drives #6 drywall screws at consistent depth without over-driving. The 3/8-inch drive accepts standard screw heads and delivers up to 1,500 RPM.

For high-volume commercial work, I recommend the Bosch GSR 120-LI 12V Max Brushless Drill Driver. The $179 investment pays for itself in one job through reduced fatigue and faster driving speeds.

Safety Equipment

Eye protection is non-negotiable—dust gets everywhere. The 3M 6005 Series Full Face Mask filters 99% of particulate matter at $89. For respiratory protection, the 3M 7500 Half-Face Respirator with P100 filters costs $45 but protects against silica and other fine dust.