Posted by Wall ToolsMany drywall tradesmen decide to make the switch from hand-finishing to automatic or semi-automatic finishing tools, but the transition isn’t always easy. There are many options for drywall taping and finishing tools on the market, and it can be difficult to decide which brand or style to choose.
We looked through all of the taping sets available to evaluate which ones are good for dipping your toes into automatic tools. Even if you are not a beginner in the trade, but you’re interested in making the change, some tool sets can be easier to start with than others.
We’ve picked the best automatic and semi-automatic drywall taping tool sets to share with you here, based on what’s included in the set, the price point, the reliability of the manufacturer, and the availability of repair parts and support information. We also tried to keep affordability in mind, so nothing on the list will break your bank account.
Corner Kit: Columbia Commando Drywall Taping & Finishing Set
The Commando Set from Columbia is easily on of the top choices for our first drywall taping set. It comes with a good selection of tools that are useful and versatile, and it is designed to save you time, especially with finishing corners. It comes with a Compound Mud Tube for joint compound application, 2 different-sized Corner Flushers, a Corner Roller, 2 Extension Handles, and Angle Head Adapter, a Flat Head Adapter, a Two-Way Internal Applicator, and a Corner Roller Head. You’ll be able to finish corners quickly and seamlessly, saving you more than enough time, effort, and money to justify the purchase.
Columbia has taken the time to design tool cases that accompany their kits, which is one reason why their tools can be used for many years in the field. The Commando Case carries all the tools included in the kit, and the hard plastic shell means that your tools are protected – even when they aren’t being used. The top level of design and the rugged case make this set one of our top choices.
Flat Box Kit: Tapepro Drywall Tools Flat Boxer Kit
Tapepro has decades of knowledge and experience in drywall tools to pull from, so it’s not a surprise that they’ve put a lot of thought into their drywall taping and finishing toolkits. Tapepro has especially done well with their Flat Boxer Toolkits, and it seems like they’ve thought of everything.
The Tapepro Flat Boxer Kit includes 2 different sizes of flat boxes in a hard-shell carrying case for protection. But, Tapepro went a step further to include replacement parts for the flat boxes that wear out the most, like the blades. That allows you to swap out blades quickly on the jobsite, saving you downtime. It also includes 2 recess plates and a flat box bumper kit, so you’ll definitely have what you need to get a smooth finish.
You’ll want to pick up a good Mud Pump and Flat Box Handle, as they aren’t included with the kit. But, it’s still an affordable setup, and the best part is Tapepro has designed their tools to be interchangeable with other brands, so you have access to repair and replacement parts almost anywhere you can buy drywall taping tools.
Automatic Taper: Drywall Master King Taper and Case Combo
Drywall Master’s King Taper and Case Combo is the perfect solution for someone wanting to switch from hand-taping to using an automatic taper. Based just outside of Chicago, Drywall Master has produced their taper with functionality in mind. They’ve taken a universal approach to design, meaning that they’ve tried to create tools that integrate seamlessly with other brands. That’s great if you’re looking for repair parts and taping tips, because you’re not limited to proprietary information and parts.
One of the best parts about this set is the taper case that comes included. Drywall Master’s Automatic Taper Case has a soft canvas exterior but contains a solid plastic core. These two materials, and the foam lined top, create a protective bubble for your taper that’s convenient to carry. The best part is – if you ever decide to upgrade to The Drywall Master Commander Auto Taper, you won’t need to replace the case! The protective drywall taper carrying case will actually fit most tapers and brands, so it will last on the jobsite with you.
Drywall Tool Manufacturer Customer Service: 10/10
All three companies we mentioned here have personalized customer service available to every customer. That means you can call their phones and someone who actually works there will answer. All three companies also have amazing video resources available – both from their own teams and different users in the field. We’ve personally worked with each of these tool manufacturers for many years, and they consistently go the extra mile to be helpful and provide support to their customers.
If you still don’t find what you need, then Wall Tools is here to help. You can call us, email us, or DM us on social media, and we will always strive to find an answer to your questions. You’ll always get an actual employee who works in our company, and you’ll have access to our combined decades of knowledge and experience.
