Product Focus: Drywall & Accessories

Ergonomic Taping Handle

Ames Taping Tools

Drywall finishing contractors will enjoy greater control, safety and productivity with the new model 8000 Wizard handle. Unlike traditional, longer handles, the Wizard places users’ hands directly over the pressure plate, reducing the effort required to do the job.

The compact handle, 40 percent shorter than similar products, allows for greater maneuverability and control by staying directly in front of the user. Ergonomically and intuitively designed, the reversible front handle will grip securely and comfortably into the user’s hand. By eliminating standard brake handles, the handle eliminates the learning curve associated with them, allowing new users to be as fully productive as seasoned pros. Its small size further simplifies work in tight spots, cutting down on wasted job time. Learn more at amestools.com.

High-yield Adhesive

Selena USA

The TYTAN Drywall High Yield Adhesive is an alternative to traditional cartridge- or foam-applied drywall adhesives. Because of its semi-collapsing technology, it makes a stronger bond, which increases shear strength and provides a better seal to prevent air and moisture penetration. Because it partially collapses internally, it creates more bonding material when the substrate is attached. One case of this adhesive, 12 cans (at 29 ounces each) is enough to bond, seal and secure every panel being attached to a 2,000-square-foot home. As an accessory to this product, the TYTAN gun applicator is reusable, provides a higher yield than other applicators, and allows for a more precise application. For more information, visit highyieldadhesive.com.

Fire-coded Panels

USG

Optimized for non-fire-rated and 30-minute partitions, Sheetrock Brand UltraLight Panels Firecode 30 are formulated to achieve the same strength and physical performance characteristics as standard 5/8-inch Type X but at a significantly reduced weight. Ideal for new commercial, residential or repair and remodel applications where 5/8-inch Type X is not required, these lightweight panels are easier to carry, score, snap and install, providing the opportunity for increased productivity and potential safety enhancements. For more information, visit usg.com/ultralight.

IAQ-enhanced Board

CertainTeed Gypsum

The company is broadening its IAQ gypsum board product line with the addition of AirRenew Essential. Featuring industry-first VOC-absorbing technology, this product offers a cost-effective solution for healthier interior environments in residential construction and remodeling projects. The new offering includes AirRenew Essential 1/2-inch gypsum board and 5/8-inch Type X fire-resistant gypsum board. Through patent-pending technology, the board proactively captures VOCs, specifically formaldehyde and other aldehydes, and converts them into safe, inert compounds. For more information, visit certainteed.com/gypsum.

Collated Fastening Tool

Grabber Construction Products

SuperDrive N7 is a lightweight, easy-to-use collated fastening tool designed for reaching into even tighter spaces than before. Its small head design allows it to fit into constricted spaces and its rounded tip won’t damage drywall or other sheathing. The tool is ideal for hanging drywall or sheathing to wood and light to heavy gauge metal. It can be easily adjusted to handle fastener lengths from 1 to 2 inches with just the click of a button. Fine depth control adjustment is made using the tool’s SureLock fine depth control feature. It is easy to operate and accommodates screw diameters from 6 to 12 gauge. For more information, visit grabberman.com/n7.mp4.

Backer for Interior Corners

Millennium Group

The Nailer is a patented drywall fastener that hard fastens to both the stud and the drywall. The product provides substantial energy savings; decreases the cost and time to install and block; reduces call backs due to truss uplift; saves money on material and labor and makes electrical and plumbing installations easier and more energy-efficient.

It comes in 100-percent recycled HDPE #2 plastic or rigid galvanized steel. Visit thenailer.com for more information.

Deflection Bead

Trim-Tex

Wall Mounted Deflection Bead is the product architects are writing into their specifications. This product is designed to prevent unsightly cracks along inside corners where the wall meets the ceiling. The bead features a flexible gasket, which compresses with building deflection resulting in a clean crack free inside corner. The product is designed and marketed for multi-story buildings to look great and cut down on maintenance costs. For more information, visit trim-tex.com.

Non-structural Steel Framing

Custom Stud Inc.

The PrimeStud 20plus Stud targets 2½- to 6-inch non-structural framing, featuring a 13⁄8-inch flange. The line was developed with the framer in mind to reduce shouldering, screw stripping and injuries. The product features thicker, softer steel, hemmed edges, better limiting heights at a competitive price. The product is ICC tested and approved. For more information, visit customstud.com.

Sound Reducing Drywall

PABCO Gypsum

QuietRock is a technically advanced sound reducing drywall that achieves high sound attenuation and fire-resistance using less space, material and labor. The product family has grown to include six different panel products, a full complement of low VOC acoustic sealants, and has garnered numerous U.S. and foreign patents. QuietRock ES is the only sound reducing drywall that easily scores and snaps using EZ-SNAP technology. QuietRock ES delivers acoustical ratings of up to STC 55 on single stud construction. For more information, visit quietrock.com.

Drywall Hangers

Simpson Strong-Tie

Recently, the Type III construction classification of non-combustible walls has been expanded to include wood-frame construction with fire retardant-treated lumber and two layers of 5⁄8-inch gypsum board. As a result, the company has introduced two new drywall hangers. The new DU/DHU face-mount and the DHUTF top-mount hangers are designed and tested to transfer floor joist loads to a wood stud wall through two layers of 5/8-inch drywall. These hangers install after the drywall is in place so there’s no need to cut around joists. They are available in sizes that accommodate most joists used in mid-rise construction, including I-joists and trusses. To learn more, visit strongtie.com/dhu.

Automated Corner System

Structus Building Technologies

The AutoPRO Automated Drywall Corner System uses LevellinePRO to produce ready-to-install corners with joint compound applied, cut to any length. Its features include: