Drywall Finishing Tools

Drywall Finishing Tools

Choose tools for inside, outside and rounded drywall corners

Identify the shape and purpose of the corner before comparing a fixed trowel, an adjustable tool or a bead roller.

Read whether the corner projects or recedes

An inside tool works in the angle between the wall faces. An outside tool wraps the projecting edge. Compare the contact face in the photo with the shape on the wall before choosing a tool.

Match a rounded tool to the actual radius

A bullnose tool follows a rounded profile. Read the bead and tool specifications and compare the actual radius. Look for whether the dimension describes the bead curve, width of the face or length of the tool.

Separate setting the bead from finishing the compound

A bead roller can be sold for pressing a named bead into place. A corner trowel is used on the compound at the corner. Read the roller's bead compatibility and the trowel geometry as two separate choices.

Source documentation

Guide questions

What should I compare on a corner that is not square?

Measure the corner and compare it with the documented tool range. Check whether that range applies to an inside or outside corner.

Does the tool size tell me the size of a bead it fits?

Check which dimension the seller measured. A wing length and a bullnose radius describe different parts of the tool.

Can one adjustable head do both sides of a corner?

Confirm the tool's stated orientation for each setting. Some adjustments change the working angle but are intended for inside corners only.

Which accessory suits the job?

  1. Choose the adjustable nylon tool for a recessed corner in its stated range. The steel outside trowel wraps a projecting edge and flexes to its intended angle.

    Adjustable Nylon Inside Corner Trowel ↗5-by-3.75-Inch Stainless Outside Corner Trowel ↗

  2. Compare the 23D for a recessed right angle where its flexible steel wings fit. Use the adjustable nylon head for a recessed corner within its wider documented adjustment range.

    Flexible 4-by-5-Inch Inside Corner Trowel ↗Adjustable Nylon Inside Corner Trowel ↗

  3. Match the Kraft three-eighths-inch radius to a rounded corner. Choose the Marshalltown outside face for a projecting square profile when its working angle fits.

    4-by-2-Inch Outside Corner Tool With 3/8-Inch Radius ↗5-by-3.75-Inch Stainless Outside Corner Trowel ↗

  4. Use the Columbia roller when the compatible bead needs seating. Choose the Marshalltown trowel for the compound pass on a square projecting edge.

    90-Degree Outside Drywall Corner Bead Roller ↗5-by-3.75-Inch Stainless Outside Corner Trowel ↗

Accessories in this guide

Shop these departments