When it comes to drywall taping, efficiency, speed, and ease of use are important factors in choosing the right tool for the job. These three tools are most popular for applying tape and each has it's own strengths and ideal use cases. Which one is best for you?
Automatic Taper
The Automatic Taper or Bazooka, is a high-end tool designed for professional drywallers who need to tape large areas efficiently. It simultaneously applies mud and embeds tape as you move, reducing manual effort and increasing speed.
Pros
- Highly efficient for large-scale projects
- Consistent mud application
- Reduces hand fatigue over long periods from hand taping
Cons
- Requires experience/practice to use effectively
- More complex to clean and maintain
- Expensive up front costs
Best for: Professional drywallers and contractors who work on large projects and need maximum efficiency
How it works: It simultaneously dispenses joint compound and embeds tape as you move it along the seams. You start by filling the drywall taper using a mud pump and gooseneck. Then you load a roll of drywall tape and feed the tape through the taper. The tape gets coated with joint compound as it moved through the taper and exits at the head of the taper. The cutting blade on the head of the tape allows you to precisely cut the tape when you reach the end of a seam. The Automatic Taper takes practice to use, and many youtube videos can run you through usage based on the brand of Automatic Taper you have.
Banjo
The Semi-Automatic Taper or Banjo is a mid-tier drywall taping tool that manually applies mud to the tape and allows for relatively quick application. It's a step up from a tape puller or hand taping but not as automated as an Automatic Taper.
Pros
- More affordable than an Automatic Taper
- Easier to learn and to use
- Lightweight and good for small to mid size projects
Cons
- Can be messy if not handled properly
- Less consistent mud application compared to an automatic taper
- Still requires some manual effort
Best for: DIYers and smaller to mid size jobs looking for a balance between affordability and efficiency
How it works: First load the tape roll to the banjo and run the tape through the reservoir and out the front of the banjo. After loading the tape fill the reservoir with joint compound. Most banjos will have a built in cutter blade allowing you to quickly cut the tape at the right lengths. Some banjos will also have a wheel attachment that will embed tape as you move it across seams.
Tape Puller/Super Taper/Semi-Auto Taper
The Tape Puller or Super Taper is a hybrid tool that is used to improve time spent applying mud to tape. It provides better control over mud flow but still requires manual handling.
Pros
- More control over mud flow
- Allows for mass application of mud on tape
Cons
- Not as fast as a banjo or automatic taper
- Still requires manual handling
Best for: DIYers and intermediate-level drywallers who want to speed up the mud on tape application
How it works: Tape Puller or Super Tapers are set to help with the application of mud on tape. First attached the roll of tape to the tape puller with built in pin. Run the tape through the taper body and back up so the tape exits at the top of the taper. Insert the tape puller into your bucket of mud and pull the tape through the body adjusting the thumb screw to change the amount of mud applied. Put coated tape in a second bucket or box, or carry and apply directing to seam.
