That expensive automatic taper was a scam until I saw one work on a real job site

I spent 6 months telling anyone who would listen that automatic taping tools were for hacks. Then last month I was working a basement finish in Denver with a guy who had a Tapetech. He ran 60 feet of ceiling tape in like 3 minutes flat. I ate my words right there. The finish was smooth too no bubbles or folds. I still hand tape corners but for long runs I'm considering one now. Anyone else get converted after being dead set against something?

2 comments

2 Comments

irisg5717d ago

I read somewhere that some drywall finishers used to think automatic tapers were just a way to sell you more tools you didn't need. That was me, I was totally against them. But after hearing that story about the guy in Denver, I'm starting to see it differently. It sounds like once you get the hang of it, they save a lot of time on flat ceilings. Might be worth trying one out for a single job before you commit to buying one.

jones.brooke17d ago

You ever rent one of those tapers and realize you wasted a whole day wrestling with it on your first job? That's what happened to me. I borrowed one from a buddy and spent the first three hours trying to keep the mud from globbing up and jamming. Once I figured out the right consistency for the joint compound and how to feed it steady without rushing, it was like night and day. Flat ceilings especially are a breeze with it, but you gotta practice on a small wall first or you'll just make a mess. Renting one for a weekend to test it out is the smart move, not buying right off the bat.