Drywall Lift: Borrow or Buy?
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A drywall lift is the definition of a borrow tool. You use it for one project (hanging ceiling drywall) and then it sits in your garage forever. Borrow, rent, or share.
The Numbers
Why Borrow
- You will use this tool for exactly one project: hanging ceiling drywall
- Once the drywall is up, the lift has zero use until someone remodels again
- At $35-50/day rental, even a 3-day rental costs less than half the purchase price
- A drywall lift is 5 feet tall when folded. That is prime garage real estate.
Why Buy
- You hang drywall professionally
- You are drywalling an entire house and need it for 2+ weeks
- Your tool-sharing group has multiple members with upcoming remodeling projects
Check Before You Buy
Someone in your neighborhood probably owns a drywall lift and uses it a few times a year. Borrowing saves money, saves garage space, and keeps tools in use instead of collecting dust.
See How FriendsWithTools WorksCommon Questions
Can I hang ceiling drywall without a lift?
With a helper, yes. One person holds the sheet while the other screws it. It is physically demanding and hard to get tight seams. A drywall lift holds the sheet flat against the ceiling while you screw it alone. For anything more than a small closet ceiling, the lift is worth borrowing.
How heavy is a drywall lift?
About 50-65 lbs. They fold into a tall, narrow package that fits in a truck bed or minivan with the seats down. Most lifts hold a 4x16 ft sheet at up to 11 feet high.