Always use the right tools when fixing a suspended ceiling.
The ceiling of a room may be damaged or unsightly. A suspended ceiling is a useful way of covering such a problem. A suspended ceiling also has fire-resistant properties and muffles sound. Furthermore, it provides a surface on which you can mount lights. If you're thinking of installing such a ceiling, ensure you have the right tools. These make the project easier.
Ladder
When you install a suspended ceiling you must have both hands free. This means you need a sturdy A-frame ladder. Never stand on a flimsy ladder that doesn't give you firm support. Also use a work platform. This clips onto the ladder's rungs. You can place tools and materials on the platform for convenience.
Tape Measure
se a 25-foot, 1-inch wide steel tape measure with a belt clip and secure end hook. A 25-foot tape measure is ideal for most sizes of room. If you have a shorter tape measure, it may not extend for the full length of a wall or ceiling. A tape measure that's an inch wide is stronger and buckles less than a half-inch model. The belt clip means you don't have to place the tape measure in a pocket. It can be difficult and potentially hazardous to pull a tape measure from a pocket when you're on a ladder. A secure end hook ensures accuracy. A loose end hook may affect your measurements. A secure end hook is also less likely to slip from where you attach it.
Hammer and Screwdriver
It's unnecessary to buy a specific hammer or special screwdrivers to install a suspended ceiling. A standard all-purpose hammer and an ordinary set of screwdrivers are suitable.
Hole-Punch Pliers and Hand Rivet Tool
Use hole-punch pliers to punch rivet holes in the suspended ceiling's aluminum supports. Drive rivets through the holes with a one-way hand rivet tool. Make sure both tools are high-quality steel. Cheap pliers and rivet tools may break when you apply repeated pressure to them.
Knife
You must have a knife to cut the ceiling tiles to size around the edges of a room. Use a retractable safety knife with a 3/4-inch blade. A safety knife is always the best choice. When you have made a cut, you can retract the blade. This way, you can place the knife in a pocket, tool belt or on a work platform knowing that it does not pose a risk to you or anyone working with you. A 3/4-inch blade is the ideal length for cutting ceiling tiles. A longer blade is unnecessary. A shorter one may not cut all the way through a tile in one go.
Level
A leveling tool ensures a suspended ceiling hangs evenly. The most accurate leveling tools are line lasers.
Hacksaw
Use a hacksaw to cut the suspended ceiling's aluminum supports. You want a 12-inch hacksaw frame with a pack of blades. If you use a hacksaw with a smaller frame, you spend longer making each cut. A hacksaw with a larger frame than 12 inches is heavy and consequently harder to use with accuracy on aluminum supports.
Miter Box
A miter box enables you to cut the ends of the aluminum supports at an angle. Do this when an aluminum support attached to the wall meets with another support in the corner of a room.
Marking Tool
Contractors refer to marking tools by various names including chalk lines and snap lines. The purpose of such a tool is to help mark out the position of the suspended ceiling on a room's wall. Fill the canister of the tool with white or colored chalk. Instead of chalk, some marking tools use wet surface ink. This choice is best if you're working in damp conditions.
Straight edge
A straight edge helps maintain a straight line across a suspended ceiling. Use a 72- or 84-inch straight edge.
Safety Equipment
For safety, wear goggles to protect your eyes. Also use a disposable respirator to keep dust out of your mouth, nose and lungs.
Tags: suspended ceiling, tape measure, aluminum supports, secure hook, 4-inch blade