Starting out as a dryliner, the temptation is to buy everything the experienced lads have in their vans. Most of it took them years to collect, and a lot of it is specialist kit that you will not use until you are running your own boarding crews.
This guide is the short list of tools you actually need in your first year, in the order you should buy them. It mixes cheap hand tools that do most of the work with two or three bigger purchases that make a real difference to speed, and everything listed is available on Amazon UK at the time of writing.
If you buy everything, the total is about £600, but the first six items come to well under £150, and that is enough to start work on a small boarding job.
Quick Verdict
Start with the basics: a tape, a knife, a jab saw, a T-square and a good spirit level. Then buy a drywall screwdriver, which is the first tool that pays for itself in saved time, and finish with a laser level and proper dust protection once the jobs are coming in.
Do not buy a screw gun on a platform you do not plan to stay on, and do not buy a plasterboard lift or a set of stilts until you have been boarding ceilings for a while and know what you need.
The Kit, in the Order You Should Buy It
1. Tape Measure: Stanley FatMax 8m
A dryliner measures all day, and the FatMax is the tape most tradesmen trust. The 8m blade is wide enough to stand out without support, the lever lock holds the blade in place, and the armour coating means it lasts when it is dropped.
At under £20 and with nearly 5,000 reviews on Amazon UK it is the best-value tool on this list. Buy two, because one will always go missing.
- DURABLE BLADE: Abrasion resistant polyester film coated blade coating provides up to 10 times more resistance to abrasion than a standard lacquered blade, increasing the life of the tape and reducing wear on most heavily used sections of the blade
- BLADEARMOR COATING: reinforces the first 7.5cm of the blade, the section most vulnerable to wear
- GREATER REACH: 32mm blade width and extended reach of 4.2 metres to help you measure confidently from a distance, even when working alone
- TRU-ZERO HOOK: For precise inner and outer measurements, moving back and forth along the securing rivets to account for the hook thickness
- MULTI-CATCH HOOK: Provides more contact surface and grip for greater control, while the TRU-ZERO feature ensures precise inner and outer measurements
2. Utility Knife: Stanley FatMax Folding Knife
Plasterboard is scored and snapped, and that needs a sharp blade. The FatMax folding utility knife has a retractable blade, comes with three blades and folds shut for safe storage in a pouch or pocket.
It costs about £13 and has almost 7,000 reviews on Amazon UK. Change the blade often: a blunt blade tears the paper and makes a ragged edge.
- TRUSTED TO GET THE JOB DONE: Whether you're a professional tradesperson or a DIY enthusiast, the STANLEY FATMAX Folding Retractable Blade Utility Knife with 3 Blades can be trusted to get the job done properly and with the most professional of results.
- FOLDING DESIGN: Can be easily folded and carried in your pocket, toolbox, or toolbag reducing the risk of accidental cuts or injuries, and making it safer to carry and store. This portability ensures that you always have a reliable cutting tool on hand, whether you're working on a job site, in the workshop, or on the go.
- RETRACTABLE BLADE: Avoid accidental cuts or injuries and safely store the knife in your pocket or toolbox without the need for additional blade covers or sheaths. This feature also ensures the longevity of the blade by protecting it from unnecessary wear and tear.
- INTERLOCKING DESIGN: Greatly improves safety by securing the blade firmly in place, preventing nose spread and body separation that might otherwise cause blades to break-loose and cause injury.
- TOOL-FREE PUSH-BUTTON BLADE CHANGE: Effortlessly and quickly swap blades without the need for additional tools or complicated procedures. Whether you need to switch to a different blade type or replace a dull blade, the instant blade change mechanism saves you valuable time and effort. This means you can stay focused on your task at hand, increasing productivity and reducing downtime.
3. Jab Saw: Stanley FatMax Folding Jabsaw
A jab saw is what you use to cut sockets, pipe holes and small openings in a board. The FatMax folding jabsaw has an 8 TPI blade that cuts quickly and cleanly, and it folds away for safe carrying.
With nearly 6,000 reviews on Amazon UK at about £13, it is another cheap tool that lasts.
- Jab saw is long and narrow perfect for cutting straight and curved shapes within plasterboard for electrical socket recesses, thin wooden battens, plastic pipes
- Secure locking mechanisms in 3 positions (90,135,180°) for maximum flexibility and increased leverage for angled corner and ceiling cuts
- 8 TPI design, perfect for aggressive, fast and quick cutting
- Space saving foldable blade for safer handling and storage
- Sharp tooth technology cuts on push and pull strokes and is up to 50% faster than traditional tooth designs
4. Drywall T-Square: 1200mm Aluminium
A 1200mm drywall T-square lets you score a board across its width in one pass. It is much more accurate than a rule and a pencil and a lot quicker, and an aluminium one will not bend like a plastic version.
It costs around £27, and you will use it on every job. Check that the head sits firmly against the edge of the board.
- Brand New Drywall T Square
- Drywall T Square - 1200 x 560mm
- Bright anodised, hardened aluminium.
- graduations and handle for easy grip
- 4-rivet fixing, easy-to-read black
5. Spirit Level: Stabila 70-2 120cm
Stabila levels are the standard on British sites. The 70-2 at 120cm is a good length for checking studs, door frames and wall faces, and it holds its accuracy for years. It costs about £26 and has more than 450 reviews on Amazon UK.
A 120cm level will cover most jobs, and you can add a longer one later if you get into tall partition work.
- 70-2-120 Double Plumb Spirit Level 3 Vial 120cm
- 70-2-120 Double Plumb Spirit Level 3 Vial 120cm
- 70-2-120 Double Plumb Spirit Level 3 Vial 120cm
- A traditional spirit level ideal for general purpose use around the office, home and for the DIY and professional maintenance kit.
- Features one horizontal & two vertical Vials.
6. Plasterboard Rasp: Wolfcraft Surform
Cut board edges are never perfect, and a rasp takes off the ragged bits so that boards butt together tightly. The Wolfcraft surform plane has more than 2,000 reviews on Amazon UK and costs about £10.
It is a small item, but one that you will use on almost every job.
- Extra-Wide Rasp Surface: The 150 x 57 mm cutting surface lets you shape and smooth plasterboard edges quickly, helping you make fast, visible progress on drywall projects
- Comfortable One-Handed Control: An ergonomically shaped hand cradle lets you guide this surform plane with one hand while holding the workpiece steady with the other
- Versatile Material Compatibility: Ideal for trimming and finishing plasterboard, drywall, and wood, making it a practical addition to a wide range of home renovation and fitting projects
- Replaceable Rasp Plate: The efficient rasp plate can be changed when needed, extending the working life of the tool and helping maintain consistent, clean cutting performance
- Sturdy High-Quality Build: The body is constructed from durable, high-quality plastic, designed to withstand regular use across plasterboard and woodworking tasks without flexing
7. Drywall Screwdriver: Makita DFS452Z
This is the first big purchase, and the one that pays for itself fastest. The Makita DFS452Z is a brushless 18V LXT drywall screwdriver with a depth-setting nose, sold as a bare tool at about £183. It sets screws flush without tearing the paper, and it is a lot faster than a cordless drill.
You will need a battery and a charger, so if you are not already on Makita factor those in. It is also worth reading our guide to the best drywall screw guns before you commit to a platform.
- Brushless motor
- Push drive technology
- Lock on function
- Silent clutch
- One touch locator
8. Autofeed Screwdriver: Makita DFR550Z (Optional)
Once you are boarding large areas every day, an autofeed machine saves time. The DFR550Z takes collated screws and runs on the same batteries as the DFS452Z. At about £205 it is a purchase to make when the work justifies it, not on day one.
- Anti-tilt device to prevent screws from swaying
- Dust proof construction
- Silent clutch
- Maximum drywall screw 4mm x 55mm
- Screw range 25mm to 55mm
9. Cross-Line Laser: Bosch GLL 3-80
A laser level takes the guesswork out of setting out track and lines. The Bosch Professional GLL 3-80 projects three lines and is a favourite on UK sites, with more than 1,700 reviews on Amazon UK. At about £266 it is a serious spend, so buy it once you have steady work.
It will pay for itself in time saved on setting out, and it is a tool that gets used well beyond dryliner work.
- SIMULTANEOUS HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL LEVELLING: Complete parallel work on floors, ceilings, and walls with the 1 horizontal and 2 vertical lines.
- HIGH VISIBILITY: Thanks to high-powered laser diodes, the laser lines are clearly visible
- SELF-LEVELLING: To reduce the need for manual adjustments, the line level can self-level on non-level surfaces up to +/- 4°
- PRECISE RESULTS: For highly accurate measuring, the laser level delivers precise results within ± 0.3 mm/m */**
- ITEMS INCLUDED: Laser level GLL 3-80, 4x AA batteries, laser target plate, pouch and carrying case
10. Dust Protection: 3M Aura 9332+ FFP3
Plasterboard dust is fine and gets everywhere, and cutting and sanding it all day is bad for your lungs. The 3M Aura 9332+ FFP3 respirator has a valve to keep you cool and comes in a pack of ten at about £58.
Wear one whenever you are cutting boards or sanding joints, and replace it when it gets damp or clogged.
- Greater facial movement with Aura 3-panel design
- Enhanced breathability with high performance filter material for easy breathing
- 3M Cool Flow Valve reduces heat build-up inside the respirator by removing exhaled air for a cooler wear
- Sculpted nose panel helps improve compatibility with 3M eyewear, while the embossed top panel is designed to reduce fogging, for clearer visibility
- Adjustable nose clip helps to form a seal across the nose and cheeks
Starter Kit at a Glance
| Item | Why You Need It | Approx. Price |
| Stanley FatMax 8m tape | Measuring | £19 |
| Stanley FatMax folding knife | Scoring boards | £13 |
| Stanley FatMax folding jabsaw | Cutting openings | £13 |
| 1200mm drywall T-square | Straight cuts | £27 |
| Stabila 70-2 120cm level | Plumb and level | £26 |
| Wolfcraft surform | Trimming edges | £10 |
| Makita DFS452Z screwdriver | Fixing boards | £183 |
| Makita DFR550Z autofeed | Faster boarding | £205 |
| Bosch GLL 3-80 laser | Setting out | £266 |
| 3M Aura 9332+ FFP3 masks | Dust protection | £58 |
What to Leave Until Later
Plasterboard lifts
A lift is brilliant when you are boarding ceilings every week, but it is expensive and bulky. Hire one until you know you will use it often.
Stilts
Stilts are a skill. Learn on someone else’s pair before you buy, and make sure they suit the work you do.
Full tool van fit-out
A van full of racking is a luxury. Start with a tool bag and a couple of tool boxes, and build up as the work comes in.
Specialist routers and jointing kit
Taping and jointing equipment is a separate trade for many fitters. If you are not doing finishing, you do not need it.
Buying Smart in Your First Year
Choose one battery platform
The most expensive mistake a new dryliner can make is to buy tools on three different battery systems. Pick a platform and buy bare tools to save money.
Look after your hand tools
Keep blades sharp, keep levels in a case, and do not use a spirit level as a hammer. Good tools last, and a level that has been dropped is not trustworthy.
Keep every receipt
Tools are a business expense, so keep the paperwork and put it through your books.
FAQs
How much does it cost to start as a dryliner in the UK?
The hand tools and a screwdriver come to a few hundred pounds, and you can add a laser and an autofeed later. You will also need a van or a way of transporting boards, insurance and possibly a CSCS card.
Do I need a CSCS card to work as a dryliner?
Most sites require a CSCS card, so check the requirement for the work you plan to do. You will usually need to pass the health and safety test and have the relevant qualifications.
Should I buy a drywall screwdriver or use a drill?
A drywall screwdriver is worth the money. It sets the screws to a consistent depth, and is much faster than a drill.
Which spirit level is best for dryliners?
A 120cm Stabila is the usual choice, and many fitters also carry a shorter 60cm level and a longer 180cm one.
Is an autofeed screw gun worth it for a new dryliner?
Not at first. Start with a hand-fed drywall screwdriver and buy an autofeed once you are doing enough boarding to make the extra cost worthwhile.
Final Word
A first-year dryliner kit does not need to be expensive. Get the tape, knife, saw, T-square and level first, add a drywall screwdriver as soon as you can, and buy the laser and autofeed once the work is coming in regularly.
Look after the kit, buy on one battery platform and do not forget a decent FFP3 mask. Your lungs will last longer than your tools.
