Choosing the Best Drywall Taping Tool: Automatic Taper, Banjo, or Super Taper?

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	Cons
Highly efficient for large-scale projects	Requires experience/practice to use effectively
Consistent mud application	More complex to clean and maintain
Reduces hand fatigue over long periods from hand taping	Expensive up front costs

Best for: Professional drywallers and contractors who work on large projects and need maximum efficiency

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	Cons
More affordable than an automatic taper	Can be messy if not handle properly
Easier to learn and to use	Less consistent mud application compared to an automatic taper
Lightweight and good for small to mid size projects	Still requires some manual effort

Best for: DIYers and smaller to mid size jobs looking for a balance between affordability and efficiency

Tape Puller/Super 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	Cons
More control over mud flow	Not as fast as a banjo or automatic taper
Allows for mass application of mud on tape	Still requires manual handling and embedding of tape