Overview
The LEVEL5 Banjo Drywall Taper is an intermediate or “semi-automatic” tool that enables you to apply paper tape or Fibafuse to flat drywall seams with precision and efficiency.
While not quite as fast as an automatic drywall taper (#4-760), the banjo is much faster than hand taping. For any drywall finishing job of 10 sheets or more, this tool will save you valuable time while achieving professional results. It is also easy to clean when the job is done.
The LEVEL5 Banjo Drywall Taper is a commercial-grade workhorse. It features an aircraft-grade aluminum body that has been fully anodized for corrosion resistance. The hinged lid has a high quality urethane rubber seal and industrial-quality latches. The banjo also features an adjustable flow gate with an integrated tape cutter as well as a comfortable, soft-grip handle.
FEATURES
- Aircraft-grade aluminum body
- Premium color anodizing for easy cleaning and corrosion resistance
- Composite tape roll holder that won’t shrink or crack over time
- Adjustable flow gate with integrated tape cutter
- Heavy-duty, soft-grip top handle
- Adjustable hand strap with thumb rest for better control on the wall
- Hinged lid
- Proprietary urethane rubber anti-leak seal
- Industrial-quality latches
Learn more here: https://youtu.be/HlH0qDNXkz8
HOW TO USE
Preparing Your Joint Compound
- Mix water with your compound until it is a consistency where you know it is going to flow out of the banjo easily and without dripping (think of thick Greek yoghurt).
- The compound should be smooth and free from air bubbles. You should be able to pour it from your bucket into the compound chamber. Alternatively, you can use a LEVEL5 Compound Pump (#4-771) with a flat box filler valve (included) or LEVEL5 Compound Tube (#4-741) with its flat box filler nozzle installed.
Preparing the LEVEL5 Banjo
- Place a tape roll onto the tape roll dispenser and insert the leading end of the tape into the slot that enters the compound chamber. If the tape is creased, ensure that the crease points down towards the bottom of the Banjo.
- Inside the compound chamber, insert the tape end through the slot located in the tape dispensing head at the front end of the taper.
- Pull the tape upwards, following the contours at the top of the compound chamber.
- Load joint compound into the compound chamber below the tape. The pressure created when you pull the tape through the compound chamber while operating the banjo will coat the back of the tape evenly.
- PRO TIP: Avoid overfilling the compound chamber as two things could happen: (1) it may become challenging to pull the tape through the compound chamber, resulting in tearing the tape inside the banjo or (2) the seals won't function correctly, causing excessive leakage.
- Always prime the banjo by pulling the tape through until no dry tape is coming out of the dispensing head. Cut off and discard the dry tape, and you are ready to go.
- Note that you can loosen two thumbscrews and adjust the gate/cutter on the tape dispensing head to control the compound flow to your preference.
Operating the LEVEL5 Banjo
- Place your hand through the strap on the side of the banjo, ensuring that your thumb rests on the thumb tab, and wrap the rest of your fingers around the base of the tool.
- Hold the banjo with one hand and pull out a length of tape roughly equivalent to an arm's span with your free hand. Apply the tape edge to the beginning point of the seam and push the span of tape down along the seam.
- Next, apply pressure on the tape near the dispensing head with your free hand, so you can move the banjo forward along the seam. Apply pressure to the tape every two or three feet, repeating the process until the end of the seam. It may take some time to master the technique, but once you do, you will be able to move quickly along the seam.
- When you reach the end of the seam, press the tape against the drywall with the taper cutter's edge, and quickly pull the banjo to tear the tape.
- To complete the taping process, we recommend using a 6-inch joint knife (#5-406) along with a mud pan (#5-332) or a hawk (#5-325) to bed the tape down, removing any excess compound and air pockets behind the tape. The result should be a smooth, flat, and clean surface over the taped seam, ready for final finishing.
CLEANING & LUBRICATION
A Pressure Washer Makes Cleaning Fast
To ensure that your LEVEL5 automatic and semi-automatic tools last longer, it is crucial to clean them thoroughly before storing them between jobs. Although not required, a lightweight and portable pressure washer, commonly used for washing vehicles, can make light work of the cleaning process. There are many cost-effective options available on Amazon with good ratings.
Lubricate After Cleaning
Once your automatic and semi-automatic tools are clean, it is important to lubricate all the moving parts to displace any remaining water and reduce the risk of corrosion. IMPORTANT: avoid using standard WD-40 or similar lubricants as they can be caustic and damage the rubber seals and gaskets, which in turn can affect tool performance. In fact, it's best to steer clear of any spray lubricants unless you are certain of the propellant used. For example, many spray cans use solvents like benzene as a propellant, which is a solvent.
We recommend using simple, low cost 3-in-1 machine oil, available in metal squeeze cans, to lubricate every moving part before and after use. Alternatively, if you prefer to spray the oil onto your tools, you can buy it in a larger format and apply using a hand spray bottle.
Learn more: O090JcfrRjU
PRODUCT INFO
Related Videos
-
Drywall Banjo | Complete Overview
7-Year Warranty
100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
LEVEL5 makes workhorse drywall finishing tools that set the standard for quality & reliability.
We back all of our tools with the strongest warranties in the industry and work hard to provide our family of finishers with the best customer service possible.
Do you have questions about your LEVEL5 Tool(s)? Call our toll-free support line at 866.562.4229 (local: 913.631.0804) or send us an email at support@level5tools.com. Our support team is available Monday through Friday, 7:30am to 4pm Central Time.
Manufacturer's Warranty
For its full line of semi-automatic drywall finishing tools and accessories, LEVEL5 Tools, LLC. ("LEVEL5") offers a full seven (7) year warranty to the original owner that these products will be free from defects in material and function. This warranty is valid only in the USA, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom and Europe. A one (1) year warranty applies in all other countries/markets.
Terms & Conditions
- The Warranty applies to the original owner and is not transferable.
- The Warranty is limited to repair or replacement of the product, and does not cover direct, indirect, consequential, incidental or any other type of damage resulting from its use.
- The Warranty does not cover normal wear, misuse, negligence, fire, theft, loss or intentional damage.
- All shipments to the LEVEL5 facility must be freight paid. LEVEL5 reserves the right to determine whether to repair or replace any product covered under the Warranty. Discontinued products may be replaced with newer models when necessary.
Wear Parts
When you purchase professional drywall finishing tools, it is important to know that common wear parts are readily available to ensure your tools are run optimally for their entire operating life.
At LEVEL5, we maintain a large inventory of wear parts for all models of our drywall taping and finishing tools, including:
- Automatic taper cutting blades
- Flat box and corner finisher blades, shoes, etc.
- Gaskets & o-rings
- Plungers
- Springs
- Wheels & bearings
- Screws
- and much more...
These components are available separately or in convenient logical kits for tool maintenance or rebuilds. Perhaps most importantly, these components and kits are available at a reasonable price!
FAST FREE SHIPPING
ACROSS THE CONTINENTAL USA
LEVEL5 will cover the standard shipping costs for all orders over $50 across the continental USA.
Orders delivered throughout the continental USA will be shipped via UPS or FEDEX Ground. Delivery times vary between 2 to 5 business days depending on where you are located in relation to our headquarters in Kansas City, KS.
The "Continental United States" refers to the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia, but excludes Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico or the other U.S. territories and military posts.
Want faster shipping? Call us at 800.227.7713 . For orders received before 10am Central Time, we can ship overnight to most regions in the USA.
OTHER REGIONS
LEVEL5 Tools ships worldwide!
For Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, other U.S. territories and military posts, as well as international locations, call us at 800.227.7713 (USA and Canada) or 913.608.8530 for an accurate quote including shipping. English y español.
To quote your order, we will need the following details:
- First and Last Name
- EXACT Shipping Address
- Mobile Number
- Email Address
- A list of the tools you wish to purchase
Please note that your order will be transacted in US dollars and your credit card company or bank will perform the conversion to your native currency on your behalf.
METHOD OF SHIPMENT
All merchandise destined for outside the continental US will be shipped via air or ocean. Rates and delivery times for international parcel shipment will vary based on carrier, delivery method, and speed of shipment required. You are responsible for the freight charges and all invoices are prepaid before shipment.
DUTIES & CUSTOMS
Your country may charge additional fees in the form of duties, border clearing costs, taxes, etc. that would be in addition to the quote we are providing you. It is your responsibility to understand what these additional costs might be. Your country may hold your order at the border until you have paid them these additional fees. WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND you contact an international shipping broker in your country who can assist you with understanding any additional costs associated with importing your tools and can make the importation easy for you by handling the logistics and paperwork on your behalf.
THE LEVEL5 30-DAY, “NO-HASSLE” POLICY
We believe it is important that you have some time to evaluate the design, quality, fit and finish of your LEVEL5 tools before fully committing to their use. Therefore, if you aren't 100% satisfied, you have a period of 30 days from purchase to return any UNUSED tools you've purchased directly from LEVEL5 Tools LLC.
Once your tools have been received in good order at our facility, you will receive your choice of a credit or refund of the original price. Please note that refunds must be applied against the same credit card you used to make the original purchase.
You will be responsible for any return shipping expenses. We recommend you insure your shipment with your shipping agent (FEDEX, UPS, USPS, etc.), as you are responsible for any damage to the tools during the return shipment. To assist with offsetting these return shipping costs, LEVEL5 will provide you with a one-time use coupon code for our website equal to the return shipping amount (a copy of the shipping receipt is required).
TERMS & CONDITIONS
If you wish to return your LEVEL5 tools within the 30-day evaluation period:
- The tools must be returned in the original packaging, including any internal bags, foam inserts, internal boxes, and/or shipping boxes - to ensure the tools are protected during delivery back to our facility.
- The tools must be unused and undamaged, so they can be resold as new, in order to receive a full refund of the purchase price.
- UNUSED TOOLS - Any unused tools received that are damaged in any way so that they cannot be resold as new will need to be refurbished. This requires us to charge you a 25% restocking fee.
- USED TOOLS - Any used tools received will need to be cleaned of joint compound, refurbished and sold at a discount. We will charge you a 50% restocking fee OR return the used tools back to you if preferred. You will be responsible for paying any corresponding shipping charges if you wish to have the tools returned.
- Any tools that are received damaged and cannot be refurbished and resold will discarded and will not qualify for a refund. You will have the option to have the tool(s) returned to you, but you will be responsible for paying any corresponding shipping charges
If you have any questions regarding this return policy, please reach out to us toll-free at 866.562.4229 (local: 913.608.8530).
![Automatic Drywall Taper w/ Quick-Clean Head [2nd Gen]](https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-89a9ntp16/images/stencil/500x659/products/501/6517/3329__01978_3329__81185.1709755091.jpg?c=1 "Automatic Drywall Taper w/ Quick-Clean Head [2nd Gen]")
