Hit 500 sheets of 5/8" rock in one day and my body is still mad about it

We had a big commercial job last Tuesday and I hung 500 sheets of 5/8 inch drywall by myself from 6 AM to 8 PM. I knew it was a lot but I didn't realize how much until I tried to get out of my truck the next morning. My back locked up so bad I couldn't stand straight for a full 10 minutes. I've been doing this for 12 years now and I thought I knew my limits. That number 500 really surprised me because it totally pushed me past what I can handle safely. Have any of you guys hit a number that made you realize you were overdoing it?

3 comments

3 Comments

emmaj331mo ago

500 sheets of 5/8 inch is a lot but come on, your back locking up that bad sounds more like you just slept wrong or didn't stretch before the drive home. Done plenty of big days myself and a little soreness the next morning is normal, not a 10 minute struggle to stand straight. Maybe it was just the cold truck seat or a bad angle from sitting after that long.

drewsullivan1d ago

Ain't that the truth, rough mornings after big drywall days are just part of the gig, lol.

the_jenny1mo ago

Damn, 500 sheets of 5/8" is insane. I did 350 once and thought I was dying. What worked for me was switching to a better harness setup with a hip belt. Took the weight off my lower back and spread it more even. Also started doing 10 minutes of back stretches before I even get out of the truck on big days. That made a huge difference for me, especially for the next morning.