Heck yeah, they can-but you gotta pick the right ones, and pros use 'em differently than us DIY folks. Let me break it down, 'cause I talked to my cousin who's a drywall installer about this.
First, pros don't use the cheap plastic scrapers we buy for small jobs-they go for heavy-duty metal ones, usually stainless steel or high-carbon steel. My cousin has a set of 4-inch, 6-inch, and 8-inch stainless steel scrapers that he uses every day. He says the key is that they're stiff enough to smooth out joint compound (the goop you use to fill drywall seams) without bending, but still have a little flex to get a smooth finish.
Pros use putty scrapers for two main things in drywall work: first, spreading joint compound. They'll load a little compound on the scraper and drag it along the seam between two drywall sheets, making sure it fills the gap evenly. My cousin showed me how he uses a 6-inch scraper for this-he holds it at a slight angle and pulls it slow, so the compound is smooth and not lumpy.
Second, they use 'em for sanding prep. After the joint compound dries, there are usually little bumps or excess compound. A sharp putty scraper can shave those off quickly, so when they sand, it's easier to get a flat surface.
But here's the thing: pros need scrapers that hold their edge and don't rust. My cousin's scrapers cost him about $25 each, which is more than our home ones, but he says they last for years. He also sharpens them every few weeks to keep 'em working right.
So yeah, putty scrapers are a staple in professional drywall work-just not the dollar-store ones. If you're doing drywall yourself and want pro results, invest in a good stainless steel scraper-you'll see the difference.
