How to Cut Outlet Holes in Drywall

It can be a challenge to cut a hole in drywall to accommodate an electrical outlet.

A new drywall installation project can have its challenges, including cutting odd-shaped pieces or pieces that fit around pipes or electrical equipment. One such challenge that you may face is cutting a hole to accommodate an electrical outlet. You must make the hole in the correct location and of the right size to avoid either wasting material or having to fill in excess space around the outlet. You can cut a professional looking outlet hole in drywall by carefully following a step-by-step procedure.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Paper
• Straight edge
• Utility knife

Instructions

1. Find the width and length of the outlet box using a tape measure and record the measurements on a piece of paper.

2. Ascertain the distance from the edge of the drywall already installed to the edge of the outlet box using the tape measure. Record that measurement on the piece of paper.

3. Find the distance from the floor to the bottom of the outlet box and record it on the paper.

4. Lay the piece of drywall being installed where the outlet is located flat on the ground. Measure from the edge that will butt against the drywall already installed the distance from that edge to the edge of the outlet. Make a mark on the drywall and repeat this procedure for the distance from the floor to the bottom of the outlet.

5. Measure over from the mark on the side the distance equal to the width of the outlet and make another mark; do the same with the mark for the height of the box. Use a straight edge to draw a box using the four lines you drew as a guide.

6. Score the lines for the box using a utility knife. Make several more passes with the knife until you can remove the drywall inside the pencil lines. Fit the piece of drywall in place and make minor adjustments to the hole using the utility knife.