How to Cut Drywall Without a Saw

Cutting Drywall is an important part of any drywall project. Getting a straight, clean cut is necessary if you do not want to waste your drywall. You need a good clean cut so that the pieces of drywall will fit together properly. Here is a simple technique that will help you make large cuts accurately.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Box cutter/utility knife
• Chalk line
• Some type of straight edge

1. 
    

   Measure twice.
   
   Measure the dimensions of the piece of drywall that you will need to cut. Make sure to measure twice to double-check the accuracy of your measurements. Transfer your measurements onto your drywall by making a mark at the top and bottom of the sheet.

2. 
    

   Use the chalk line to connect the two measurements.
   
   Unroll the chalk line and hold one end on one of the marks, and the other end on the other mark. Snap the line, and this will produce a perfectly straight line for you to follow when you are cutting the drywall.

3. 
    

   Cut along the line on one side of the drywall.
   
   Your cut should only be about 1/4" deep. You only need to penetrate the paper and a little bit of the chalk on one side. Make sure to keep your cut as straight as you can. Use a board, a yardstick, or another piece of drywall as a guide while you are cutting.

4. 
    

   Bump the back of the drywall to break the drywall along your line.
   
   Use the heel of your hand or your knee to gently pound the non-scored side of the drywall. The whole sheet will snap perfectly along the line that you cut on the other side.

5. 
    

   Cut the paper on the other side.
   
   Last, you'll need to use the utility knife to cut the paper along the side that wasn't scored. The chalk should have broken all the way through already.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful while using the utility knife. Always cut away from yourself and make sure no one is near the path of your cut.