How to Cut Wall Studs
Stud boards help support walls and give you a place to hang heavy objects, but sometimes they are damaged by pests or rotted by dry rot and moisture. Not only can this look unattractive if it spreads to the inside of the house, but it can cause dangerous structural problems. Cutting new studs is easy to do with a reciprocating saw but certainly possible with simple tools like a handsaw, and you can have your replacement pieces fairly quickly. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Hammer
- Hand saw or reciprocating saw
- Measuring device or ruler
- Pencil
- Carpenter's level
- 2-inch-by-4-inch studs
- Saw horses or other cutting support
- Work Gloves
- Safety goggles
Instructions
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1
Cover the area where you will be working with drop cloths or old sheets to catch the sawdust and, if you are working on a wall, drywall debris.
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2
Measure the length of the existing wall studs with the measuring tape or ruler, or, if you're building a new wall, make note of the height you will need. Add 1/16th of an inch to the length to ensure a tighter fit at placement.
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3
Apply the carpenter's level to the end of the board that you are NOT cutting to be sure that it will sit flat. If the end is not straight, measure 1 inch from that end and mark it with a pencil. The inch will be cut off.
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4
Measure a new stud board to the proper length and mark it with a pencil. Keep in mind the 1 inch at the bottom of the board that you measured in Step 3 and add it to the length. Use the carpenter's level to make sure that everything is level.
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5
Measure it all again before cutting to be sure it is correct, including the extra length(s).
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6
Lay the board across the support(s) on which you'll be cutting. Put on the work gloves and the goggles.
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7
Secure the area from obstacles so that you do not cut into anything else.
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8
Plug in the reciprocating saw or pick up the handsaw and cut the board to the proper length.
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9
Repeat Step 8 for all of the remaining boards.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Stud supports are generally spaced at every 16 inches, excepting doorways and corners.
Brace a sturdy 4-inch-by-4-inch board against load-bearing walls before taking out an installed stud.
References
- Photo Credit metal studs image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com
