Comments on: How to Cut Drywall

on 4/1/2008 Cutting out circles has always been a problem for me particularly when I try to use a keyhole hand saw. I recently came across a company-cutzout.com-that makes templates for guiding rotary tools- Rotozip, Dremel, etc. Their templates include models for cutting out circlular holes that fit most ceiling electric fixtures and even many audio speakers.

on 10/14/2007 Many times you will have fairly rough edges after scoring, snapping, and back-cutting because of the occasional hard or soft spot in the gypsum. I always smooth out the high spots so that my measured line is accurate for a tight fit. Take a rasp or a course file and knock off any gypsum jutting past your cut line; only a few quick passes should be required. I have also found that the back of a keyhole saw will scrape away high spots in a pinch. Try not to roughen the paper with either technique. The time spent cleaning up the edges will be returned later when you are applying mud, because nice tight-fitting edges will require less mud and you won't have issues with extended drying time or shrinking.

on 2/16/2006 Cut your sheet of drywall to fit the space needed. Then, take a handful of drywall dust from off the floor (there should be plenty), and generously pat the rim of the outlet box, coating it with dust. Stand the drywall against the wall and, using your hand, pound the drywall at the box location. Move the drywall, and look at the back - the box should have left a powder outline. Using a rotozip tool, cut the outline of the box.

on 1/25/2006 Use a drywall square to mark the left and right sides of your box on the floor. Then, measure the distance from the top and bottom of the box to the floor. After installing the sheetrock over the box (without cutting it), use the marks on the floor and the T square to draw the left and right sides of your box on the sheetrock. I place 4-5 screws along the top edge only of the sheetrock to hold it temporarily in place. Use your vertical measurements to mark the top and bottom of the box on the sheetrock. Now draw the box and make your cut. Very precise technique. Works better than cutting out the hole first, because it's hard to get the sheetrock in exactly the right position, especially if you are working alone.

on 11/22/2005 After marking the dimensions on your drywall for the receptical/switch box, score around the edges of the outline with your utility knife. Then score an "X" across the cutout section with your knife. A quick rap with your hammer in the center of the "X" will break out the box neatly without needing to use your keyhole saw. Cut/tear off the scrap pieces from the back of the drywall and clean up any rough edges with your knife.

on 11/22/2005 I know it should never come to this, but sometimes you need a narrow piece, 1 inch or less. Mark it, score it, and then lay a scrap piece on a flat surface, barely lay your narrow piece on top of the scrap piece and then press down firmly, then cut from the back side. This works every time. I have cut pieces as narrow at 1/4 inch wide and 8 feet long.

on 11/22/2005 An advanced cutting technique is to hold the tape measure at the appropriate marking on the edge of the drywall with one hand and hold the utility knife
blade at the end of the tape with the other hand and slide both down evenly to score the sheet.