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Drywall is a material that is often used in the construction and renovation of homes. It is made up of gypsum plaster and can be cut with a variety of tools to fit the needs of the project at hand. In this post, we will explore some of the best ways to cut drywall so that it can be utilized for various home improvement tasks.
One of the most common ways to cut drywall is with a utility knife. This method is relatively simple and does not require any special tools or training. Simply score the drywall with the utility knife and then snap the board along the scored line. This method is best for making straight cuts in drywall.
Another popular method for cutting drywall is with a power saw. This method is more complex than using a utility knife and should only be attempted by those who are experienced in using power tools.
Contents
What is drywall (Components, common problems in cutting it)
Drywall is a large rigid sheet used as a construction material, mainly in creating walls or ceilings. Drywalls can also be utilized for aesthetics wherein design features such as eaves and arches can be created. It is generally composed of plywood, asbestos-cement board, wood pulp, and gypsum.
Back then, drywall was considered cheap and had a low demand. It took world war II and the deprivation of construction materials for the masses to try and use drywalls for house projects. While it has its faults, drywall isn’t costly and doesn’t require intensive labor as some materials do.
Due to its cheap nature, it doesn’t require much money to repair any mistakes and it is quite easy to cut, even for a DIY project. But even then, there are still problems in terms of cutting drywall like having rough edges and tears on the paper backing or having too many clouds of dust once you cut it with an electric saw. If you’re having these problems, you might need an alternative cutting method.
How to cut drywall
Step 1: Scoring the front of the drywall.
Using chalk to create a line as a guide will make this process much smoother. By following the chalk guide, you have to cut through the paper and into the gypsum, making sure that you’re scoring through the finish side of the drywall.
If you’re having trouble with this part, try hanging it to have a more accurate cut. Beware, it might become a dangerous hazard if hung incorrectly, a drywall falling on a person can be quite dangerous, especially if it falls on children.
You can also use a ruler to mark your cut. However, this method requires a bit of training before you can get it right.
Step 2: Break the drywall sheet along the scored line.
While supporting the drywall on its back, apply an adequate amount of pressure to the back of the scored line. This will make the piece break cleanly. Make sure not to put too much force into it and that it was scored properly before attempting to break it. If done correctly, it snaps along the scored line.
Step 3: Cutting through the back of the drywall sheet.
To finish the cutting process, score it again but this time on the back to complete the cut. The tool used should preferably be the same as before, most people use a utility knife as it is much easier to handle. Just follow the same line you drew on the front and the snapped parts should separate easily from each other.
Step 4: Smoothing the cut edge with a drywall rasp
This step is optional for specific cases as it is only used for those with ragged and imperfect cuts of the edges. Just slowly sand down for a smoother edge, a sanding block can also be used if you don’t have a drywall rasp. This is also to ensure the proper fit, drywall boards that are too tight can crumble the edges, ruining the material.
Cutting drywall for electrical boxes
For electrical boxes, you have to draw the guiding lines first and score the board with a knife for a clean cut. Use the jab saw to push through from the front of the board, make sure to cut along the guiding lines.
Several tools can be utilized for specific cuts. While it is costly to have a specific tool, it is worth it especially if you work in the construction field and often encounter these specific types of cuts.
A personal favorite of mine is using a multi-tool (link). With this tool, you can cut right into the drywall without having to force a saw through it. This will help reduce dust and make the process easier overall.
Using different tools to cut drywall
Drywall saw or wallboard jab saw
A handsaw is most commonly used to cut windows and doors in the drywall. This saw has one long blade which is ideal for piercing through the material. It’s much easier to hang the drywall for a more accurate cut for this tool.
Drywall Router
A drywall router is a handheld tool that is quite small in comparison with other equipment. It has a one-eight-inch self-guiding diameter which makes it easier to cut electrical boxes. In a counterclockwise direction, run the router around the box for a clean cut. This tool can also be utilized for doors and windows
Reciprocating Saw
This electric-powered tool is mostly used on existing drywall. Having a short metal blade on your reciprocating saw will ensure a safe and precise cut on the existing drywall without harming anything on the back of it.
Oscillating Tools
Put a drywall blade inside the slot to get started, make sure to have the necessary support if you’re planning to excessively cut the drywall. As you cut, use a slow rocking or swinging/pendulum motion. This will remove dust from the cut while preserving the blade since it distributes the work and does not just concentrate it to one area.
The multi-tool that I mentioned earlier is a great option for making fine cuts and detailed cuts. It’s easy to use and you don’t need a lot of strength to get the job done.
Track saw with dust collector
Tracks saw are mainly for longer cuts as it is used to cut along a single track. Track saws maximize speed and precision along one single line. Most of the time, it is used to create rectangular shapes in wood or other materials.
However, a common problem with track saws is that it accumulates a lot of dust. Having a dust collector along with it can greatly reduce the mess while ensuring the safety of those using it as gypsum can be quite hazardous if a large amount is inhaled.
Conclusion
Cutting drywall can be easy if you’re following the right steps, using the right tools, and using lines to guide you in cutting. You also have to remember the proper gaps for a much better fit when installing the drywall. Having around 1/8 inches of space can ensure that the drywall is not too tight nor too loose to cause structural issues or breakage.
Different tools should also be used depending on the type of cut that you want to achieve. There are tools for long and precise cutting along a straight line and also tools for drywall that have already been installed and finished. Of course, any of these tools can still be used to cut any type of drywall, although having the specific equipment for the job can aid in making it more efficient and precise.
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