How and how to cut drywall and make holes in it
From this material you will learn how to cut drywall, in addition, we will consider how to cut drywall and make rectangular and round holes in it. To do this, you will need several tools and knowledge of the basic methods of how to do this. In addition, we will show how to use materials efficiently so that there is less waste while still delivering excellent results. We know from our experience that although the cutting process is not very complicated, patience is required to master it. An unsatisfactory result can be obtained due to inaccurate measurements, the use of the wrong materials and tools. To learn how to cut drywall in the best way, read this article for tips on how to avoid common mistakes.
Content:
Preparation and marking
In order to cut drywall, you will need the following:
Materials:
- drywall sheet.
Instruments:
- stationery knife;
- Tire Tire
- roulette.
Advice:
- use the knife only with a sharp blade;
- if it is supposed to fasten drywall both on the ceiling and on the walls, then at the beginning it is necessary to sheathe the ceiling, and only then proceed to the walls;
- if you need to cut drywall along a complex path, first cut the length and then the width.
Remember that in the process of working and fixing drywall it is very important to use as many whole boards as possible. So you will reduce the cost of materials, there will be less work, and the sheathing process will go faster. Therefore, you need to carefully measure and study the surface with which you work, and then draw up a plan for the use of plates so that they have to be cut as little as possible.
If you need to attach drywall to a large area, we recommend using 3.6-meter boards instead of 2.5-meter ones. So you save time and material.
#1. To professionally cut drywall, use quality tools. If the sheets are large (120 cm wide), then it is better to cut them, leaning against the wall at a slight angle. And small sheets (up to 60 cm wide) can be cut on the floor. If this is your first time cutting drywall, then it’s best to practice it on the floor. In the beginning, you need to decide which side to cut drywall. To do this, make sure that the drywall sheet is turned facing you. It is on this side that an incision will be made.
If you do not know what is the best way to cut drywall, then from our experience we can tell you that in most cases, it is best to use a good stationery knife. But sometimes you have to use other tools. For example, a hacksaw for drywall, it is convenient to use for cutting holes of various shapes.
The minimum set of tools that you will need when cutting drywall.
Clever advice. If you are cutting drywall by applying it to a wall, then lay down a few wooden blocks. This will facilitate the cutting process and protect your fingers from damage.
#2. First you need to use a tape measure to determine the size of the cut plate. Do this very carefully, otherwise the stove may simply not fit - it will turn out to be either too small or too large. Also make sure that the vertical edges are aligned in the center of the battens, otherwise the joints between the plates will not be stiff enough. Measure with a tape measure and mark in the right place with a pencil. In our example, we want to cut the plate in half, so we make a mark in the middle.
Layout of drywall sheet.
Clever advice. It is very important to take accurate measurements, otherwise you will spend a lot of time and money to correct errors in the joints. Be especially careful when you work alone.
#3. To get the perfect straight cut, use a raiser. If you want to achieve professional-level results and you have to cut drywall often and a lot, then we advise you to get a large trench and do not use homemade or artisanal tools.
Move the plodder across the drywall until it reaches the desired mark.
Using Riser for Drywall Cutting
We cut a sheet of drywall
#1. The gypsum board consists of two layers of paper that cover a thick layer of gypsum on both sides. This combination creates a relatively strong building material, which is also fire resistant. Therefore, in order to obtain an accurate and high-quality cut, it is enough to walk along the plate with a sharp knife and then break it in this place. To make an incision, swipe the knife several times over the plasterboard from top to bottom. To make the correct cut, you need to lead with a knife confidently, without jerking and precisely along the marked line. Cutting through the paper layer, you need to firmly hold the tread band in one position, otherwise the cut may turn out to be uneven.
The same procedure must be performed if you are less likely to have drywall not on the floor, but leaning against the wall. While holding the trench down with your foot, swipe the knife over the drywall several times from top to bottom. There is no need to cut through many times, so you only blunt the blade of the knife.
Sheet with cut through paper base.
As you can see in the picture, the cut should be completely even. Otherwise, you will not be able to break the slab evenly. The goal is to cut through the paper completely and grip the plaster lightly.
#2. Now you need to break the plate along the incision. If you followed the previous steps correctly, then the drywall sheet should break along the incision. Holding the sheet with your feet, just fold it.
Of course, there are a lot of options for how to make yourself a break. It is rather difficult to explain all these procedures with two sentences, but we assure you that in practice it is very easy to do. The most important thing is to make the right incision. How you will break it is not important.
But if you find it difficult to grab a large sheet with your hands to bend it, then press it with your knee. If you are not sure that you can cut a slab well, then practice on waste sheets first.
Breaking a plasterboard.
#3. After the sheet is broken with a clerical knife, cut the paper layer on the back of the drywall. If you correctly broke the drywall, then you should not have problems with cutting a layer of paper from the back.
Cut the layer of cardboard on the outside.
#4. Bring the cut-off plate to the mounting location to see how accurate the cut is. If the cut-off plate turned out a little more, then use the rasp to remove excess material. Remember that when working with a rasp, you will make a lot of dust. Therefore, try to make precise markings.
Cut sheets.
How to make drywall holes
Next, we will talk about how to make a hole in drywall. Learning to make holes in drywall is very important, since it often needs to be done to install new outlets, switches and other devices. In addition, round or rectangular holes have to be cut in order to repair damaged plasterboard sections. Although cutting holes in drywall is quite simple, nevertheless, in order to do it professionally, you need to use certain tools and have some skills. Therefore, we advise you to work with caution and follow our step-by-step explanation exactly before you get started.
To make a hole in drywall, you need the following:
Materials:
- Drywall Sheet
Instruments:
- Tire Tire
- pencil;
- tape measure and stationery knife;
- drill;
- ring nozzle for a drill;
- jigsaw;
- hacksaw for drywall.
Advice:
- make accurate measurements to make rectangular holes;
- be careful not to damage pipes or electrical wires when cutting holes;
- wear a respiratory mask to cut a hole in the drywall.
Cut a rectangular hole
#1. Determine the place on the drywall sheet where you need to make a hole. If it is supposed to install a socket in this hole, then in the necessary place you need to attach the box from the socket and outline its outline. To do this, use a tape measure to measure the distance from the left side of the plate to the left and right edges of the box. Also measure the distance from the bottom edge of the cooker to the extreme top and bottom points of the electrical box. Given these dimensions, use a trowel to mark the location of the box hole on the drywall.
Mark the sheet and determine the place for the hole.
#2. Drill with a large diameter drill to make 4 holes on the sides of the rectangle. As you can see in the picture, the holes must be made inside the rectangle and as close as possible to the cut lines.
We drill holes in drywall under the saw blade.
Clever advice. You can drill holes not on the sides, but in the corners of the rectangle. The holes must be large enough for the jigsaw blade to pass there.
#3. Insert a jigsaw file into each of the holes to cut a rectangular opening. Do this with great care, making sure that the file goes exactly along the drawn lines.
Cut a rectangular hole in the drywall.
Clever advice. Wear a respiratory mask to avoid breathing dust. It is better to make the hole a little small than a big one, since the excess can always be removed with a rasp.
#4. After you cut a hole in the drywall, you need to check its suitability. To do this, insert a box from the switch or outlet into the hole made to see if everything is well done.
Finished rectangular hole.
Clever advice. You can cut holes in already installed slabs, but there are a few things to consider. Before doing work, make sure that there are no pipes, wires or other communications in this place.
How to make round holes in drywall
#1. First you need to determine how you can cut a hole in drywall. There are several ways to do this. For this, you can, for example, use a crown, ballerina or a small hacksaw.
- For more information about the types of drills and crowns, see the material: Types of drills - we select a tool for drilling metal, wood, concrete and tile
We advise you to use a crown, which is mounted in an electric drill chuck. It should be said that this is the fastest and most accurate method. It can be used to cut through small and medium holes.
A set of crowns that can be used to cut holes in drywall.
Before you start making holes, you need to make the appropriate marking. To do this, you need to identify and outline the center of the future hole.
We outline the center of the future hole.
#2. Select the crown of the required size and fix it in the drill chuck. Now place the core drill in the center of the cut hole and start drilling. For a quality hole, we recommend cutting at medium speed and smoothly pressing the drill.
We start drilling.
Clever advice. Do not press the drill too hard so that the nozzle does not get stuck in the cast. To make a hole of high quality, you need to be patient.
The hole is ready.
We make holes with a hand tool
Method 1 Cut a round hole in drywall with a conventional knife. First you need to outline the shape of the future hole. To do this, you can attach a box from a wall outlet, a switch or any other round object to a sheet of drywall and outline the contour of the future hole. Then the same outline should be noted on the back of the sheet. And the first and second circuits must match.
We outline the contour of the future hole.
Then with a knife you need to completely cut through the cardboard layer. After you cut the paper layer on both sides, lightly tap the gypsum with a hammer. The hole is ready. Now check if the electrical box is included.
Method 2 If you want to make a hole in an already installed drywall plate, then you need to use a different method. Draw a circle on the drywall by drawing a pencil around the circuit breaker box or outlet. Before cutting a hole in drywall, make sure that there are no pipes or electrical wires in this area. Also make sure the box is in a suitable place.
Then, using a drywall saw, cut a hole in the plate. In order to make the hole even, break drywall in one place and, starting from there, start sawing.
