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Want to cut a drywall yourself?

Jul 30, 2022 | Blog

Looking for a DIY tutorial to know how can you successfully cut drywall? Well, there are many guides available online that may help you, but you need to know which one actually works for you. With abundant tutorials, there are multiple mishap stories doing rounds too. How to make sure yours is not in it?

Well, cutting a drywall is a pretty easy task; however, there are chances of failures involved too. Mostly, Individuals in the failure stories use a circular saw and dust to cut a drywall. Here’s a step-wise guide to make cuts in your drywall for various purposes, successfully.

How to Cut a Drywall for Electrical Outlets

The best way is to get a layout before you decide to cut a part of the drywall for electrical boxes.

Firstly, draw out where you want to cut the drywall; approximately 1/8th inch bigger in every dimension than outside of that box.

For having the cleanest drywall cut, mark it with a knife.

Next, push the jab saw through it and cut along the lines of your layout.

You may think it is easy to perform, but it is a lot difficult to cut a hole in a drywall. This is why for accuracy and speed, professionals cut with a drywall router.

These routers are mini hand-held devices that use 1/8th inch-diameter guides.

  • At first, the central part of the box is marked. Rough wires are pushed back into the box with the circuits not powered on.
    Screw the board.
  • The router is then plugged in and forced into the center of the box.
  • A fresh cut is made by cutting on one side until that bit comes into contact with the electrical box.
  • It then carefully goes over to the outside area of the box.
  • Run your router around the box in a circular direction (counterclockwise) to cleanly cut it out.
  • You can also make cuts for the doors and windows as well with a router.
  • For this, the cuts made are in a clockwise direction.
  • Once all electrical outlets and related openings are cut, hold the drywall sheet up and screw it.

Making Simple Knife Cuts to Drywall

  • Usually, a drywall is cut with the use of a sharp drywall knife by scoring through the paper with the finish side.
  • If you feel the blade is starting to lose its sharpness, turn the dull blade around or replace it.
  • Now, cut the brown paper present on the back side of the board to complete the cut. Usually, the cut gypsum is ragged. However, a pass with a drywall maybe once or twice cleans it up properly.
  • You do not have to cut a drywall meticulously. If you cut about a ¼ inch, it is easier to fit. On the other hand, the joint compound will fill every gap.

    • Conclusion

    If you have planned on going for a DIY, make sure to gather all your tools. Follow the steps for a foolproof DIY session. We still encourage getting a professional opinion before you start. Contact Qamar Remodeling for your repair and construction troubles.