Cut Drywall
Cutting drywall (also known as plasterboard or Sheetrock) is a stepped process of cutting-breaking-cutting three layers of material (paper-gypsum-paper)
Contents
Steps
- Measure the length and width of the area where the sheetrock will go.
- Measure carefully and draw reference marks on the new sheet of sheetrock.
- Use a straight edge (one that is at least as long as the cut) and place it on the sheetrock, lined up with your reference marks.
- Using a sheetrock knife (or a utility knife), make the first cut. Try to cut through the paper layer, but don't go too deep into the sheetrock. Make sure to cut the full length.
- It is unnecessary to cut deeper than just the paper- it will only dull the blade. You need only to cut through the paper and it will break very easily at the cut.
- Turn the sheet over and bend the smaller part of the sheetrock up, to about a 90 degree angle. This will break the remaining sheetrock.
- With the smaller piece bent, you should be able to cut through the paper on the back side, along the bend where you made the first cut.
Tips
- Measure twice, cut once.
- You may have to tap the sheetrock on the back side to get it to break cleanly.
- Be careful not to tear the paper on the outside of the sheet. The paper gives sheetrock its strength.
- Having someone to help you hold, measure, and cut the sheetrock can't hurt.
- Buy a hand held drywall saw, costs ~$20 and provides a 4x increase in cutting speed once you get used to it.
- You can also use a patented SAF-T-KUT drywall blade. It can be used with ease and confidence because it eliminates the chances of cutting into plumbing,electrical or communication lines. It eliminates 60% of dust compared to other blades on the market and it fits most commercial grade reciprocating saws
Warnings
- Be extra cautious when using sharp objects such as a utility knife.
