

Much like a utility knife, a drywall or jab saw is great for small, straight cuts into drywall.
#ROTOZIP BITS HARBOR FREIGHT HOW TO#
Some saws come with a rasp feature – that’s definitely a bonus! How To Use A Handheld Drywall Saw.
#ROTOZIP BITS HARBOR FREIGHT UPGRADE#
An ergonomic handle (I bought the cheaper version with a terrible handle and will definitely upgrade if/when this one wears out).This will make it easier for you to get the saw into the drywall in the first place and can save you from having to drill a starting hole in the drywall for your saw. When you’re choosing your handheld drywall saw, look for one that has a sharp and pointed tip, like this one. What To Look For In A Handheld Drywall Saw If I was going to cut down larger sheets of drywall or cut through huge openings, I’d definitely reach for a power tool, but for 99% of my drywall needs, the simple drywall saw is perfect. When To Use A Handheld Drywall Sawīecause it’s a hand tool, I feel like I have lots of control and can quickly know if I’m coming in contact with something I shouldn’t be (wiring, pipes, etc). It usually leaves a pretty rough cut, but for small jobs, it’s almost never worth it for me to go searching for (yet another) power tool – the drywall saw gets it done. #2: Keyhole Saw, Compass Saw, Jab Saw, or Drywall Saw (Handheld Drywall Saws)Īlso called a keyhole saw, a compass saw, or a jab saw, a handheld drywall saw is what I usually reach for when it comes time to cut through existing drywall. Once you’ve scored one side of your drywall, turn the board over and add some gentle pressure along the scoreline – it should cleanly break away. In other words, there’s no reason to cut all the way through. Why? Because drywall is actually made up of gypsum powder sandwiched between two layers of heavy-duty paper, and you only need to cut through or score the paper to get a clean cut. The trick to using a utility knife or razor knife to cut drywall is to go shallow – only about 1/8″ deep or so. A sharp tip to help pierce How To Use A Utility Knife or Razor Knife to Cut Drywall.A way to safely store the knife, either a retractible blade or a folding knife.An ergonomic handle – I like rubberized grips like this one.A super sharp blade, or replaceable blades.If you’re shopping for a utility knife or razor knife to cut drywall, you’ll want to look for: What To Look For In A Utility Knife or Razor Knife to Cut Drywall When To Use A Utility Knife or Razor Knife to Cut DrywallĪ good utility knife or razor knife is essential to nearly every drywall project – even if you aren’t sure you’ll need it, make sure you have one on hand. Drywall is messy, and the less dust you expose yourself to, the better.

I just bought this one and have quickly fallen in love – it’s well built, feels good in the hand (even after long DIY projects), and the blades stay put, which is something I’ve struggled with in cheaper utility knives.Īs with any project, measure twice (or three times, or four to be safe) and cut once. Pretty much every drywall job could benefit from a razor knife or utility knife – there’s nothing better for scoring a straight line on drywall, and then snapping it for a clean cut. How Do You Hang Drywall? What Are The 8 Best Tools For Cutting Drywall? #1: Utility/Razor Knife.Are There Extra Safety Precautions Necessary for Cutting Drywall?.How To Choose Which Drywall Tool Is Right For You.What Are The 8 Best Tools For Cutting Drywall?.Read on to find out where to buy the best tools, how to use them, and how to avoid mistakes before they happen when you’re cutting drywall for your next project. If you’re operating in a smaller area, such as cutting drywall for an outlet, you may opt for something lighter, like a utility knife or a keyhole saw.īelow, I’ve put together a list of some of the best ways to cut drywall and the tools you’ll need to get it done – each has its own pros and cons. If you are cutting a large hole in drywall, it may be easier for you to use a power tool, like a reciprocating saw, or an oscillating multi-tool. But how do you make the right tool choice? Cutting drywall can be difficult, messy, and time-consuming, especially if you’re using the wrong tool for the job.
