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how do you cut drywall outlets

by Dawn Stokes Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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How to Cut Drywall for Electrical Outlets

  1. Make Your Marks. Mark the drywall sheet with the electrical outlet, instructs Better Homes & Gardens. ...
  2. Cut the Hole With a Saw. Cut the electrical box hole out with a manual drywall saw, advises Family Handyman. ...
  3. Cut the Hole With a Rotary Bit. Cut the electrical box hole out with a rotary tool and a drywall rotary bit. ...
  4. Sand the Edges. ...

Part of a video titled How to Cut Drywall (Cutting Out Electrical Outlets and Devices)
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6:11
So just a Rotozip. You know they did this adjust it kind of helps you from getting too far into theMoreSo just a Rotozip. You know they did this adjust it kind of helps you from getting too far into the box and it gives a little more stability.

Full Answer

How to cut drywall for electrical outlets?

  • You can cut drywall with a Dremel equipped with this drywall cutting bit.
  • Use a Dremel to cut detailed lines with curves and turns.
  • A Dremel is best used to cut holes in drywall for pipes and electrical boxes.

What is the Best Drywall cutting tool?

Top 15 Best Drywall Cutting Tools Review in 2021

  1. Best DEWALT Rotary Saw Tool For Cutting Drywall. For every DIYers and renovation workers, we cannot forget Dewalt tools. ...
  2. Makita Lithium-Ion Cordless Cut-Out Tool. Even with the battery, the tool is very lightweight. ...
  3. Milwaukee- Fastback II Flip Utility Knife. ...
  4. DEWALT Max Drywall Cut-Out Tool. ...
  5. Milwaukee Cordless Cutting Saw For Cutting Drywall. ...

More items...

What is the best knife for cutting drywall?

The Best Tools To Cut Drywall On The Wall

  • DeWALT Rotary Cut‑Out Kit
  • DeWALT 20V MAX Drywall Cut-Out Tool
  • Drywall Axe All-in-one Hand Tool
  • RIDGID 18-Volt Drywall Cut-Out Tool
  • Irwin ProTouch Drywall Jab Saw

How to move an outlet in drywall?

  • Take the fan down
  • Take the drywall down where you want the fan to go. Hopefully there is a board to hang the fan from. ...
  • Fasten a new electrical box that can support a fan to an appropriate structural member/board in the ceiling. Add a board or boards if necessary.
  • Wire the new box. ...

How big of a gap is needed to cut drywall?

How big of a gap between electrical box and drywall?

When cutting through drywall, do you wear safety goggles?

Do electrical box lines have to be exact?

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How do you cut an electrical outlet in drywall?

0:542:04How to Mark for Electrical Boxes When Hanging Drywall - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst making my level plumb. And i just go in between my two marks make one side of the box. I canMoreFirst making my level plumb. And i just go in between my two marks make one side of the box. I can mark the height of the box go to the other line make it make sure i'm plumb. Again put my mark.

What is the easiest way to cut an outlet hole in drywall?

4:056:55How To Cut A Hole In Drywall EASILY-For Electrical Outlets And ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt back and forth. Until. We get to the other hole we're going to make our way to the other to theMoreIt back and forth. Until. We get to the other hole we're going to make our way to the other to the other dot. Right there okay just like. This.

How do you cut a drywall outlet with a utility knife?

1:449:16How to Cut Drywall Like a Pro - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd if you're working with larger pieces you'll be able to put your knee into it okay it all dependsMoreAnd if you're working with larger pieces you'll be able to put your knee into it okay it all depends on how big the piece is we're working on a very small piece pull it to the edge of the table.

What tool do you use to cut drywall?

utility knifeThe Razor Knife The most commonly used tool for cutting drywall is the razor or utility knife. You score the panel, apply some pressure, and snap! You've got a new, clean edge.

How do you cut drywall without cutting wire?

Use a nail, screwdriver, a drill, whatever. Then you can use a drywall saw or the like, and knowing there is no wire to hit, go to town. Preferably with a drywall saw as you aren't going to do much damage to the joist with it. Cut to the joist in each direction, enough off center to work it from both sides.

How do you cut drywall with a router?

0:126:59Beginners guide to using the Cut-Out Tool/Router - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOut every plug and light trace. It on to your drywall. Pre-cut. It with a drywall saw almost everyMoreOut every plug and light trace. It on to your drywall. Pre-cut. It with a drywall saw almost every crew out there now is using routers if not cordless corded.

Can you use box cutter to cut drywall?

0:142:10How To Cut Drywall or Sheetrock With A Knife. Cutting Sheet Rock hacks.YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd all I got to do is just a little bit of pressure just to cut through that first layer of paperMoreAnd all I got to do is just a little bit of pressure just to cut through that first layer of paper on the drywall. Just take your time go slow just to get a nice.

How do you cut drywall cleanly?

4:277:06How To Cut Drywall EASILY (Get A Super Clean Cut) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou are going to put your knee. Where you made the cut roughly. Behind the drywall. And then you canMoreYou are going to put your knee. Where you made the cut roughly. Behind the drywall. And then you can simply pull both sides and/or hold one side and pull the other side in but you are going to fold.

Can you use a dremel to cut drywall?

A Dremel is best used to cut holes in drywall that have specific curves and turns. You can cut drywall with a Dremel equipped with this drywall cutting bit. Use a Dremel to cut detailed lines with curves and turns. A Dremel is best used to cut holes in drywall for pipes and electrical boxes.

Which side of drywall do you cut?

In most cases, drywall is cut by scoring through the paper on the finish side (the one with white paper) using a sharp drywall knife.As soon as you notice the blade dulling, turn it around or replace it. ... Cut the brown paper on the back of the board at the break to complete the cut.More items...

Can I use a drill to cut drywall?

Drill and Drill Bit – A drill and a drill bit can be used to make starter holes in the drywall. This will make it easier for the jigsaw blades to cut through. Or, simply begin with a plunge cut to get the blade started.

Will Home Depot cut drywall?

Does home depot provide services like cutting Drywall or Sheetrock. Home Depot is said to provide a variety of services to its customers all across the U.S. However, when it comes to services like cutting drywall or Sheetrock, they, unfortunately, do not provide these services.

How do you cut a circular hole in drywall?

0:301:39How to Cut Circular Holes in Drywall Video - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what I'm using here is a drywall saw or a wall board saw it has a very firm blade. And a veryMoreSo what I'm using here is a drywall saw or a wall board saw it has a very firm blade. And a very coarse tooth type blade and all we need to do is just plunge it into the drywall.

How do you cut holes in outlet paneling?

0:044:31Cut Perfect Electrical Outlet Holes Without Measuring! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWelcome back to three bricks higher guys my name is dom and today i'm going to pass along a tip toMoreWelcome back to three bricks higher guys my name is dom and today i'm going to pass along a tip to you that's just too good not to now when someone's hanging sheetrock they know the proximity of this

How do you cut a hole in drywall for plumbing?

0:071:10How to Cut Drywall for Plumbing : Wall Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipJust take your drill bit put it right in the middle. And punch it through there. Now it's a littleMoreJust take your drill bit put it right in the middle. And punch it through there. Now it's a little small so what all I'm going to do is use it almost like a Rotozip. Cut my hole right.

How do you chisel a plug socket?

1:229:27How to chase a wall and fit a metal back box - Chasing a Concrete WallYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow you need to mark either side of those roughly so that your wires can go out through thoseMoreNow you need to mark either side of those roughly so that your wires can go out through those knockouts. So you make sure that's straight that's a straight line there get your pencil. And Mark.

1-gang Cut-Out Template - Extron

1-gang Cut-Out Template 4.50" (11.43 cm) To install 1-gang WPB directly into furniture or wall, cut along this line. Top Panel SURFACE CUT-OUT AREA FOR

How big of a gap is needed to cut drywall?

Building code allows a 1/8-inch gap between the cut drywall and the side of the electrical box. If the gap is more than that, either a new piece of drywall must be cut or the gap must be filled in with mortar and taped over. Always wear safety goggles when using a power tool to cut through drywall.

How big of a gap between electrical box and drywall?

Building code allows a 1/8-inch gap between the cut drywall and the side of the electrical box. If the gap is more than that, either a new piece of drywall must be cut or the gap must be filled in with mortar and taped over.

When cutting through drywall, do you wear safety goggles?

Always wear safety goggles when using a power tool to cut through drywall.

Do electrical box lines have to be exact?

Although you want to be as precise as possible, the cut lines do not have to be exact because the electrical box cover will overlap the cut lines.

How to Cut Outlet Holes in Drywall

No matters what process you prefer, you have to first mark the exact location where you are going to cut the outlets on your drywall. In this case, I have used a black Sharpie for marking the blockings and studs at the drywall. And for marking the centerline of the boxes, I have used a red Sharpie.

Frequently Asked Questions

The tool that is best for cutting drywall is a drywall saw. Drywall saws are available in various sizes, from 6-inch to 12-inch. A drywall saw has two sharp blades which cut the drywall easily without any effort.

Conclusion

How to cut outlet holes in drywall? Is it clear to you now? Look, there are numerous methods, but I have selected the easiest process of making a hole in the drywall. Hopefully, you have understood them. If you are confused, or you have found more straightforward ways, inform me through the comment section below.

How to cut a thin strip of drywall?

If you are cutting a thin strip narrower than 3 in (7.6 cm) from the edge of your sheet of drywall, cut both the front and the back of the drywall with your utility knife before attempting to break the strip off. Flip the sheet of drywall over and make the same cut on the back.

What to do if drywall is too large?

If your section of drywall is slightly too large, shave it with a rasp until it fits.

What to do if you scored drywall on the floor?

If you scored the drywall on the floor, lift the drywall on one side to break the core at your cut.

What do you use to cut a hole in a window?

Use a drywall saw for a window or door hole. For larger holes to fit around doors or windows, use a drywall saw to make your cuts. [11]

How to measure a hole in drywall?

Measure and mark each corner of a square hole. With your tape measure, measure the distance from the top of the bare wall to the top left and right corners of the item you are making a hole for. Then measure from the top corners of the item to its bottom corners. Write these measurements down, then bring your tape measure to the sheet of drywall to make the same measurements, marking each corner in pencil.

How wide is a sheet of drywall?

Most whole sheets of drywall are 4 ft (1.2 m) wide. Choose a length of 8 ft (2.4 m), 9 ft (2.7 m), 10 ft (3.0 m), or 12 ft (3.7 m), depending on the height of your room. Measure the last gap at the top, middle, and bottom in case your wall is uneven. ...

Where to put knife in drywall?

Take the knife out and place it at the bottom of the drywall to make the rest of your cut in an upward direction.

How to free up drywall?

Tilt one side of the drywall up to about 90 degrees. Hold it in place . With the other hand, slice the paper holding the two sections together. The two pieces will now be free .

How big is drywall?

Coming in large 4-foot by 8-foot sheets, drywall is typically installed in full sheets on walls and ceilings. Even then, there always comes a moment when those sheets need to be cut, either width-wise or length-wise.

How to cut a square with two marks?

Connect the two marks with the straightedge. Hold your fingers on the "T" area of the square, behind the direction of the cut.

Can you score drywall sheet while it is on its edge?

If you don't have enough room to lay out the drywall sheet, this method allows you to both score the sheet and cut it while the sheet is on its edge.

Can you cut drywall with a utility knife?

Cutting drywall with a utility knife poses the risk of cutting fingers or legs when slicing along the straightedge part of the square. Do not use your knee to hold the square in place as you cut. Keep your free hand and fingers well away from the blade.

Score Drywall

The first step in learning how to cut drywall is scoring the material correctly. After measuring your drywall, lay a T-Square on the right side of the material. Use a pencil to draw a scoring line. With a sharp utility knife or other cutting tool, follow the pencil line and lightly cut through the paper layer of drywall.

Cut Drywall

Turn the drywall board over and lay it face down. Snap back the board on the cutting line. Use your utilility knife to finish cutting through the paper.

How to Buy Drywall

When it comes to understanding how to cut drywall, getting an accurate measurement first is crucial. Drywall comes in 4 foot by 8 foot and 4 foot by 12 foot panels. Before you buy your panels, determine the height of your walls, then the length so you can purchase the right size.

Before You Cut

Follow these safety tips on how to cut drywall, including working around electrical boxes, using dust collectors when working with asbestos, avoiding sharp edges of knives and enlisting the help of another person to install large panels.

Drywall Repair Tips

Common projects that involve cutting drywall include plumbing, electrical or water damage repairs. Once you've correctly cut the drywall, you'll need to use the right drywall repair tools and proper length of screws to pull off a successful repair. In order to repair drywall:

How to cut a hole in drywall without a compass?

Instead of using a circle cutter, trace the round hole with an extra box (Photo 2). If you don’t have a box or a compass, sketch the curve freehand. You’ll be surprised how accurate you can make it. Then cut the hole with a drywall saw (Photo 3). It’s best to slightly angle the saw so the opening in the back is larger than in the front. That way the box will slip into the opening easier.

How to measure for a hole in drywall?

Start by measuring the front and back and left and right sides of the fixture (Photo 1), then transfer those measurements to the drywall and draw a box to outline the hole. Draw lines from opposite corners to find the exact center (Photo 2).

What happens if you run screws through drywall?

If the hole isn’t cut perfectly and you run screws through the drywall into the framing near boxes, the edges of the electrical box may break out the surrounding drywall.

How to make a sandbox out of a sandbox?

Photo 1: Cut out three sides of the box. Lay out all four sides of the box and cut through three sides with a drywall saw. Photo 2: Use a knife to score the fourth side. Score the fourth side with a utility knife, then snap the flap open with a little punch from the butt end of the knife. Photo 3: Cut off the flap.

How to score paper on drywall?

Transfer the measurements to the drywall and draw a box. Drive a nail through the center point for a pilot hole. Rotate the cutter several times to score the paper.

Can you cut holes in drywall?

One of the most frustrating and time-consuming parts of hanging drywall is cutting all those holes for electrical boxes and lights. Cut them too small and you have to take the piece down and recut it. Cut them too big and you’ve got a bigger taping job on your hands, or you wind up throwing away the sheet and starting over.

Is it easier to cut a rectangular box or round box?

You’d think that cutting in rectangular boxes would be much easier than cutting in round ones. But they’re actually a little trickier. If the hole is a bit off, you’re much more likely to blow out an entire side. (See “Oops!”)

How big of a gap is needed to cut drywall?

Building code allows a 1/8-inch gap between the cut drywall and the side of the electrical box. If the gap is more than that, either a new piece of drywall must be cut or the gap must be filled in with mortar and taped over. Always wear safety goggles when using a power tool to cut through drywall.

How big of a gap between electrical box and drywall?

Building code allows a 1/8-inch gap between the cut drywall and the side of the electrical box. If the gap is more than that, either a new piece of drywall must be cut or the gap must be filled in with mortar and taped over.

When cutting through drywall, do you wear safety goggles?

Always wear safety goggles when using a power tool to cut through drywall.

Do electrical box lines have to be exact?

Although you want to be as precise as possible, the cut lines do not have to be exact because the electrical box cover will overlap the cut lines.

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Things You Will Need

How to Cut Outlet Holes in Drywall

  • Step 1 – Mark the Location No matters what process you prefer, you have to first mark the exact location where you are going to cut the outlets on your drywall. In this case, I have used a black Sharpie for marking the blockings and studs at the drywall. And for marking the centerline of the boxes, I have used a red Sharpie. By marking with differe...
See more on diyquickly.com

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What Tool Is Best for Cutting Drywall?
    The tool that is best for cutting drywall is a drywall saw. Drywall saws are available in various sizes, from 6-inch to 12-inch. A drywall saw has two sharp blades which cut the drywall easily without any effort. When using a drywall saw, always wear safety goggles to protect your eyes fr…
  • Can I Use a Circular Saw to Cut Drywall?
    A circular saw is not the best tool for cutting drywall because it can’t cut through sheetrock easily. A power miter saw would be a better option because it has a large blade and can cut through sheetrock with ease. However, if you are trying to cut an already pre-cut piece of drywall, then yo…
See more on diyquickly.com

Conclusion

  • How to cut outlet holesin drywall? Is it clear to you now? Look, there are numerous methods, but I have selected the easiest process of making a hole in the drywall. Hopefully, you have understood them. If you are confused, or you have found more straightforward ways, inform me through the comment section below.
See more on diyquickly.com

1.Videos of How Do You Cut Drywall Outlets

Url:/videos/search?q=how+do+you+cut+drywall+outlets&qpvt=how+do+you+cut+drywall+outlets&FORM=VDRE

31 hours ago  · Purchase the rotozip on Amazon http://amzn.to/2A8JAQ3Purchase drywall zip bits - http://amzn.to/2iSxRLDFor more home improvement tips visit https://www.home...

2.How to Cut Drywall (Cutting Out Electrical Outlets and …

Url:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0apmR5wTxE

3 hours ago The first step in learning how to cut drywall is scoring the material correctly. After measuring your drywall, lay a T-Square on the right side of the material. Use a pencil to draw a scoring line. With a sharp utility knife or other cutting tool, follow the pencil line and lightly cut through the paper layer of drywall.

3.Cut Drywall Around Outlets - YouTube

Url:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBNiuyf2OyQ

32 hours ago  · 1> In receptacle side, connect white wire to neutral terminal (silver), black wire to hot terminal (brass), and connect green/bare wire to ground terminal (green). Finally wrap the red wire and do NOT use it. 2> In the power panel, replace the 240V 20amp breaker with 120V 15 …

4.How to Cut Outlet Holes in Drywall - DIY Quickly

Url:https://diyquickly.com/how-to-cut-outlet-holes-in-drywall/

11 hours ago  · To begin, place the saw in one of the corners of the outlet box you’ve just drawn and bang it through the drywall. Then continue along the outline until the box is cut out. To keep the board from sliding while you saw keep one hand on the top and place your foot against the bottom of the board. After the outlet has been cut, go to the back side of the drywall board and …

5.How to Cut Drywall: 12 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow

Url:https://www.wikihow.com/Cut-Drywall

18 hours ago  · Set the circle cutter to cut about 1/8 in. larger than the fixture, stick the center point in the middle and rotate the cutter while forcing the wheel into the drywall surface. The key is to cut through the paper. It may take a couple of rotations. Then repeat on the other side of the drywall and knock out the plug.

6.How to Cut Drywall - The Spruce

Url:https://www.thespruce.com/easy-way-to-cut-big-drywall-1821492

2 hours ago

7.How to Cut Drywall - The Home Depot

Url:https://www.homedepot.com/c/ah/how-to-cut-drywall/9ba683603be9fa5395fab901a88ab58c

30 hours ago

8.Cutting Drywall Around Outlets | DoItYourself.com

Url:https://www.doityourself.com/stry/cutting-drywall-around-outlets

10 hours ago

9.How To Cut Drywall For An Opening (DIY) - Family …

Url:https://www.familyhandyman.com/project/how-to-cut-drywall-for-an-opening/

18 hours ago

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