In construction, sheetrock is often going to be used for covering walls. What can be used to cut sheetrock and how can you cut it properly?
The best way to cut sheetrock is with a utility knife. Mark the sheetrock and cut it with the utility knife using a sharp blade to cut the top layer of paper. After folding the sheetrock on that line, you can cut the paper on the other side.
As a DIY sheetrock installer, a utility knife is a tool that you want to have with you at all times. It is important to have one that is a comfortable fit for you and that you use sharp blades at all times.
There may also be times when you find that other tools are necessary for cutting sheetrock. This could be if you are cutting through sheetrock for demolition or perhaps if you are cutting a hole in sheetrock, such as for a receptacle.
What Can You Use To Cut Sheetrock? (How To)
When hanging drywall, cutting sheetrock is probably going to be the most important and frequent job that you will be doing. That is why it is important to have the proper tools for the job.
Even when you just consider the simple utility knife, you have many different utility knives on the market. Some of them are going to be expensive but others are going to be higher quality, and you will pay for that quality.
Since you are using a knife that could potentially cut you and do so deeply, you must be comfortable while using it. Make sure that any utility knife you use fits well in your hand and is easy to extend and retract.
Another factor that needs to be considered when cutting sheetrock is your safety. It isn’t just a matter of doing the job, if you don’t care for your safety, you may not get the job done. Here are some things to consider.
Protect Your Hands – it is a good idea to wear all-purpose gloves or perhaps some Cutlass gloves when cutting sheetrock. Just remember that Cutlass gloves do not keep you from getting cut, it just means that you will cut less.
Another way of protecting your hands is knowing where they are at all times. When you get comfortable with cutting sheetrock, you can quickly forget about where your hands are positioned and it is easy to cut yourself. Always pay attention to your hands, especially your non-cutting hand.
Protect Your Lungs – When cutting sheetrock with a utility knife, you’re not going to create a lot of dust but if it is being cut with any type of power tool, dust is going to be everywhere. The problem is, that dust contains many different elements, including mica, talc, and silica.
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on October 9, 2022.
Be cautious about exposing yourself to drywall dust because it can cause serious, long-term problems. Always wear a respirator, such as an N95 disposable respirator when silica dust is in the air.
Protect Your Eyes – Always wear safety glasses when doing any DIY project. It only takes a split second to damage your eyes permanently.
Keep It Clean – A clean working area is a safe working area. Don’t allow clutter to accumulate because it can cause tripping hazards and other issues.
Think Ahead – When doing demolition, be cautious about cutting sheetrock that is already on the wall. When you cut through it, you may accidentally cut through hidden electric lines or pipes that are in the wall.
Grab a Buddy – Finally, work with somebody to keep all of the stress from being on you.
Let’s consider some of the different tools that can be used for cutting sheetrock. Some tools will not do the job properly.
Can You Use a Knife To Cut Sheetrock?
A sharp knife is the best tool for cutting through the sheetrock. Generally speaking, a utility knife will be used for this purpose but any knife that is sharp enough to cut through the paper on the sheetrock cleanly can be used to get the job done.
Can You Use a Circular Saw To Cut Sheetrock?
A circular saw can cut through sheetrock but it is not the best tool for the job. Not only will you create a huge cloud of dust, but if you are cutting the sheetrock in place, you will also be cutting through anything behind it, including, possibly, electrical or plumbing. There are better tools than a circular saw for cutting sheetrock.
Can You Use a Dremel Tool To Cut Sheetrock?
A Dremel tool can be used for cutting sheetrock but it is not the best tool for everyday use. Typically, you would use a Dremel tool with a sheetrock cutting attachment for detail work or making precision cuts where necessary.
Can You Use a Jigsaw To Cut Sheetrock?
A jigsaw is an excellent tool for cutting sheetrock when you have to cut holes or other odd shapes. After drilling through the sheetrock, you can plunge the jigsaw blade into the hole and make the cut. Be aware of what is behind the sheetrock when making this type of cut because you will likely cut through it as well.
Can You Use a Cutter To Cut Sheetrock?
Any type of razor cutter can be used for cutting sheetrock cleanly. It is one of the best tools on the market for this type of cut and it is what the professionals typically use. The key to using a cutter for cutting sheetrock successfully is to use a sharp blade at all times. You should also choose a cutter that fits well in your hand and is comfortable for everyday use.
Can You Use a Table Saw To Cut Sheetrock?
You should not use a table saw for cutting sheetrock. Not only are you going to create a tremendous amount of dangerous dust, but the gypsum in between the paper on the sheetrock is also very brittle and will not stand up to the effect of the table saw while cutting it. Rather than using a table saw, use a sharp utility knife and you will quickly get proficient at cutting it the proper way.
Can You Use a Skill Saw To Cut Sheetrock?
Even though a Skill saw can cut through sheetrock, it is not a tool that is recommended for this job. Any type of circular saw is going to create too much dust when cutting sheetrock and although it will go through, it will sometimes cut through what is behind the sheetrock as well. If you are trying to demo sheetrock in a hurry, try using a reciprocating saw instead.
Can You Use a Sawzall To Cut Sheetrock?
Any type of reciprocating saw, including a Sawzall, can be used to cut sheetrock. It is typically used for demolition and as long as you are careful about hidden plumbing and electrical, you can take care of the demo quickly and easily. It is best if you use a shorter blade with a smooth edge when a reciprocating saw is used for cutting sheetrock.
Can You Use a Razor To Cut Sheetrock?
A razor knife is an excellent tool for cutting sheetrock. You can also cut through the sheetrock paper with a plain razor but using a razor on its own in this way is a safety hazard. It is a much better option to use the razor inside of a knife as it was intended, such as a good utility knife.
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on October 9, 2022.
Can You Use an Oscillating Tool To Cut Sheetrock?
Oscillating tools can be used for cutting sheetrock but it is not going to be the best tool for making standard cuts when taking sheetrock down to size. In addition, if you are doing a large job with a multi-tool, it can create a lot of sheetrock dust.
How To Cut Sheetrock
Now that we know what tools are best to use, it’s time to consider the specific method of cutting sheetrock that the pros use. You will find that this is the best option for your use as well.
Step 1: Mark – Using a straight line, mark the sheetrock with a pencil. If you are using a long straight edge for cutting the sheetrock, you can mark both ends and use the straight edge to delineate the line.
Step 2: Score – Lay your straight edge on the sheetrock and run the utility knife along the straight edge to cut through the paper on the top side of the sheetrock. It isn’t necessary to cut through a lot of the board, you just need to cut through the paper and perhaps score the board underneath slightly.
Always use a sharp utility knife when doing this job. You should also pay attention to your hand that is not cutting because it often gets in the way with disastrous consequences.
Step 3: Fold – After cutting the paper on one side of the sheetrock, fold it in the opposite direction so the sheetrock opens up, leaving the paper on the other side to hold things together.
Some people find it best to do this by flipping the sheetrock over and folding the smaller side of the sheetrock up. You might also find it easier to hold the sheetrock upright and use your knee to slightly bump the backside of the board to bend it in place.
Step 4: Cut – The final step in the process is to cut through the paper on the backside of the board. Use your sharp utility knife to do this and remember, you are only cutting the paper and not cutting the whole way through the sheetrock.
Be very careful about the position of your hand and arm when cutting the sheetrock in this way. Many people, including professionals, have put their hands over the area where they are cutting and run the utility knife over the palm of their hand. It can cut severely.
That is all that is associated with cutting sheetrock. If you do it in that way, you will do it successfully.
The best tool for cutting sheetrock is a utility knife. It is used to score the sheetrock and cut through the paper on one side. After that, the sheetrock is folded along that line and the utility knife is used for cutting the paper on the other side.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on October 9, 2022.