Gypsum plasterboard panels (GKL) often appear in renovation projects for finishing premises. These panels can be used to aesthetically decorate walls, eliminating surface imperfections. The material has a smooth and even texture, which creates optimal conditions for application finishing. The weak point of sheets of this type is fragility, which complicates processing processes. Therefore, the question of how to cut drywall with minimal risks to it is also relevant. usable area. There are many options, each of them deserves attention in its own way.
Wallpaper knife
This the simplest tool, which is inexpensive and in in capable hands able to provide an acceptable result. The wallpaper knife has a thin, long and sharp blade, which in some settings is also suitable for drywall. But in the work it is worth considering some nuances. Compared to paper, relatively hard sheets can simply break it if the cutting part is pulled sharply to the side. In addition, slight bends with the slightest pressure cause inconvenience.
You should also keep in mind that the ends cut with a wallpaper knife are rarely even. Therefore, additional adjustments to the edges may be required using a plane or fine abrasive. In general, a wallpaper knife is a purely household tool for cutting drywall, which is worthwhile in extreme cases. For example, in processing small volumes of material, and when there are no other options, such a knife will help complete the task.
Special knife for gypsum boards
It's more suitable option, which will allow you to cope with a large batch of gypsum boards. Fundamental difference The difference between this knife and its previous analogue lies in the rigid fit of the unbending blade, which is also replaceable. Painting knives are similar to this design. From the point of view of cutting plasterboard sheets, they are advantageous with a blade with a width of about 20 mm, the presence of a screw stopper and an ergonomic handle with rubberized inserts.
But even in this case, restrictions on the use of the tool in relation to reinforced panels should be taken into account. If the structure is pierced with fiberglass or metal threads, then a construction knife for cutting drywall with a more durable base and a large steel blade is more suitable. The only drawback of this solution will be the labor cost. Handling any knife requires not only care, but also power load, since you will have to constantly hold rather large panels in accordance with the optimal cutting direction.
Scissors
This is also a representative of a hand tool that is simple in design, which can also be used in processing gypsum boards. As for scissors, they are more convenient than a knife and can handle cutting a large number of sheets. But the quality will leave much to be desired - at a minimum, abrasive finishing of the edges will be required. By the way, scissors may also be suitable for cutting profiles for plasterboard, which is made of metal. The main thing is that the size of the tool matches the thickness of the sheet.
Experienced craftsmen in this sense recommend having on hand models of scissors with long and short jaws. When choosing, you should also take into account the shape of the handles, their coating and possible auxiliary devices. Hand tools, imposing high physical activity on the hand, must optimally correspond to the performer’s data in terms of size, that is, fit comfortably in the hand.
Fine tooth hacksaw
Externally, such models of hacksaws are more reminiscent of knives than saw blades. The tool is formed by two parts - the handle and the saw blade. The blade here is small and has fine teeth, which makes cutting easy with minimal damage to the useful area of the sheet. In addition, such a hacksaw will allow you to make not only straight, but also round cuts. The question regarding what is used to cut drywall to form a figured cut is often asked by owners multi-level ceilings non-standard shape.
Having made a small cut in the prepared hole in the gypsum board ceiling, you can continue working along the curved line with a hacksaw. Such operations are often determined by the need to create niches for electrical devices, lamps and decorative elements. However, especially for creating round holes with high accuracy and regardless of the diameter, it is advisable to use a power tool.
Ballerinas and cutters
By equipping an electric drill or multifunctional screwdriver with a round cutter the right size, you can easily make a hole in a drywall panel. For such tasks, sets with cutters of different diameters are suitable. A result of similar quality can be obtained with the help of a ballerina. Manufacturers of consumables for power tools produce special modifications of attachments for this material.
But how do you cut drywall when you need to get a hole with a diameter exceeding 10 cm? This value is considered the limit for household equipment. Theoretically, a hacksaw can cope with this task, but in practice, of course, it will not be possible to make a high-quality circle in this way. Only a jigsaw will help you get closer to acceptable quality if it is operated by an experienced craftsman.
Guillotine
Strictly speaking, a guillotine does not refer to a tool designed for processing drywall. Its design is focused on servicing profiles on which a ready-made sheet of material will be attached. Therefore, in comprehensive preparation for work events, it would be useful to include this tool. It is a small metal platform that fixes and guides the equipment, as well as a handle. By applying physical pressure to the latter, the installed metal blank is cut.
It is important to consider that the guillotine for cutting drywall profiles also has its limitations. For example, the average width of the profile available for processing is 40-120 mm. Maximum height- about 70 mm. Some designs can also cope with drywall, but in this case you should prepare for the formation of large, rather than cosmetic, chips and cracks.
How to cut drywall?
The cutting technique has great value from the point of view of obtaining the expected result. But before that, you should do the proper preparation. Regardless of the configuration of the cut, its parameters and the tool used, it is important to make accurate markings on the surface of the sheet. Next, the tool itself is prepared. It is important to check it for integrity, reliability of fixation of the cutting parts and, most importantly, evaluate the quality of sharpening.
Now we can move on to the question of how to cut drywall. Sharp manipulations and attempts to complete cutting in one fell swoop are completely excluded. The tool should be guided smoothly and strictly along the intended line. The most difficult operations to perform include curved cuts. For such tasks, it is advisable to use appropriate jigsaws equipped with a curved cutting function.
Conclusion
When choosing a suitable tool, it is worth distinguishing between several criteria. For example, the quality of processing, ease of cutting and financial efficiency are completely contradictory parameters. How is drywall cut to obtain high quality without the need to rework the edges? The optimal solution would be a machine or an electric jigsaw.
But if the task is to process two or three sheets, then purchasing a special power tool for this will be impractical. On the other hand, a wallpaper knife is inexpensive and will allow you to cut the same pair of sheets, but the quality will be low, and in the case of large volumes it will not save you. In a way optimal solution may become a fine-toothed hacksaw. It has average ergonomics and cutting quality, but at the same time it is not so expensive compared to a jigsaw and is not much inferior to it in terms of the speed of the process.
When working with drywall, many people ask the question: how to cut drywall correctly? This process is not difficult if you properly prepare the tool and apply markings to the material. How to cut drywall at home to create waste minimum quantity? Which one should you have on hand? Let's take a closer look.
Drywall cutting tools In order to correctly apply the markings, you need to measure the plane on which they will be attached. Then, using a tape measure or ruler, you should transfer it, outlining a line with a pencil. Double-check your measurements before you start cutting. This will help you avoid making mistakes.
Tools and material
Before you start cutting drywall at home, you need to prepare your tool. For this you will need:
- drywall;
- roulette;
- line;
- stationery knife.
Important: it is better to cut drywall only with a new, sharp, stationery knife. 
Cutting a sheet of drywall in a straight line
A plasterboard board is a sandwich in which a gypsum core is surrounded on both sides by thick cardboard. The material is quite durable, maybe... Drywall can be cut from any side. It is not difficult to cut the material; use a fairly sharp blade to cut through one layer of cardboard and break it.
It is worth remembering that the knife must be guided confidently and strictly along the line that was drawn earlier. If the first time it was not possible to cut the cardboard, then pass over this place several times until the cardboard is completely cut through. The rail should remain stationary during cutting. It is pressed tightly against the material, otherwise the cut will be uneven. The paper layer is cut through with a slight grip gypsum board. This will help break the material evenly, without chipping. 
Once you have cut one layer of cardboard on the board, you can proceed to the next step - breaking the material along the cut. If you did everything correctly, it will not be difficult to hold the sheet with your feet and fold it in the opposite direction from the cut.
You can involve a second person if the layer of material is large. In principle, it does not matter how the material is broken, the main thing in this matter is an even and high-quality cut. Once you have folded the drywall along the cut, you need to carefully cut the second layer of cardboard. Cutting drywall is actually easy. If you doubt that this process will be carried out correctly, try cutting the material on a small piece first.
Read also
Fastening drywall to a wooden frame
How to make a round hole in plasterboard
It is important to learn how to correctly make holes in sheets of material, since installation often involves switches. In addition, sometimes it is necessary to repair damaged areas in drywall. For , should be used special tool and have some skill. Let's look at how to cut drywall at home, step by step:
Advice! Do not rush and put too much pressure on the tool - this may lead to damage to the material, since the crown may simply be jammed in the drywall.
Round hole without power tools
This is the second method, which will require more effort. Marking is carried out as in the first option, in this case you need to draw a circle with a compass required diameter. Once the marking is ready, you need to make a small hole at the edge of the circle. It can be drilled using a brace. Then you need to take it with sharp teeth, insert it into the hole and start sawing the drywall strictly along the line.
Cutting a rectangular hole
The first step is to determine on the drywall board where the hole will be located. 
To do this, you need to measure the required distance from the left edge of the drywall sheet and put a mark. If you plan to make a hole for a strip for several sockets, then the strip is placed against this mark and outlined.
After this, you need to set the geometry - the bar must be strictly level. Draw the sides of the future hole well.
Then you need to drill holes in the corners of the rectangle; it is worth remembering that the drill should be of such a size that the jigsaw blade fits freely into the hole in the material. A saw is inserted into each hole and a cut is made. This must be done very carefully, without strong pressure. The file should follow the line. 
Important! You should wear a mask or respirator to avoid breathing dust. It is better to make the hole a little smaller. It is always easier to make a large one from a small hole; to do this, just walk along the edges of the hole with a rasp.
Once the work is done, you need to inspect the hole made. Take the strip and try it on, preferably together with the sockets, so you will know exactly how suitable the hole is. If necessary, a hole can be made in a ready-made structure, but you just need to know for sure that there are no communication systems running at the installation site. In the video, the master shows how to make a square hole in drywall.
Wavy cut
It is easy to do using a jigsaw; the main thing in this process is correct marking. If required, then it is enough to draw a wavy line of the desired curvature over the entire surface of the sheet and carefully, from the edge of the slab, cut the material strictly along the line. In the case when a wavy cut needs to be made in the middle of the sheet, then the following algorithm should be followed:
Advice! If the curve has very pronounced waves, then you need to drill holes at a distance of 15 cm from each other, then the saw will go much easier, and it will be easier to make a cut. If the edges turn out to be a little uneven, you can always trim them with a rasp.
Conclusion
Drywall has become a popular material among builders due to the fact that working with it is not difficult. Just read the manual or watch video tutorials on working with the material and learn how to cut drywall at home.
How do you cut drywall? How to cut drywall correctly
Today, plasterboard is widely used in construction and renovation. You can work with this material yourself. However, you should first find out how to cut drywall so that no difficulties arise during the repair process. Below are the basic ways of working and the tools you will need.
Cutting tools
How do you cut drywall? To cut it, there are special devices that
are quite expensive. They are used in enterprises where work with drywall is carried out on a large scale. For home use You can use available tools that are found in every home.
First of all, you need to mark the sheet of drywall so that you can cut it straight. This is done using a roulette wheel, a simple pencil and a long ruler.
Several tools can be used to cut the material. So, how to cut drywall:
- hacksaw for metal;
- construction knife;
- jigsaw.
In rooms with high humidity used moisture resistant drywall. It differs from ordinary material by the presence of antiseptic additives in its composition. Some people have a question about how to cut moisture-resistant drywall. It is not much different from regular material. It can be easily recognized by its green color. When cutting it, you can use the same tools. Let's tell you in more detail how to work with each of them.
The best way to cut drywall
A hacksaw for metal differs from the one used to saw wood because it has a thinner blade 
blades. With its help, drywall is cut very easily. The edges of the material remain smooth and have virtually no jagged edges. The sheet of material must be placed on some support and cut along the marked line.
A construction knife with a double-sided sharp blade, you can easily cut a thick sheet of drywall. To make the edge of the sheet even, you should first draw a marking line and attach a metal ruler to it. An incision is made along it with a knife. If the drywall is thin enough, you can replace the construction knife with a regular stationery knife, which is used for paper.
A jigsaw is convenient for making shaped cuts. When working with drywall, it is recommended to purchase files with fine teeth, which are used for metal.
How to cut drywall correctly
There are several useful tips that will make your work easier:
- Drywall is a flexible material. To avoid breaking it during operation, you need to place the sheet on a stable, flat surface.
- When cutting a large sheet, you should do it gradually.
- There should be no moisture in the workplace, otherwise the material will become wet and unsuitable for use.
- Which side you cut the drywall from is not so important. However, it is best to make the cut on the surface on which it will be attached to the wall.
- When cutting the profile, do not worry about uneven edges. They will subsequently be covered with a sheet of drywall.
- When working with the material, you should understand that it can crumble a lot and create dust. Be sure to protect your eyes and respiratory system.
Cutting along straight lines
First you need to lay the drywall on a flat horizontal surface and 
mark on both sides of it the lines along which the cut will be made. After this, a metal ruler is applied to them and pressed with your hand. We take the knife in the other hand and draw it along the line several times to make the cut deeper.
Some people think that they can do it just fine without a ruler. However, you should not neglect it. It is quite difficult to make an even cut without it. Of course it is possible, but you will have to take the time to get a neat edge. With a ruler, everything is done much faster.
When the cuts become deep enough, a sheet of drywall should be placed on its edge and tapped on the back side. Typically, several weak blows lead to a break in the drywall sheet along the line. Now all that remains is to cut the cardboard layer with a knife.
Shaped cutting
There are situations when you need not a straight cut, but a curved or round one. 
For example, if you are making an arch or a hole for lighting fixtures. In this case, it is best to use a jigsaw.
They need to work slowly, drawing clearly along the intended lines. The saw should be narrow with small teeth. It must run at high speed. If you cut carefully, the edge will be smooth.
If you don't have a jigsaw, you can use a hacksaw or a construction knife and a hammer. Make deep cuts strictly according to the markings. Place the drywall on a flat, recessed surface so that it sits underneath the hole you are cutting. Now hit this place with a hammer. After the unwanted part falls off, turn the drywall over and cut off the excess paper.
Edge processing
When drywall is cut, its edges should be slightly aligned so that there is no 
nicks and chips. This can be done using sandpaper. Gently go over all the edges until they are smooth.
The final stage of preparing the material includes its fascia. To do this, you need to cut off a few millimeters of gypsum from each edge (about two-thirds of the sheet thickness). The chamfer is removed with a plane or knife at an angle of approximately 45 degrees.
After installing the drywall, all gaps between the sheets of material must be filled with putty. When the seams are dry, you can begin painting the surface or wallpapering it.
How to cut a profile
Drywall sheets are attached to a special profile. It is made of metal
for maximum structural strength. How to cut a profile for drywall? You can cope with this work using:
- hacksaws for metal;
- jigsaw;
- metal scissors.
It is not recommended to use a grinder at home because it produces a lot of sparks. Metal scissors will be quite sufficient. They are able to easily cut iron without creating unnecessary debris and shavings. 
The profile can be cut into small pieces. Once the drywall is attached, it will not be visible. The main thing is to screw the profile well to the wall or other surface to ensure the strength of the entire structure.
Working with drywall is quite simple. Due to this, it is in great demand for interior decoration premises. Now that you have learned how to cut drywall, you can independently change your apartment beyond recognition without spending money on professional finishers.
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How and with what to cut drywall and make holes in it
From this material you will learn how to cut drywall, in addition, we will look at how to cut drywall and make rectangular and round holes in it. To do this, you will need a few tools and knowledge of basic techniques on how to do it. We'll also show you how to use materials efficiently to reduce waste while still delivering superior results. From our experience, we know that although the cutting process is not very difficult, it will take patience to master it. An unsatisfactory result may be obtained due to inaccurate measurements or the use of the wrong materials and tools. To learn how to cut drywall in the best possible way, read this article for tips on how to avoid common mistakes.
Preparation and application of markings
To cut drywall, you will need the following:
- use a knife only with a sharp blade;
- if you plan to attach plasterboard both to the ceiling and to the walls, then first you need to sheathe the ceiling, and only then proceed to the walls;
- If you need to cut drywall along a complex path, cut the length first and then the width.
Remember that when working and attaching drywall, it is very important to use as many whole slabs as possible. This way you will reduce the cost of materials, there will be less work, and the cladding process will go faster. Therefore, you need to carefully measure and study the surface you are working with, and then make a plan for using the slabs so that you have to cut them as little as possible.
If you need to attach drywall over a larger area, we recommend using 3.6m boards instead of 2.5m boards. This way you will save time and material.
Step 1: To cut drywall like a pro, use quality tools. If the sheets large sizes(120 cm wide), it is better to cut them leaning against the wall at a slight angle. And small sheets (up to 60 cm wide) can be cut on the floor. If this is your first time cutting drywall, it is better to practice doing it on the floor. First you need to decide which side to cut the drywall from. To do this, make sure that the sheet of drywall is facing towards you. It is on this side that the incision will be made.
If you don’t know what is the best way to cut drywall, then from our experience we can tell you that in most cases, it is best to use a good utility knife. But sometimes you have to use other tools. For example, a hacksaw for drywall is convenient to use for cutting holes of various shapes.
The minimum set of tools you will need when cutting drywall.
Smart advice. If you are cutting drywall against the wall, place several pieces of wood underneath. This will make the cutting process easier and protect your fingers from damage.
Step 2. First, you need to use a tape measure to determine the size of the slab to be cut. Do this very carefully, otherwise the slab may simply not fit - it will turn out to be either too small or too large. Also make sure that the vertical edges are aligned with the center of the sheathing, otherwise the slab joints will not be rigid enough. Measure using a tape measure and make a mark in the desired location with a pencil. In our example, we want to cut the slab in half, so we make a mark in the middle.
Marking a sheet of drywall.
Smart advice. It is very important to take accurate measurements, otherwise you will waste a lot of time and money correcting errors in joints. Be especially careful when working alone.
Step 3: To get a perfect straight cut, use a ruler. If you want to achieve results professional level and you have to cut drywall often and a lot, we advise you to get a large cutting tool and not use homemade or homemade tools.
Slide the strip along the drywall until it reaches the desired mark.
Using a rail to cut drywall
Cutting a sheet of drywall
Step 1. Gypsum board consists of two layers of paper that cover both sides with a thick layer of gypsum. This combination creates a relatively durable building material, which is also fire resistant. Therefore, in order to get an accurate and high-quality cut, it is enough to walk along the slab sharp knife and then break it at this point. To make a cut, run a knife along the plasterboard sheet from top to bottom several times. To make the correct cut, you need to move the knife confidently, without jerking and exactly along the marked line. When cutting through the paper layer, you need to hold the bar firmly in one position, otherwise the cut may turn out uneven.
The same procedure must be performed if you rarely use drywall not on the floor, but leaning it against the wall. Holding the strip down with your foot, run the knife along the drywall several times from top to bottom. There is no need to cut many times, as this will only dull the knife blade.
A sheet with a cut paper base.
As you can see in the picture, the cut should be completely even. Otherwise, you will not be able to break the slab evenly. The goal is to completely cut through the paper layer and lightly grab the plaster.
Step 2. Now you need to break the slab along the cut. If you followed the previous steps correctly, the drywall sheet should break along the cut. Hold the sheet with your feet and simply fold it.
Of course, there are a lot of options for how you can make the break yourself. It is quite difficult to explain all these procedures in two sentences, but we assure you: in practice it is very easy to do. The most important thing is to make the right cut. How you break it is not important.
But if you find it difficult to grab a large sheet of paper with your hands to bend it, then press it down with your knee. If you are not confident that you can cut a slab well, then practice on scrap sheets first.
We break the plasterboard board.
Step 3. After the sheet is broken with a utility knife, cut the paper layer from the back side of the plasterboard. If you have broken the drywall correctly, you should have no problem cutting off the paper layer from the back.
We trim the cardboard layer from the outside.
Step 4. Place the cut slab against the mounting location to see how accurate the cut is. If the cut slab is a little larger, use a rasp to remove excess material. Remember that when working with a rasp, you will create a lot of dust. Therefore, try to make accurate markings.
How to make holes in drywall
Next we will talk about how to make a hole in drywall. Learning how to make holes in drywall is important because it often needs to be done to install new outlets, switches, and other fixtures. In addition, you have to cut round or rectangular holes in order to repair damaged areas of drywall. Although cutting holes in drywall is quite simple, in order to do it professionally, you need to use certain tools and have some skills. Therefore, we advise you to work with caution and follow our instructions exactly. step by step explanation before starting work.
To make a hole in drywall, you will need the following:
- line;
- pencil;
- tape measure and stationery knife;
- drill;
- ring attachment for drill;
- jigsaw;
- drywall hacksaw.
- take precise measurements to make rectangular holes;
- Be careful not to damage pipes or electrical wires when cutting holes;
- To cut a hole in drywall, wear a respirator mask.
Cutting a rectangular hole
Step 1. Determine the place on the sheet of drywall where you need to make a hole. If you plan to install a socket in this hole, then you need to place the socket box in the required place and outline its outline. To do this, use a tape measure to measure the distance from the left side of the stove to the left and right edges of the box. Also measure the distance from the bottom edge of the slab to the extreme top and bottom of the electrical box. Given these dimensions, use a ruler to mark the location of the hole for the box on the plasterboard.
We mark the sheet and determine the location for the hole.
Step 2. Drill with drill bit large diameter make 4 holes on the sides of the rectangle. As you can see in the picture, the holes need to be made inside the rectangle and as close to the cutting lines as possible.
We drill holes in the drywall for the jigsaw blade.
Smart advice. You can drill holes not on the sides, but in the corners of the rectangle. The holes should be large enough for the jigsaw blade to fit through.
Step 3. Insert a jigsaw blade into each of the holes to cut a rectangular opening. Do this with great care, making sure that the file follows exactly the drawn lines.
Cut a rectangular hole in the drywall.
Smart advice. To avoid inhaling dust, wear a respirator mask. It is better to make the hole too small than too big, since the excess can always be removed with a rasp.
Step 4. Once you have cut the hole in the drywall, you need to check its suitability. To do this, insert a box from a switch or socket into the hole you made to see if everything is done well.
Finished rectangular hole.
Smart advice. You can cut holes in already installed slabs, but there are a few things to consider. Before carrying out work, make sure that there are no pipes, wires or other communications in this area.
How to make round holes in drywall
Step1. First you need to determine what you can use to cut a hole in the drywall. There are several ways to do this. To do this, you can, for example, use a crown, a ballerina or a small hacksaw.
A set of bits that can be used to cut holes in drywall.
Before you start making holes, you need to make the appropriate markings. To do this, you need to determine and mark the center of the future hole.
We mark the center of the future hole.
Step 2. Select the required size bit and secure it in the drill chuck. Now place the core bit in the center of the hole you are cutting and start drilling. For a quality hole, we recommend cutting at medium speed and applying gentle pressure to the drill.
Smart advice. Be careful not to press the drill too hard to prevent the bit from getting stuck in the plaster. To make a quality hole, you need to be patient.
Making holes using hand tools
Method 1: Cut through round hole in drywall you can use a regular knife. First you need to outline the shape of the future hole. To do this, you can attach a box from an outlet, switch or any other round object to a sheet of drywall and mark the outline of the future hole. Then the same outline should be marked on the back side of the sheet. Both the first and second circuits must match.
We outline the outline of the future hole.
Then, using a knife, you need to completely cut through the cardboard layer. Once you have cut through the paper layer on both sides, lightly tap the plaster with a hammer. The hole is ready. Now check if the electrical box fits there.
Method 2. If you want to make a hole in an already installed slab drywall, then you need to use a different method. Draw a circle on the drywall, tracing the outline of the switch or outlet box with a pencil. Before cutting a hole in drywall, make sure there are no pipes or electrical wires. Also make sure that the box will be placed in a suitable location.
Next, use a drywall saw to cut a hole in the board. To make the hole even, punch the drywall in one place and start sawing from there.
Video: How and how to cut drywall
Lesson 4. How to cut drywall at home
In this article we will learn how to cut drywall at home. In the previous lesson, we completely made a frame to which gypsum board can already be attached. But the gypsum boards themselves must first be cut to size. Now we will figure out how this is done.
How and with what to cut drywall at home
The answer to the question of how to cut drywall at home is very simple - for this we need an ordinary sharp painting knife.
It is highly undesirable to use an electric jigsaw to cut gypsum board.
How to cut part of a leaf
So, we place a sheet of drywall with the inner (back) side on the floor (table) or place it upright, with its elbow on the wall, with the inner (back) side facing the wall, the outer (front) side towards you. Using a tape measure and a pencil, mark the distance that needs to be cut on the outer (front) side of the gypsum board. Make two marks on the top and bottom of the sheet with a pencil:
Then we take the rule ( building level, an even strip) apply to the marked marks and mark the line.
It's better to repeat it twice.
After we have cut the paper, we need to refract the sheet along the cut we made. To do this, take a sheet and turn it towards you inside. We clamp one part of the sheet into left hand, the second (cut off) to the right. Moderate movement right hand on yourself (you can also help synchronously with your knee) break the sheet along the cut made:
The sheet broke exactly along the cut line:
The straight cut is ready.
How to make a cutout in a sheet
But what to do if plasterboard sheet you need to make a cut:
or holes, slits, for example, under engineering communications, pipes. After all, if you just run a knife along each of the three sides of this rectangle and then start breaking it out, then nothing will come of it. If we apply force, a fracture will occur that is not at all along the contours we need. So what should we do? Here we need to act differently.
To do this, take a knife for drywall, colloquially “Fox”:
and saw through two sides:
And we simply cut through the third side with a painting knife - only paper:
Lightly hit the spot:
All that remains is to cut the paper on the other side with a knife:
Below is a link to a video about another drywall knife. I haven’t worked with him personally, but judging by the video, he cuts quite interestingly. In principle, if you are working with any tool for the first time, then, of course, you need to adapt:
In this article, we learned how and with what to cut drywall at home.
Takes ~2 minutes to read
Drywall is one of the most common materials in construction, which is nevertheless very fragile. With its help they not only sheathe ceilings and walls, but also create a wide variety of decorative elements home interior. However, its inaccurate cutting leads to excessive consumption of material, and the inability to do it leads to unnecessary costs to the help of a specialist. But don’t be upset, because cutting drywall correctly with your own hands is not at all difficult if you follow the given instructions exactly.
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Principle and rules for cutting drywall
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The principle and rules of cutting are based on an understanding of what you are dealing with, so you should first study the structure of the material. But in in this case the name speaks for itself - the two outer layers are formed of cardboard, which serves as the basis for relative strength, and between them is plaster with fillers. Used for various purposes different types drywall: standard, waterproof, fireproof. The first is used in all cases, excluding wall and ceiling cladding (moisture-resistant plasterboard is used here) and structures located in close proximity to a fireplace or other heat source (in this case, fire-resistant material is used).
Preparation and application of markings
Lay the gypsum board sheet on a flat horizontal surface and make marks using a simple pencil, tape measure or ruler. A marker and a fountain pen are suitable for this procedure, but their traces are visible under the putty.
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Immediately before or during work, select the tool that will be used for cutting. There are many ways to accomplish your plans, depending on the means available to you. In fact, you can cut drywall with any sharp object, but this will require certain skills. Let's consider the main tools that can be used.
How to cut: choosing a tool
If you are going to cut drywall on a regular basis, or at least quite often, it is recommended to purchase a professional tool once and not bother with improvised tools in the future. In any other case, you should have a stationery - construction, reinforced - or assembly knives. The types of stationery are barely distinguishable from each other, but construction is stronger. However, in any case, the cut from this knife is such that afterward it is necessary to eliminate the resulting nicks.
A hacksaw for metal is quite suitable for this operation - its blade is thinner than that of a hacksaw for wood, so it benefits in the accuracy of the subsequent result.
Other useful device- jigsaw. Its advantage is that there is no need to think about how to cut drywall, because you just need to follow the drawn line. Used for edge processing additional tools like a roughing plane, the effect of which can easily be reproduced with sandpaper.
When we have figured out how to cut drywall, we can move directly to the methods of cutting it, the number of which is also large and varied. Let's look at some of them.
How to cut with a mounting knife
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A saw blade is suitable for cutting drywall into large lengthwise pieces. First, take the necessary measurements using a tape measure and a pencil, attach a metal ruler to the drawn line and start cutting the material with the tip along the edge of this very ruler.
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Be careful and take your time so that the cut comes out smooth and precise and matches the line from the pencil lead.
The core is broken by lightly tapping, then the slab is turned over and the drywall is again cut along the broken area. At the end, the material should be processed with a plane so that the edge becomes even.
How to cut with a hacksaw
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It is worth noting that most often a hacksaw is used to cut rectangular openings. In this case, you need to mark the drywall from the back side. In one of the corners of the drawing, use a drill to make a hole with a diameter large enough so that the hacksaw blade can easily fit into it. You can also make holes on all sides. After the operation is completed, the edge, as in the previous case, is processed with a plane or file, depending on the size of the hole made. Important: it is advisable for the tool blade to be perpendicular to the plane of the drywall sheet. In this case, the edges come out smoother.
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Cutting with a jigsaw
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A jigsaw is a tool that will help save work time and your energy. Using it, you can saw and cut not only straight lines, but also smooth, curved lines and various shapes. If you use it, place a sheet of plasterboard on two stools so that the previously drawn line for the shape of the desired cutout runs in the distance between the surfaces of the stools. Act smoothly and leisurely, cut strictly along the intended line. The jigsaw has another significant advantage: with it, the processing of the resulting edges is reduced to a minimum, because it is held perpendicular to the surface of the sheet, which is the key to this result. This is facilitated by the special sole installed in it. The disadvantages include the fact that you still have to spend money on it, but this tool is worth it. Also, when working with it, a lot of dust rises, you should take care of eye and respiratory protection in advance.
Shaped cutting, as well as square and round cuts
It is worth paying attention to the figure cutting mentioned above. The best way to cut is, of course, a jigsaw. But if the figure is, for example, an ordinary circle, then it is acceptable to use ordinary stationery or mounting knives. Initially, it is important to determine the center of the circle, and then use a pencil and compass to draw it. Using the tip of a knife, cut the outline of the intended opening as much as possible. Then place this section over the empty space - a two-stool design will work here again. Lightly hit the cutout with a hammer - the material will break through the center of the hole.
Edge processing
The cut is processed with a roughing plane, since the edges never come out smooth and neat enough - this is already a property of any tool; the experience and skills of the performer play a lesser role here. You can also remove a chamfer using a regular knife, but it will take more time and require professional skills.
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In conclusion, it should be noted that cutting drywall is one of the most common operations on the list of those that can easily be done independently at home, without the help of a specialist. It is enough just to approach any work with intelligence and patience and carefully familiarize yourself with the sequence of completing the task, based on its features. Then the result will be appropriate.
Good luck to you and successful repairs.
Video: how to properly saw (cut) drywall with your own hands at home
Creating arches and niches from plasterboard causes many difficulties for inexperienced people. For example, during renovations it is often necessary to cut sheets of drywall. To do this more efficiently and quickly, it is worth knowing which tools are best to use and how to cut better. Before you learn how to cut drywall, you should prepare the necessary tools.
What tools should you use?
If you need to cut drywall quite often, it is better to purchase professional tools. If cutting is done infrequently, you can use the following tools:
- Tools for measuring the length of drywall, as well as a level and pencil. Measurements can be made with a ruler or tape measure.
- Construction knife. You can also use a reinforced stationery knife. If you need to cut a large number of sheets of the specified material, you should use a construction knife. Since it is more durable and can withstand heavy loads.
- Planers. One of them is needed for chamfering. The second plane is roughing. These tools are used at the final stage of work, when it is necessary to make the edges smooth. Minor irregularities are filled with putty.
- Jigsaw. The advantage of this tool is that it allows you to make straight and curved cuts. With such a tool it is enough to guide along the drawn lines.
- Hacksaw for metal. This tool can also be used to cut cardboard. It is also used when cutting frame elements made of metal profiles.
- Electric drill, cutter. These tools are necessary for cutting rounded elements and circles.
To understand how to cut drywall, it is worth determining exactly what parts will be cut. For straight lines, a mounting knife can be used.
Material structure
To cut the material correctly, it is worth learning about how it is structured. The inner layer consists of gypsum to which fillers have been added. The outer layers are made of cardboard, which increases strength. Since gypsum is a fragile material, without cardboard the sheets may fall apart from light mechanical impact.
Drywall is divided into several types:
- fire resistant;
- waterproof;
- ordinary.
Waterproof plasterboard is used during wall covering work in rooms with high humidity. Fire-resistant material is necessary when finishing walls near stoves and fireplaces. The usual one is used when finishing other types of premises. To understand how to cut drywall at home, it is worth considering the features of using different tools.
Using a mounting knife
When using a knife, cutting drywall occurs quite quickly, and the quality of the cut is quite good. Cutting sheets of the described material occurs as follows:
- First you need to take measurements and draw a line. The easiest way to do this is with a marker. To ensure an even cut, a metal profile can be placed on the edges of the line.
- After this, you need to place the knife on the edge of the line and begin to move it with even force.
- After this, you need to bend the sheet on the back side so that it cracks along the line.
- At the last stage, you can make the cut more even. To do this, it is best to use a mounting knife.
It is worth remembering that this cutting method is only suitable for separating large sheets the material being described. This is due to the fact that when breaking small sheets, the cut may be of poor quality. Also this method Not suitable for cutting oval lines. After carrying out the described work, it is necessary to use a drywall plane to make the cut more even.
It is more convenient to cut material on flat surface, it is best to use a table or perform all actions on the floor. It is important to clean the surface before carrying out work.
Features of using a hacksaw
The specified tool is used only if figure cutting. For example, often during repairs they create semicircular arches. When using a mounting knife, such work will not be possible.
When using a hacksaw, all actions are performed in the following order:
- Marking. First, lines are drawn on the drywall, after which small holes are made in the corners of the created shape. They are necessary for placing the hacksaw blade. A drill is usually used to create the hole.
- At the next stage, insert the hacksaw blade into the created hole and cut to the next one.
- After the cut has been made between all the drilled points, the outlined figure will fall out, forming a hole the desired shape. To make the joints more even, you should use a drywall plane. It is worth remembering that the greater the bend of the line, the more holes there should be in the material.
In this way, you can make rectangular and round shape. It is worth remembering that when cutting round lines, you should use a thinner blade, which is more convenient to turn while cutting.
Using a jigsaw
Thanks to a jigsaw, you can cut almost any shape into drywall. Moreover, all work carried out is carried out easily even without experience. Curved lines when using this tool are accurate. All work is carried out in several stages:
- First, a line is drawn along which the cut must be made. This must be done with a marker, as it allows you to leave wide lines.
- After this, the sheet of drywall must be laid in such a way that there is no material under the cut lines. It is best to use several supports. The sheet should lie flat and not move during operation. By following these rules, the quality of the cut can be significantly improved.
- The next step is to place the jigsaw at the beginning of the line and aim the laser sight. Then cut the material strictly along the drawn line, making sure that the tool does not move to the side.
- If you don't have a plane, you can use a drywall cutter to create the corners. It is enough to put it on a drill and draw it along the cut line between two sheets.
In some cases, one tool is not enough, so it is worth using all the products described.
Creating curved parts
The most complex process is bending sheets of drywall. To do this, you need to cut a rectangular piece. When bending a workpiece, it is important to do it this way. To stretch the back side.
To bend a drywall piece, you first need to create a semicircular template. It can be made of fiberboard or the material described. Cutting out the template is quite simple using a jigsaw.
After creating the template, you need to roll one side of the part with a needle roller and moisten it with water. After this, just slowly bend it according to the template and secure it in this position. After drying, the sheet of drywall will retain the shape that it was given.
