Project Difficulty:
Easy Estimated
Project Time: 15 minutes per opening
Tools and Materials:
Measuring tape
Pencil
Straightedge
Utility knife
Awl or large nail
Hammer
Piece of scrap wood
Utility saw
Drywall is used for the surface of most walls built today. Also known as plasterboard and wallboard, it is easy to handle, quick to install, and costs relatively little.
Besides measuring, marking, and cutting large pieces to fit the wall, you may also need to cut holes for outlet boxes and switches in some pieces of wallboard.
There are several ways to make these openings; two methods are explained below.
1.
First Method
1) To cut an opening, first take measurements for the opening and transfer these measurements to the piece of drywall. (Fig. 1)
2) You can draw the entire outline of the opening from measurements, or if you want a more precise cut, use the object the hole must fit around as a template for drawing the outline. In either case, enlarge the outline 1/8-inch all the way around to ensure a good fit. Use a straightedge to draw accurate lines. (Fig. 2)
3) Punch through the drywall using an awl or a nail at each corner of the outline so that these points will show on the back (Fig. 3). Using these points as a guide, draw an outline of the shape on the other side of the drywall.
4) Using a utility knife and following the outline, score through the paper and about 1/4 inch into the plaster (Fig. 4). Flip the board over and mark the outline between the corner holes that show through from the front. Then score through the paper and into the plaster from that side.
5) Turn the board to the front side and, using a hammer, tap out the scored piece (Fig. 5). The edges of the cut can be cleaned up or enlarged with the utility knife.
2.
Alternative Method
Because drywall is relatively soft, it shows indentations where objects have hit or pressed against it. The method explained below takes advantage of this characteristic when cutting an opening for an electrical box.
1) Place the drywall panel in position against the studs or wall, just as if you were installing it. (Fig. 6)
2) Place a piece of scrap wood against the panel wherever the box is located, and tap the wood lightly using a hammer. The edges of the box should make a slight indentation in the back face of the drywall panel, indicating the shape to be cut out. (Fig. 7)
3) Remove the panel and, working from the back face of the panel, jab a utility saw through one of the corners of the indentation, and then cut out the opening following the indented outline. Be careful not to damage the front face of the drywall panel (Fig. 8). If necessary, use a utility knife to enlarge the hole to fit around the box.
