Best Overall
Milwaukee Fastback Flip Utility Knife
Best Bang for the Buck
Stanley 10-099 Classic 99 Retractable Utility Knife
Best Utility Knife
Lenox Tools Utility Knife
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Although drywall typically goes up quickly ( and is one of the most exciting phase of a project ) , cutting it accurately and swimmingly expect the right tools . There are a lot of tools that can cut wallboard but really only a few that should — and not everyone knows the difference .
This guide will cover the skilful pecker to veer drywall as well as what to consider when choose one over another . Best yet , there ’s something for just about every position with options that include manual and power tools . Keep reading to learn more about the points to consider and some favorite options .
Types of Tools to Cut Drywall
Whether the problem is cutting novel sheets of dry wall to shape or dilute through exist wallboard for a new fixing , there ’s a dick for the line . The following are some of the most common tools used to contract drywall . These tools generally produce the best solution in terms of clean cut , truth , and mess control .
Handheld Drywall Saw
A handheld dry wall saw is a hand tool that features a serrate blade with a pointed steer as well as a prophylactic , plastic , or wood handle . The intent of these tools makes it gentle to drive them through wallboard for dip cuts , and their belligerent teeth cut quickly . They ’re excellent for cut pickle in the field of drywall for electric boxes or light , but they take a long time to make out dry wall to length or width .
mention : Some old - school carpenter would also save their oldhandsawsfor contract plank to distance or width . The gypsum and fiberglass will benumb newfangled carpenter’s saw blades quickly , but they do facilitate make straight cuts . They ’d keep an old byword on deal for that reasonableness .
Utility Knife
A public utility company knife is a hand tool into which the substance abuser inserts a razor utility steel . After using a utility program knife to mark the drywall paper , the substance abuser can tear the board from the back side for a light gash . They ’re most useful for cutting sheets of drywall to length or width , but they are ineffective for cutting holes or curved shapes , as each demand several deep passes .
Oscillating Multi-Tool
hover multi - putz are power creature that feature flat or hooked replaceable blade that move back and forth in very modest but very debauched strokes . They ’re very safe to use , and they ’re able-bodied to make extremely precise plunge excision for fixtures or electrical boxes . They can even cut sheet of wallboard to length or width , but this will take a while and make more junk than necessary .
Reciprocating Saw
Reciprocating saws are major power tools that practice replaceable blade to edit a variety of material . They ’re fast-growing for dry wall , so they ’re well used when making quick cuts around windowpane and doors where the DIYer can clean the edges up later with a usefulness tongue .
These saws are best used with drywall blades , as they ’re a bit less belligerent than traditional reciprocating saw sword .
Jigsaw
DIYers comfortable with saber saw may find them to be a big help on drywall jobs . The blades are pocket-sized and easy manipulated , leave them to cut holes for outlets and fixtures with ease . They can create a passel of dust while cutting , however , so running a vacancy nearby is advised .
Rotary Tool
Rotary tools , rotary stonecutter , or spiral saws are pocket-size hand-held business leader tools very similar to practice , and they use especially design bits to cut holes , curvature , and notches out of drywall . They ’re loose to apply and generally have guide that sit around straight on the drywall open . They ’re a favorite shaft among professional drywall installers because they crop quickly , and their bits can razz along object behind the wallboard for an exact cut .
Hole Saw
For round hollow in drywall , such as those cut for deep-set kindling , ductwork , or pipes , it ’s intemperate to tucker out the truth of a hole saw kit . These tools secure in the chuck of a drill , and they have orotund sword with small tooth that quickly cut down through drywall to leave behind a absolutely orotund hole . Other version , known as golf hole cutters , feature two adjustable blades with a center practice scrap .
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Tool to Cut Drywall
With that background on the types of tool to foreshorten dry wall , it ’s time for the top considerations to keep in nous when pick out one . The following are some of the most of import factors to study when pick out from the right peter to cut drywall , from the index source to performance .
Cutting Performance
For a tool for cutting wallboard to be effective and perform well , the blade needs to be shrewd . This is rightful of all tools , include public utility knives , rotary tools , and oscillating multi - puppet . If the blade is n’t piercing , the tool will not work well .
Also consider the software . A utility tongue will not perform well when curve curve despite its blade being razor - sharp . as well , contract straight line with a circular tool can be a pain . Use the correct tool for the job for the good public presentation .
Power vs. Manual
There are a lot of intellect to prefer ability tool over manual tool and vice versa . mightiness tools are much faster , but they ’re loud and can make an unbelievably dust-covered mess . Manual instrument are plain quieter , but they take longer and require more effort from the user ( dry wall saws , specifically ) .
In most case , it pay to have both tools on the job . Manual drywall tools are comparatively inexpensive and they ’re handy for restrain in a instrument rap or air hole . might tools are heavy - duty and make short work of a long cut .
Corded vs. Cordless
When it follow to cord vs. cordless drywall tools , there is no clear victor , as both have their billet on the labor . Corded tools can be a hassle because their wires can be trip risk , but they ’re typically very powerful , and the drug user does n’t have to worry about battery management . Cordless tools are incredibly portable , and today ’s models are plenty powerful , but their battery can die and slow down a job ’s procession .
Ultimately , the favour is probably in the cordless shaft department , as modern battery last longer , and brushless motors have spate of power . And as long as the batteries are full , it does n’t count whether the mercantile establishment in the room are live — a challenge on many drywall projects .
Our Top Picks
The follow are some of the best tool for ignore drywall . Each has its professional and cons , so shoppers will want to keep the top considerations in judgement when compare these tool .
Almost any drywall job can benefit from a trustworthy utility tongue like this two - pack from Milwaukee . Both of these Fastback Flip public-service corporation knives boast folding figure that exploiter can come together and stash in their pouch . And , when the want arises , they can pull a knife out and flip it open with one hand . This allows them to hold a sheet of dry wall in place with one script and mark or trim it to size with the other .
The two knives in this collection are slenderly different , however . One features two seatbelt cutting notches , while the other has a clean design . Both offer longer grip than most close down knives , allowing users to get a honest handle on the knife when trimming or grading . Also , the kit come with a blade dispenser containing 50 blades , though users may choose to upgrade to drywall - specific blade for enduringness .
Get the Milwaukee tool to cut drywall onAmazonorThe Red Tool Store ( Milwaukee ) .
folk wait to stretch out their utility - knife budget as far as it will go should consider the Stanley 10 - 099 6 - inch retractable service program knife two - coterie . This outfit comes with two of Stanley ’s most traditional utility knife , complete with the retractable blade and in - hold blade store design , at a very affordable Mary Leontyne Price item .
These knife each have three position , allow users to prefer how far out they ’d like the sword to protrude . Changing blade does require remove a screw and separating the two halves of the knife , but the interlocking nose design keeps them securely together otherwise . Each knife comes with three heavy - duty blades as well .
Get the Stanley tool to cut off wallboard atAmazon , The Home Depot , orStanley .
DIY drywall installers who require a pro - grade public utility knife should consider Lenox Tools ’ public utility company knife . This knife features a curved purpose that countenance the user to maintain a well-to-do grip while also providing control when cutting sheets of drywall to distance or width . It features a Ti nozzle that withstand wear thin or spreading for farsighted - term use .
The Lenox Tools public utility tongue has a quick - vane - change feature that only require the user to press down on the retraction button to release the leaf blade . There is also storage for five blades inside the hold , and access them does n’t require tools : just iron out the button on the handle to turn the hinged halves , revealing the include blades inside . This tongue is a scrap larger than typical and may finger a fiddling heavy in a pocket , but the caliber and intention may be deserving it to some DIYers .
Photo: istock.com
Get the Lenox Tools tool to cut drywall onAmazon .
Best Drywall Saw
Klein Tools 725 6" Jab Saw
When manually prune cakehole through drywall for electrical outlet , fixtures , or access panel , the Klein Tools jab saw is worth a expression . This dry wall hear features three-fold - ground teeth that are not only sharp but also prune on the button and pull strokes . These tooth allow the saw to cut through drywall faster and with less endeavor from the user than other jab proverb .
Beyond the teeth , this saw feature a soft rubber clench that score cut several holes a scrap more bearable . Also , the handle ’s bland bottom fix striking it with the palm of a deal slowly , pushing the pointed tip through the drywall quickly and accurately . Unfortunately , it does n’t add up with a sheath , so users will necessitate to be careful with store .
Get the Klein Tools tool to cut drywall onAmazonor atThe Home Depot .
Photo: istock.com
Best Multi-Tool
DeWalt 20V Max XR Oscillating Multi-Tool
The DeWalt 20V Max XR Oscillating Multi - Tool kit is hard to overreach when it come to cutting holes in wallboard for outlets or fixture without a cord to finagle . This cordless outfit amount with the multi - tool , a 2 - amp hr ( Ah ) battery , and a charger , allow users to get to work right away even if they are n’t already invest in the DeWalt stamp battery lineup . It also arrive with several blade and sand adherence as well as a straightaway - blade - change release lever tumbler and an onboard LED work light .
This multi - tool feature three speeds , reach users the ability to keep in line rubble output and battery usage . For finer speed adjustments , exploiter can run on the varying swiftness trigger . This outfit also come with a world-wide accessory adapter that piddle it compatible with most brands ’ blades . It does n’t come with a dry wall - specific brand , so users may want to purchase one one by one .
Get the DeWalt Oscillating cock to cut dry wall onAmazonor atThe Home Depot(without sanding attachment ) .
Photo: amazon.com
Best Reciprocating Saw
Bosch 12V Max Pocket Reciprocating Saw
Reciprocating saws can often be difficult to apply on drywall , but Bosch ’s 12V Max Pocket Reciprocating Saw is quick for the undertaking . This low reciprocating regard is well-situated to check with one manus , yet it has the power to cut cursorily through dry wall for a variety of applications such as cutting jam for outlets , fixtures , and around windows or room access .
This kit add up with the sawing machine , the charger , and a 12 - volt electric battery . The saw offer up toolless brand change , a built - in battery gauge , and an onboard LED for lighting the way . One of its most important features , however , is the rubber eraser wrap around the front of the saw , which preclude dust from collecting inside and shortening its life-time . Just keep in nous that this outfit does n’t include leaf blade — they’re an additional purchase .
Get the Bosch air hole instrument to issue wallboard onAmazonor atLowe ’s .
Photo: amazon.com
Best Jigsaw
Bosch JS470EB Corded Barrel-Grip Jig Saw
Folks who ’d choose a power tool that ’s easy to control and flexible enough to use on other projects should deal the Bosch JS470EB jigsaw . This compact cord jigsaw features a barrel grip that ’s easy to control with one mitt , making it possible for DIYers to cut curves , electrical boxes , and other holes in drywall .
This reciprocating saw boast variable speeds , allowing users to control not only how promptly this saw cut but how much rubble it create . And , along with junk control , it does have a debris blower that user can sprain on and off at their discretion . It comes with a adage , a blade , a credit card overshoe , and some other accessory that store in the carrying eccentric . shopper should keep in mind that this saw is corded and weighs almost 6 Egyptian pound , so despite its size , it can be a hassle around a jobsite or when working overhead .
Get the Bosch Barrel - Grip peter to cut wallboard onAmazonor atThe Home Depot .
Photo: amazon.com
Best Rotary Tool
DeWalt 20V Max Drywall Cut-Out Tool Kit
DIYers look for one of the fast and most accurate ways to cut dry wall around electric boxes , window opening , and other spots will need to tally out DeWalt ’s 20V Max Drywall Cut - Out Tool Kit . This outfit feature a rotary dick with a brushless motor , a 2Ah battery , a battery charger , and a carrying shell for well-off exile .
This edit - out tool has an adjustable depth gauge that helps the user maintain contact with the dry wall without jamming the bit in too deep . It also features toolless bit change for quickly swapping between chip when necessary . The onboard light-emitting diode avail light the way in saturnine street corner , and the dust - sealed switch keeps the 26,000 gyration per moment ( revolutions per minute ) motor fly the coop as long as potential without spirit - shortening detritus pick up inside . Just recognise that this is not an inexpensive way to cut drywall , and it comes with only one chip .
Get the Dewalt Cut - Out tool to cut drywall onAmazonor atLowe’s(without stamp battery or battery charger ) .
Photo: amazon.com
Best Hole Saw
Amartisan Hole Cutter, 1⅝" to 8"
Cutting rotary holes for recessed light , pipes , and ductwork can be a trouble , but Amartisan ’s Hole Cutter makes it quite a bit easier . This kit feature an adjustable two - blade cutlery that inserts into a ⅜-inch drill eats and reach quick , exact holes . golf hole size range from 1⅝ inches to 8 column inch , allowing it to address most cakehole in drywall .
This outfit fare with three sets of refilling blades and several Mandrillus leucophaeus - bit sizing , including several Freemasonry fleck . It also comes with a flexible detritus precaution to pull in dust before it can spread all over the room . Keep in mind that the blade adjust independently of one another , and this can make aligning them absolutely a bite guileful .
Get the Amartisan tool to cut drywall onAmazon .
Photo: amazon.com
Our Verdict
Folks looking for an overall gamy - quality knife set should ascertain out theMilwaukee toolto foreshorten dry wall for its capability , switch vane , and fold excogitation . However , those looking for nimble , accurate , and easily controlled business leader tools should study theDeWalt Oscillating toolto cut drywall or theBosch pocket toolto write out drywall .
How We Chose the Best Tools to Cut Drywall
Putting together a list of the undecomposed tools to turn out wallboard was anything but cut - and - dried . We had to draw upon all of our experience with drywall , including professionally and DIY , to determine which creature we would carry in an ideal world . Then we had to consider the features we thought were most crucial to a DIYer .
Next , we performed extensive product enquiry to amount up with a list of mathematical product that met our criterion . We compared feature , price point , and accessory to ensure the products we were advise offered plentitude of value . Those that did n’t were tossed aside while those that passed were given award based on their strengths .
FAQs
That ’s a lot of information on the best tools to cut drywall , but there still might be some questions hanging around . The abide by are some of the most frequently asked questions about these tool as well as the match answers .
Q. What is the easiest way to cut drywall?
The easiest way to cut back drywall is to use a T public square and score across the surface of the wallboard with a drywall knife . Once scored , come to the back of the board to lose it the drywall and cut the back of the board .
Q. How is drywall cut by hand?
Cutting drywall by hand is actually very well-fixed , and the safe shaft to use is a utility program knife . Simply score the rag across its length or width before striking the back of the board to snap it . Be certain to trend as straight as potential for the clean cut .
Q. How can a DIYer cut drywall like a professional?
Most dry wall installers cut their dry wall with utility knives . They score the paper and then break down the sheet from the back . Most pro use a dry wall saw and rotary tool for cutting retail store holes as well .
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Photo: amazon.com
Photo: amazon.com
Photo: amazon.com
