Hello friends! Recently, a friend and I were renovating his apartment, and we had a question about what and how to cut drywall. We tried it with a grinder: it worked quickly, but the huge amount of dust forced us to abandon the option. We took a stationery knife with a thick blade - we outlined it, cut through one side, and got the result. We also experimented with a jigsaw, which we borrowed from a neighbor, and then took a metal file. As a result, we noticed that everyone seemed comfortable different ways. If you are working with drywall, I advise you to try all the tools and find the right one. I’ll tell you now what the options are.
A standard sheet has dimensions of 2.5 x 1.2 m, but, as a rule, they do not fit anywhere intact. Naturally, there is a need to cut drywall. The set of tools for this is the most minimal - a metal ruler or rule, a measuring tape, a small plane, a pencil and a stationery knife. There are several ways to cut drywall, they are quite simple, and almost every person can do it on their own, with their own hands, without the help of professionals.
Method one: how to cut in straight lines
The sequence of cutting plasterboard panels: a-cutting the cardboard and part of the gypsum core; b-fracture of an uncut gypsum medium; c-cutting cardboard on the back side of the sheet; g-edge processing.
The first step is to take measurements. Guided by our drawings or project plan, we measure all the parameters of the future piece with a tape measure and draw a cutting line on the front side of the gypsum board. It is important to draw with a simple pencil and under no circumstances use markers, since the mark from any felt-tip pens will be visible even through putty. We apply a metal ruler or rule to the line; you can also use a piece of profile. Carefully and evenly we begin to follow the markings stationery knife. You need to do this several times to cut through. upper layer cardboard and gypsum core by a couple of millimeters.
We slightly move the entire sheet so that the cut is slightly beyond the edge of the surface on which we cut the drywall. Afterwards, we simply bend it with our hands at the place of the cut with a little effort and our sheet breaks, remaining hanging only on one side of the cardboard. Take a knife and trim the layer of cardboard on the back side of the sheet. We process the edges of the cut piece with a roughing plane, and all that remains is to screw it onto the profile prepared in advance. You don’t need to be a super-specialist, everything is quite easy and simple to do with your own hands.
Method two: how to cut drywall corners
Often during the installation of gypsum boards there is a need to cut not just a solid line, but an angle in the shape of the letter “L”, for example, near windows or doorways. The beginning is exactly the same: we take measurements, mark the lines. Here you will need to cut through the shortest side with a thin hacksaw, and then do everything according to the method described above, using the same stationery knife. There are special cone-shaped saws for gypsum plasterboard with finely spaced teeth on sale, but if you don’t have one at hand, then absolutely any hacksaw will do. Gypsum itself is a soft material, and there are usually no problems with cutting.
They cut in the same way. various kinds curly pieces. With a certain degree of dexterity, you can easily achieve the most varied and bizarre shapes using just a knife.
Third method: jigsaw for cutting drywall
Drywall can also be cut with a jigsaw. Whatever the designer’s flight of thought, any curves and any shapes will be within the power of a power tool. The same applies to the need to make internal cuts in the sheet, most often these are decorative circles and ovals or some kind of technological holes for lighting or ventilation. Of course, you can achieve the same result using a knife, but it will take much longer. In addition, the edge will practically not need additional processing with a planer, which will save a lot of time.
The same applies to the construction of multilayer, volumetric structures. Here it is necessary to cut many pieces of various shapes and sizes, which will subsequently be attached to each other. Depending on the design of the room, similar designs in combination with color scheme can create the impression of three-dimensional drawings.
There are times when you need to saw off some part of the drywall already screwed onto the profile or make holes or cutouts directly in the wall. In these cases, a jigsaw is simply irreplaceable. So if you don’t yet have this miracle device, then it’s time to think about purchasing it. Moreover, he will become an excellent assistant in other work matters. you will enjoy the achievements you achieved with your own hands for many years to come.
In any repair, safety precautions must be observed. Work with sharp cutting tools should be done with protected hands, using cotton gloves. Plastic goggles are needed to protect your eyes. It is dangerous to use glass glasses, as there is a risk of damaging your eyes with small fragments. When working with a jigsaw, a lot of dust is generated, so the room should be well ventilated.
Very often, when cutting plasterboard sheets with a regular knife, it is not always possible to make the edges smooth. If you turn a blind eye to this defect and use sheets with uneven ends, the parts will not fit tightly together, thereby adding extra trouble to you. And it’s not even about aesthetics, but about quality!
When cutting out parts, the craftsman must ensure that the sheets are the same. Therefore for similar works You need a special plane for drywall.
Planer for cutting drywall
Popularly, this tool is often called a “plasterboard grater” or simply a “grinding plane.” This tool belongs to a variety of rasps (popularly known as a “carpenter’s file”). Outwardly, it resembles a plane with a plastic or metal body to which a handle is attached. By the way, the handle in some roughing planes can be attached in two positions. Therefore, you can customize the tool to suit you.
Talk about what such tools do from environmentally friendly pure material, not worth it. It is unlikely that anyone would think of using uranium for this. For the metal base, an alloy of aluminum and silicon or pure aluminum is often used. Removable blades are made of hardened steel. They are fixed to the body using a tension screw.
It is worth remembering that the size of the blade is usually equal to the size of the body. Most often you can find roughing planes in two sizes: 140x40 mm and 250x40 mm.
How to properly use a plane when cutting drywall
Place the sheet of drywall with the convenient side (usually with the ends being processed up) and move along the end, lightly pressing the tool. If you press down harder, you will remove a part that is thicker than planned. Moreover, if you have never had to work with a roughing plane before.
None special care this tool is not required. During operation, dust and metal shavings may accumulate inside the housing. To remove it, simply turn it over and shake off the roughing plane. If a lot of dust has accumulated, you can use a metal brush.
How much does it cost and where to buy a tool for cutting drywall
It doesn't matter how much you pay for this tool, because in operation they are all almost the same, only the service life is different. Of course, if you do not plan to throw it away as soon as you cut one sheet of drywall, but plan to use it often, then it is better to purchase a more expensive tool. In this case, the “more expensive - better quality” scheme works.
A roughing plane can be purchased at a building materials store in your city or in an online store. When purchasing, pay attention to the body (if there are any defects on it), as well as the quality of the blades. Trademark you can choose based on reviews or your own experience.
How and with what to cut drywall correctly
Milling cutter for processing gypsum plasterboard - many have heard about such a tool, but what it is and how it works has not been tested from their own experience. Actually, she’s not the only one cutting drywall. What is the best way to do this is worth considering in more detail.
Drywall cutter
Milling is the processing of material, both metallic and non-metallic, by cutting. The cutting tool in this case is a milling cutter. It has a rotational movement, and the workpiece that is being processed is translational.
A router cuts not only grooves, but also virtually any kind of geometric holes in a sheet of drywall. From a functionality point of view, a router is better. It can also process sheet edges.
To mill drywall, either disc or router routers are used. Disk ones are used mainly only when it is necessary to make long straight grooves. Such a tool cannot cut a curved pattern.
Which cutter for drywall should I choose? If you have to make rounded surfaces or radii, you need a U-shaped cutter. And when it comes to sharp corners, a V-shaped drywall cutter is preferable.
Drywall cutting tool (video)
Hacksaw or wood saw when cutting drywall
This tool should be narrow. If you use a wide hacksaw, the sheet can be damaged. When cutting, the sheet must be secured so that there are no breaks.
A roughing plane will also be needed to clean up the edges of the cut. Sometimes, however, this function is performed by sandpaper or even a grater, but if drywall is used for partitions, niches, or a multi-level ceiling, you cannot do without a plane.
How to cut a profile for drywall
The frame for the plasterboard structure also needs to be cut.
The profile can be cut with the following tools:
- hacksaw for metal;
- grinder;
- metal scissors;
- manual machine;
- table cutting machine;
- jigsaw with a metal file.
It’s difficult to say which is better, but use an angle grinder as a last resort. It’s not that she won’t take the profile, her “minus” is large quantities sparks during operation.
How to cut drywall correctly
Working with plasterboard is not so difficult, especially if you have it at hand good tool, and you are still determined not to saw, but to cut.
Tips for cutting drywall:
- You need to cut on a stable and flat surface, otherwise the material may bend.
- Cut large sheets in several passes.
- GCRs must be dry; moisture can damage them.
- A frame for drywall can be safely formed even from small parts, but these fragments must be firmly attached to the wall.
- If the cuts on the profile are not perfectly straight, they will eventually be covered with sheets anyway, so there is no need to worry.
Curly cutting of drywall deserves special attention. Most suitable option- a jigsaw, it’s both more convenient and easier to work with. If this is not the case, a drywall hacksaw will help out.
If you have to work with drywall frequently, you need to have several special tools in your arsenal.
You may need:
- plasterboard plane,
- jigsaw,
- mounting knife for drywall,
- hacksaw for drywall.
Once again, it is worth noting that a circular saw is not suitable for working with drywall.
Many of the tools are multi-functional and can inspire new drywall designs.
How to cut drywall correctly (video)
How to cut holes in drywall
Drywall has proven itself to be a universal finishing material. Thanks to its excellent performance characteristics and comparative ease of use, it can be used to solve a wide range of problems. However, there are some peculiarities in handling it. For example, when you need to cut a round hole in drywall, certain difficulties may arise. How to correctly carry out the necessary actions will be discussed further.
There are many options for creating a hole in drywall, but this process must be approached very carefully.
Cutting drywall straight
So, if there is a need to make a technological or decorative hole in a sheet of drywall, then you should take into account that the problem can be solved in several ways. The choice of option should be made based on specific conditions and the availability of tools.
Special drill attachment
You can make a round hole in drywall using a special drill attachment on a drill. This option can be considered the simplest and most convenient for independent implementation. To do this, you need to purchase crowns (round drill bits) from a specialized store that will correspond to the required dimensions. The element is clamped in the drill chuck, and the required holes are drilled using pre-applied markings. Similar drills are most often sold in sets, so there are no problems with selection the right size should not arise.
One of the most convenient ways to make a hole in drywall is with a hole saw.
Jigsaw
If you need to drill a hole large diameter or it is not possible to purchase a special drill, you can use a simple jigsaw. To do this, markings are made in the right place. After this, you need to use an ordinary drill, the diameter of which will be slightly larger than the width of the jigsaw blade, to through hole on the marked line. Next, using the resulting hole as a starting point, a circular cut is made. If necessary, the inner edges of the resulting hole can be sanded.
Tile drill
Another option for making holes in drywall for lamps is to use a special tile drill. Despite the fact that such use of attachments of this type can be considered inappropriate, there are no difficulties in performing the task. The nozzle can be adjusted within a certain range, so its purchase can be considered a universal solution.
Hacksaw blade
Even more simple solution you will use a hacksaw blade for metal. Here we will repeat approximately the same actions as when working with a jigsaw. Due to its availability, this option can be considered the most acceptable in most cases. It is important to note that you should be careful when working with the blade, because it is quite possible to get injured when sawing. To avoid this, you can take simple precautions, for example, wrap one side of the fabric in several layers with electrical tape or put heat-shrink tubing over it. If not needed, such an improvised handle can be removed.
Other methods
If for some reason the above methods are impossible to use, the problem can be solved in another way. So, for example, a series of holes are drilled using a regular drill according to the markings. They must be performed at a distance of several millimeters from each other. Next, with a light blow of the hammer handle, the inner part is knocked out, and the remaining irregularities are removed using coarse sandpaper.
In addition, you can use a simple stationery knife. As a guide, you can take a round object of suitable diameter, such as a saucer or bottle. Several passes with a knife are made around the improvised template, resulting in a fairly neat hole.
Thus, it is obvious that there are quite a lot of options for how to make a hole in drywall for a lamp, so every home craftsman can choose the most suitable method for himself.
How to cut drywall and profiles correctly: all methods
Drywall today is cut into separate fragments in several ways. These include:
- a method when you need to cut a sheet in a straight line;
- cutting drywall along an indirect line.
Both methods are easy to do with your own hands if you follow simple rules, which we will consider below for each option separately.
How to cut drywall straight
Very often it is necessary to cut the slab in a straight line in order to complete the sheathing of the frame in certain places. For this you will definitely need a drywall knife. According to many experts, it is increasingly better to use it instead of analogue substitutes.
cutting drywall using such a knife involves the following preparatory procedures:
- place the slab (moisture-resistant, regular or fire-resistant sheet) on a stable and flat surface;
- We apply the necessary markings on the plate to cut out the pieces we need. Marking is especially necessary if you need to cut certain size hole for a lamp or socket;
- We apply the markings with a simple pencil. It is not advisable to use a marker or pen;
- With reverse side We make marks at the bottom and top of the slabs, and then connect them using a long and even strip. You can use marking thread.
Now that the markings are done, you can cut out the required pieces as follows:
- the knife must be well sharpened. In this case, its length should be adjusted - it should not exceed the thickness of the sheet being cut;
- We lightly run a knife along the marked marks several times. For greater evenness, you can not remove the rail;
- turn the slab over to the other side and tap on the cut. It will be enough to tap your fist several times;
- fold the sheet along the line at the cut site. Now the cut piece is supported only by paper;
- cut the remaining layer of paper and get an even piece of slab.
In this way you can cut a whole sheet and get perfectly even pieces.
When covering walls and ceilings, you always have to cut certain pieces not in a straight line. For example, you need to make a hole for a socket, switch or lamp. In such a situation, the knife independent the tool cannot be used. To cut a hole of any diameter, you need to take a hacksaw with fine teeth.
Where a knife can't do it, a drywall hacksaw can do it. With its help, you can easily cut a hole of any diameter and size.
You need to cut holes using a hacksaw in the following way:
- Place the slab on a flat surface:
- apply markings in the right place;
- We take the hacksaw in our hands and cut short sections with it at the bends, at the beginning and end of the cut;
- We take a knife and cut through the gypsum board using the technology that is used when cutting in a straight line.
It is much more difficult to cut sheets along a curved vector. You can also use a knife here, but the cut will be uneven and will need to be adjusted using a plane.
In this situation better total use electric jigsaw. You can also use a metal file, as it has small and frequent teeth.
Note! When using an electric jigsaw there will be a lot of dust. Therefore, you need to cover your eyes with safety glasses and wear a respirator.
How to quickly cut drywall
Drywall is a truly versatile material when it comes to indoor work. With its help you can erect partitions, sheathe walls and ceilings. In addition, drywall can be easily processed, bent, and is quite affordable. But when making any structure, you will have to divide a solid sheet into separate parts or make holes in it. Want to know how to cut drywall and what tool to use? The answers to these questions can be found in our article.
Types of tools for cutting drywall
You don't have to guess for long to understand what cut drywall. To do this, use the usual available tools:
- plane;
- a special hacksaw;
- electric jigsaw.
It is not necessary to buy a knife, although there is a special one for cutting gypsum boards. Almost anyone will do here, the main thing is that it is well sharpened. It is better to choose a hacksaw with fine teeth and a thin blade. A jigsaw is convenient for cutting holes and will significantly speed up the whole process, and a plane is useful for processing edges. A mounting knife is not very suitable for this, since the edges will not be perfect. In addition, for high-quality cutting of drywall, you will need a measuring tool. A tape measure, a ruler, usually a simple pencil - all this is needed for marking.
Now it’s worth talking about the technology for cutting drywall and what tool to use for this.
Regular drywall cutting
To begin with, it is worth taking careful measurements and drawing out the sheet. After all, the slightest mistake can lead to additional costs. A metal ruler is applied to the line marked with a pencil. And only make an incision along the ruler. Only the top layer of cardboard is cut through, while the bottom layer remains untouched. Important nuance: The knife must be very sharp.
After this, all that remains is to place the gypsum board vertically and tap on it. It will break exactly along the line. The only negative: using a drywall knife does not give perfect edges, but they can always be further processed. This method is well suited for simply dividing a sheet into several parts. If you need to make holes, use another tool.
How to cut drywall in a non-straight line
In some cases, repairs require the creation of complex holes, which are needed for places with a large number of pipes and communications. For example, if you need to make a cutout for a beam, proceed as follows: one side of the drywall is cut with a knife, and the other is sawed through using a hacksaw. Then a break is made and the edges are processed.
For cutouts for communications, the main difficulty is marking. It is best to make a drawing on paper, which is then transferred to plasterboard. Straight lines can be cut with a hacksaw, and curves can be cut with a drywall cutter. And we must not forget that gypsum board is a fragile material, so you need to act carefully and without haste.
What is the best way to cut round holes in drywall?
GCL is a material that is perfect for covering walls and erecting partitions. They can be figured, using decorative lighting. With this option, the question arises of how to cut drywall for spotlights or sockets.
The most accurate holes will be obtained when using a jigsaw. But if it is not available, do not despair. You can try cutting the circle with a knife and then knocking it out with a hammer. Small holes, for example, for sockets, are cut using a drill bit.
How to cut already installed drywall
There are times when you need to make a cut in a sheet installed on the wall. How to cut drywall correctly in this case and what tool to use? First, you should check the quality of installation and the stability of the frame. If everything is in order, then choose equipment depending on the shape of the future hole.
If you need to make an L-shaped cut in drywall, you will need a hacksaw and a knife, and for round holes, only a hacksaw. First, make a small hole (the original one), and then make a hole of the required diameter.
It can be seen that even such a simple (at first glance) procedure as cutting gypsum boards has its own nuances. Therefore, if you have questions, you can watch a video on how to cut drywall. Another good way— practice on the leftover material. In any case, such experience will be useful at almost all stages of home renovation. Is not it?
The best way to cut drywall
Perhaps the most common material when carrying out modern repair work is GKL (plasterboard sheet). The ease of use combined with its low cost has led to the fact that today drywall can be found in almost any home. On the ceiling and walls, in the bathroom and toilet as a tool for creating niches and arches, this material truly deserves its place in our lives. After all, in terms of practicality and reliability, it has no equal.
But how to work with such material, what tools are needed - this is what you need to think about first of all if you are going to use it for your own purposes.
A knife for drywall, although it doesn’t seem so at first glance important tool, in fact, is the basis for the quality and speed of work, because sheets of material are cut with its help. Let's take a closer look at the options for knives and other cutting tools for gypsum boards.
Hand tool for cutting drywall
Of course, it is better to use a knife with a tape measure and other tools for marking drywall.
The most popular and in a simple way cutting drywall is a paint knife.
Those owners who have completed more than one repair under their belt claim that there is nothing easier than carefully cutting drywall. But even such a seemingly simple task can lead a novice builder into a dead end. And below you will learn how to properly cut drywall so as not to damage it.
Drywall Cutting Tools
Specialized publications recommend the use of expensive tools, which are primarily useful to professional machinists working to order. We will consider available means that every man will definitely have at home.
Ruler, tape measure, pencil
Please note that it is best to make marks on drywall using a simple pencil. Traces that will be left ballpoint pen or a marker, as a result even careful putty will not be able to hide it.
Construction knife
If you can replace it with a simple paper knife. Although, a construction knife with a replaceable two-level blade is much more convenient for cutting dense materials. This tool is easy to work with. It will quickly cut the paper layer of drywall and easily cope with the main one. But you will have to tinker to cut a perfectly straight sheet. Therefore, first you need to draw lines with an ordinary pencil, make cuts, and then, when the perimeter of the part is ready, start cutting the drywall. The edge of the cut part will have minor jagged edges - they will easily disappear if you “walk” over them with sandpaper.
Hacksaw
We will need a tool for working with metal. It differs from a wood hacksaw in that it has a thinner blade that will carefully and practically dust-free cut the sheet without damaging the edges. If you choose a hacksaw, then keep in mind that you cannot use it in weight, otherwise the material will deteriorate. Place the sheet of drywall on a stable base, then saw slowly along the pre-drawn line so as not to get lost.
Electric jigsaw
If you buy high-quality files for the tool, you will definitely not have any problems; it is advisable to use a metal file for the work. They are characterized by a smaller chisel, as a result of which many chips will remain at the end of the sheet. Thanks to this tool, you can easily cut rounded elements from drywall.
Bevel plane and roughing planeSuch tools will be required at the final stage of working with drywall, when it is necessary to give a neat appearance to its edges.
Attention! You cannot use a circular saw to cut drywall. The tool produces a huge amount of dust, clogging workroom, as well as your respiratory organs.
How to properly cut drywall at home
- Letter G.
Usually this form of material is given if it is necessary to sheathe a doorway. We measure and outline the contours of the parts. Next, the short part is sawed through with a hacksaw, and the long part is cut with a knife.
- In a straight line.
Using this type of cutting, it is important to give a regular sheet of drywall the required size. Place the source on a horizontal surface. Once the desired size of the part is marked on both sides of the gypsum board, use a drywall cutting knife and use a metal ruler to cut the sheet layer. For convenience, adjust the knife blade so that it protrudes from the handle to a length that does not exceed too much the thickness of the plasterboard.
You should not cut the material according to the drawn mark without a ruler - this way you are unlikely to get an even cut. Run the knife along the cutting line several times to deepen the cut. In this case, the drywall will be broken in the right place.
Next, place the sheet edge-on on the support and lightly tap it on the opposite side of the cut. You shouldn’t put too much pressure on the sheet - usually the core breaks after just a few blows. All that remains is to tear apart the cardboard connecting the two halves of the sheet.
Working with drywall fixed to the wall
Despite the fact that it is easiest to cut loose drywall, sometimes there is a need to cut and cut off the excess, while the sheet ended up on the frame. This design option is justified by the fact that when covering a corner of a wall or a window slope with plasterboard, its edge must exactly overlap the edges of the surface where it is fixed (for aesthetic reasons). Therefore, it is necessary to fix a slightly larger gypsum board on the wall and only then remove the extra centimeters.
Check that the frame securely holds the gypsum board. In such a situation, you will not have any difficulty with which side to cut the drywall, because the answer suggests itself - cut the side that is adjacent to the surface to be sheathed. Strictly follow the intended line with the tool several times, while slightly “squeezing” unnecessary part. Then cut the sheet from the back side.Attention! To give the drywall on the frame an L shape, cut a line horizontally using a hacksaw, and then use a knife to saw a vertical line.
Figured cutting of drywall and non-standard cutting
Often you have to cut drywall not in a straight line, but as required by the built-in sockets lighting or your own imagination (for example, a curved ceiling). Working with indirect parts requires some skill.
- To create a round hole in the plasterboard, you need to use an electric drill equipped with a special attachment. There are different types of attachments and different diameters, which are also called circular saws. Give preference to one that is designed to work with plywood, wood and drywall.
- If you don't have a circular saw, don't despair. You can completely use a jigsaw: draw a circle of the required size on the drywall, inside which make a hole. Next, insert the tool blade and, following the marking outline, make a round hole. But keep in mind that you need to use a narrow file with small teeth and take your time when cutting the sheet. The result of unhurried work is a smooth edge of the part. Operate the jigsaw slowly, but it should also work at maximum speed.
- If you do not have any of the above tools, as a last resort, you can make a hole in a sheet of drywall using a hammer and special knife for gypsum boards. For this:
- mark the worksheet;
- pressing well, cut the marked lines (in such a situation, the main thing is to cut sufficient depth in the sheet of drywall);
- place the plasterboard sheet on the surface with the recess so that it is located under the future hole;
- hit the intended hole with a hammer so that the core of the sheet breaks, but do not overdo it, otherwise a crack may occur;
- Next, break off unnecessary pieces of drywall by cutting off the cardboard from the back of the sheet.
- Easiest to do figure cutting drywall using a jigsaw. However, if you don’t have one, then you can get by with a convenient and worthy replacement, namely a hacksaw for gypsum boards. You can also cope without it.
- take measurements and put future dimensions on the sheet;
- the cut contour must be divided into straight segments, then cut through them with a knife, cutting the cardboard and scratching the plaster;
- break off the resulting sections in the same way that we talked about in the previous version of cutting drywall.
Processing plasterboard sheets after cutting
The edge of the plasterboard, along which the working tool “walked”, does not look aesthetically pleasing. To make it smooth and even, ready for the filling process, use a plane and chamfer. For this purpose, you can use a regular knife. The chamfer is removed to 2/3 of the gypsum board thickness, maintaining an angle of 45°.
- hacksaw for metal;
- metal scissors;
- jigsaw with metal saw;
- manual or table-top cutting machine;
- Bulgarian
Some useful tips
- Drywall should only be cut on a stable and level surface, otherwise the material will bend and will be much more difficult to work with.
- Make sure that the drywall is dry (it is afraid of moisture and can be damaged).
- Cut large sheets in several steps.
- The frame for gypsum plasterboard can be created from small parts of a metal profile, the main thing is that these pieces are securely fastened to the wall.
- When working with a profile, you don’t have to worry about the fact that the cuts are not quite even and neat - the profile will still “hide” under the drywall.
As you can see, there is nothing difficult in working with drywall. To secure the material, we recommend watching a video on how to cut drywall with your own hands:
Drywall or plasterboard - universal material when renovating the premises. The sheets can be used for partitions, wall and ceiling cladding.
A great positive quality of the material is its flexibility in processing, bending to the desired shape. But when constructing structures, it is often necessary to divide a single sheet into separate parts and make holes in it. The article will tell you what drywall is and how to cut it to the required dimensions.
Features of the material
Before cutting drywall at home, it is worth getting acquainted with its features. In terms of its structure, gypsum board is a three-layer “sandwich”. Thick cardboard is used to make the outer layers, and a gypsum mixture is used for the core.
The long sides of the drywall have a rounded edge protected by cardboard. The ends of the sheets are not protected.
Cardboard is used in several types. It could be:
- Regular gray material (GKL);
- Moisture-resistant, with a green tint on the front side (GKLV);
- Fire-resistant, having a pink or light purple color (GKLV);
- Moisture-resistant with a dark green tint (GKLVO);
- Innovative drywall of blue color, designed for soundproofing walls.
The standard dimensions of gypsum boards are 2500×1200 mm, the area of which is 3 m². Less common are canvases with other sizes: 2000×1200 mm, sheet area 2.4 m²; 3000×1200 mm with an area of 3.6 m². The thickness of the sheets is: 12.5 mm; 9.5 mm; 6 mm. Thin fabrics are used to create ceiling structures.
Drywall sheets are quite bulky and heavy. When working with them, you must be careful: due to careless handling when under stress, the product may break.
Tools used when cutting fabric
Before cutting drywall, you need to become familiar with the basic tools for the job.
An approximate list of them is presented in the table:
| Name | Peculiarities |
|
|
This tool is convenient to use for long cuts, especially if you need to cut a complex curved section |
|
|
This can be a special or regular stationery knife, which comes with a set of replaceable blades |
|
|
Such a tool has a slight set of teeth, or a hand saw designed for cutting drywall |
|
|
Equipment for cutting gypsum boards is equipped with a set of large-diameter pen drills and crowns to drill large round holes for laying communications, glasses for mounting sockets and switches |
|
|
This is a tool for working with drywall or just a wood plane. Used when processing edges after cutting material |
In addition to the listed tools for measuring and marking plasterboards, you need:
- Marker or simple pencil;
- Roulette;
- Square;
- A ruler or flat metal profile, which is used to install a frame under drywall.
To make smooth, long cuts “under the ruler”, it’s good to have a rule on hand. The video shows how to cut drywall at home in more detail.
Types of knives for cutting
To choose the right way to cut drywall at home, it’s worth getting to know in more detail the most popular tool – a knife. Such tools fall into three categories.
The table shows their categories and types:
| Knife category and type | Peculiarities |
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The price of the product is the most affordable, which is its advantage over other types. This simple design, which contains four elements:
Such knives are not highly reliable. When cutting plasterboard, the blades quickly begin to dull. |
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Compared to standard ones, these are more expensive models. Unlike the previous ones, they have a metal guide installed in the body, which more securely fixes the blade. When cutting, the rigidity of the position of the material is ensured. |
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The tool is intended for craftsmen who use it constantly in their work. Options professional knives enough. They differ in ergonomic appearance, operating principle of the locking mechanism and cost, which is higher than other models |
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This is a simple stationery or wallpaper knife, the most affordable option. The thickness of the blades ranges from 0.3 - 0.6 mm. The larger it is, the better - the higher the strength of the tool |
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Knife with a trapezoidal blade. This best option for working with gypsum boards. Advantages of the tool:
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Such folding design has a trapezoidal blade designed for cutting drywall. The model is very convenient; when folded, the knife is safe, it is convenient to carry it in your pocket, without fear of injury. |
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The knife is equipped with disc blades and is used for cutting gypsum boards. When working, you get perfectly smooth edges, even curved ones. The disk is placed near a metal ruler, which is aligned along the cutting line, pressed and moved along it. When moving the knife, an even cut is obtained, along the entire length of the same depth. If necessary, you can press on the round blade, applying quite a significant amount of force. Folding ones are also available disc knives. In this case, the disk, when you press the movable part of the handle, comes out of the housing. |
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It differs in design and appearance. It consists of two disks, which are located horizontally and parallel to each other at a certain distance. During operation, the cutter is installed on the gypsum board and moves along it, simultaneously cutting two layers of cardboard. The cutting round parts are removable, which allows you to replace them with new ones if necessary. With this tool you can cut strips of plasterboard 120 mm wide. This is especially important when forming multi-level ceilings and structures where narrow, uniform strip widths are required. The cutter handle is also a guide for setting the required cutting width. The cutter is installed on the end of the blade and moves along the entire length of the material. |
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The Blade Runner gypsum board cutter is a professional tool that doubles the cutting process. The design of the tool has two detachable parts, held together by magnetic clamps during operation. The blades are housed in small blocks located in two parts of the metal body. Cutting elements can be replaced if necessary. When cutting drywall, the two halves of the tool are divided and placed on both sides of the canvas on a pre-marked line. Then, the thicknesser moves along a given guideline and cuts the cardboard layers on both sides at once. The tool cuts perfectly straight and curved complex cuts. The video shows how to properly cut drywall with such equipment in more detail |
We have listed the best methods for cutting drywall in the table. If you have to large volume various types of work, you can consult with a specialist or watch the video: “How to cut drywall at home.”
Drywall cutting technology
Cutting gypsum board is quite simple.
Tip: For ease of use and receiving exact dimensions details, you should choose a well-lit and free room.
The table shows brief instructions drywall cuttings:
| Name and photo of the operation | Process description |
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Plasterboard sheets are available in fairly large sizes. In order for marking and then cutting it with your own hands to be accurate and of high quality, the material must lie horizontally on solid foundation. This could be the floor, table and even stools. But the latter should be located next to each other at a distance of up to 300 mm to prevent the sheet from breaking when pressed on it |
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According to the required dimensions, using a tape measure, pencil, ruler or rule, the cutting lines of the material are marked. At the same time, which side to cut the drywall from? special significance does not have. If it is necessary to mark strictly perpendicular lines on the material, use a square |
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A knife for cutting drywall is placed on the drawn line, close to the ruler, and the tool is drawn along the entire length of the guide. In this case, the blade is pressed lightly, so that only the outer layer of cardboard is cut |
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The sheet of drywall is moved to the edge of the table and the cut is carefully tapped on the other side of the sheet. As a result, the layer of gypsum along the cut line will lose its integrity. |
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The sheet is folded along the cutting line and divided into two parts by cutting through the cardboard on its reverse side. |
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After dividing the sheet, its edges are cleaned with a special or regular plane. This must be done in order to remove sloppy nicks so that they do not interfere when joining the panels on the wall. How to trim the edge of drywall? To prevent the material from crumbling, chamfering should be carried out without strong pressure. At the same time, there is no need to achieve an ideal edge surface; it is enough to just remove the strongly protruding parts and irregularities on the cardboard that were created when cutting the sheet. A beveled chamfer, necessary for strong reinforcement of the joints of the panels on the wall. It can be done after they are installed so as not to destroy the edge of the sheet unprotected by cardboard |
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To cut a round hole or any shaped hole in drywall, you constantly need to monitor the bend line. The cutting process can be performed with a narrow hacksaw or an electric jigsaw, which makes the cut more accurate, but this requires experience with the tool. When performing the operation, it is very important not to crumble the edge of the sheet, especially if there is no cardboard edge on it. |
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You can cut through openings of any shape with a hacksaw or jigsaw. For this:
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A round hole for installing a socket or switch is cut out electric drill with a crown attachment of the appropriate diameter, a jigsaw or a narrow hacksaw. Holes are most often cut after installing gypsum boards on the sheathing. Otherwise, the strength of the sheet may be compromised, and even a slight misalignment, often when transporting or installing the sheet, becomes the cause of a break. |
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When planning to cut a hole with a hacksaw or jigsaw:
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Tip: The evenness and quality of the cut depends on the strength of the hand and the skills of the craftsman. But you should not cut drywall through its entire thickness, which can cause sloppy edges and rapid blade failure. In order to correctly cut drywall with your own hands, a video tutorial will help with all the details.
Cutting after installation of gypsum boards
Cutting unfixed material is much more convenient. But there are situations when it is necessary to cut off the excess after installing the panels on the frame. This happens when it is necessary to make slopes for windows or corners on the sheathed surfaces.
In this case, you should make sure that the sheet is securely fixed to the frame. The material is cut on the side in contact with the wall.
In this case, the cutting movements are repeated several times along the markings. Then the excess parts of the material are “squeezed out”. The sheet is cut on the other side. The video shows in detail how to trim protruding drywall that is already attached to a frame underneath it.
Before cutting drywall, you should use a few tips to help avoid irreparable mistakes:
- You should not use a grinder when working. Such a tool is not used for cutting drywall - it makes a lot of noise and a cloud of gypsum dust, which will have to be removed, wasting your time and effort;
- If it is necessary to use a hammer when cutting a material, it should only be a rubber mallet; a metal tool can cause serious damage to the material. In addition, when working you need to measure the strength of your blows;
- To reduce nicks on the edges of the sheet, it is better to hold the hacksaw or knife at an angle of 90°. As the blade angle decreases, the size of the cardboard rags increases;
- The main cuts of the material must be made before attaching the panels to the sheathing. In this case, if the cut is unsuccessful, the sheet can be replaced with a new one, and the damaged one can be used for inserts.
Tip: Windows and openings should be cut after fixing the material to the frame.
- Do not cut into drywall complex drawings having thin partitions, like openwork meshes;
- Cutting a whole sheet is most often done on the floor. Therefore, after cutting along this line, a block is placed under the blade. Then the sheet is pressed into two parts, which are easily broken along the cut line.
How and with what to cut drywall, everyone chooses for themselves. The process of carrying out the work is quite simple, which makes it easy for anyone with no experience in construction to handle.
If in doubt, you should try your hand on a small piece of material and make sure that everything is simple. It is enough to follow simple technological recommendations and use a quality tool.
Installing drywall requires creating parts with different configurations. At home, the apartment owner makes such decisions infrequently, so purchasing expensive electric saws impractical. General purpose tools are suitable for cutting.
Selecting Tools
On industrial enterprises drywall is required in large quantities. Therefore, special hardware installations have been developed for cutting gypsum boards. At home, everything is much simpler - improvised tools that can be found in every apartment are used.
In order to avoid additional planing of each detail at the end of the work, it is necessary to cut the drywall as evenly as possible. To achieve this goal mark the markings on the plaster using a pencil and a measuring tape. If the latter is not among the tools or the length of the drywall exceeds 2.5 m, then you can mark the surface using a metal profile.
Several tools can cope with cutting drywall:
- cutter (hacksaw) for metal or wood;
- jigsaw;
- construction knife with replaceable blades;
- electric drill.
The last tool is suitable for drilling an even circle of small diameter. As the radius increases, it is necessary to use feather drills or round saws.
An electric drill is suitable for creating holes for the core door locks. A regular hacksaw for metal or wood can cut drywall. The tool is distinguished by a thin blade with a frequent row of teeth. Preserved between sharp ridges minimum distance to prevent the formation of nicks.
Dense sheets of drywall can be cut with a construction knife. The device is easy to use due to its double-sided sharp blade. Over time, the core becomes dull, but manufacturers put several additional elements inside. Therefore, if necessary, the blade can be easily replaced with a new one.
To cut drywall with a construction knife, you need to mark it and place a metal ruler along the pencil mark. Holding the profile, make a cut with a knife. If the plaster is of small thickness, the construction knife can be replaced with a stationery knife.
To decorate a room with a high humidity coefficient, take moisture resistant drywall, which contains antiseptic elements. They give the surface of the plaster a greenish tint. Additional components do not affect the density indicator, so it is possible to cut moisture-resistant drywall using similar tools for cutting the classic version.
Correct cutting
A few simple rules will help you cut drywall correctly:
- Working with plaster requires taking safety precautions. Even a pinpoint cut or small break crumbles the material. This releases dust that is hazardous to the body. Protect your eyes and lungs with goggles and a respiratory mask.
- It doesn't matter which side you cut the drywall from. However, experts recommend starting with the surface that will be in contact with the wall or ceiling.
- Cutting a profile leaves behind jagged edges. You should not waste time on leveling them, because subsequently the flaws are hidden with plasterboard.
- Drywall sheets should be cut in dry rooms. In conditions high humidity the material swells quickly and becomes unusable even after drying.
- Flexible drywall can be cut correctly on a stable surface with a smooth surface.
Myself facing material consists of two layers of cardboard. They are covered with a thick gypsum layer. This structure provides fire resistance and strength by increasing density. Therefore, to implement a point cut, it is enough to deepen the cut several times with a sharp blade using gentle movements from top to bottom. After which the sheet must be broken along the cut line. In this case, it is important to keep the drywall in one position, preventing the blade from moving when cutting the cardboard layer.
This is effective when cutting drywall that is leaning against a wall surface. You can hold the layer of material with your foot.
On the wall
Finish if necessary plasterboard material window opening or wall corner, gypsum board cutting is carried out directly on the load-bearing surface. In this case, the plaster edge coincides with the edge of the wall. To create such a model, use a larger piece of drywall than required. The material is attached to the wall surface, after which excess elements are cut off from the plaster.
The procedure requires reliable fastening to a supporting surface. Cutting begins from the side of the plasterboard sheet, which fits tightly to the support. Pressing down on an unnecessary part, it is necessary to draw along the marked line several times. After this, the remaining cut elements are cut off from the reverse side.
Holes for lamps and sockets
Specialists cut holes for sockets or lamps after installing and securing the drywall. For beginners, you can do without preliminary fastening. For this purpose, it is first necessary to accurately calculate the position and parameters of the future hole.
It is important to remember that the lumen itself is small in shape, which is subsequently hidden by additional plastic frame(for decorating a socket or lamp base).
All calculations must be applied from the back surface of the drywall. For the cutting itself you will need a screwdriver or drill. The tool must have additional circular attachments with fine serrated blades. If you don't have a gun, a classic hacksaw will do. The holes are uneven, but correspond to the calculated parameters. All flaws are covered with canvas.
Uneven line
When cutting drywall in the form of a wavy curved line, you cannot get by with a regular hacksaw or construction knife. When using them, smooth curves turn out to be uneven. To achieve a perfectly smooth surface, you need to purchase or rent a jigsaw with small blades. In this case, the tool creates a huge amount of gypsum dust. Because of this, it is necessary to take care of individual protection of the eyes and lungs.
Upon completion of the manufacture of parallel parts, bending of the plasterboard elements follows. The first step is to create a rectangular sheet of gypsum material that matches the size of the space between the straight pieces. A centimeter tape measure will help you measure your step correctly. Thanks to its flexibility, you can measure the arch length along the bend.
The front surface has an increased density compared to the back side of drywall. Because of this, the arcuate part is bent in such a way that the back surface of the material is stretched. To bend the future arch evenly, you can resort to a template. The latter is made of plywood.
- On one side, the arc is bent with a needle roller. In this case, it is necessary to constantly press on the drywall. The roller needles will penetrate the gypsum material up to 5 mm.
- At the end of the work, the surface of the drywall is moistened with water until softened. This stage requires a long time and patience. As the drywall swells, it needs to be gradually bent.
- As soon as the part settles tightly in the template form, it is fixed until completely dry.
For sloping elements with a radius of more than 40 cm, the bend is not so steep, thus the manufacture of the part does not require additional wetting. Identical elements of a wavy type can be realized using transverse cuts. The result is an accordion that needs to be secured with a primer. When bending drywall, all cracks must be filled with putty.
For high arches it is not possible to bend the gypsum material. When installing such an element, triangular cuts are made with scissors in increments of up to 10 cm. The distance depends on the steepness of the bend.
Circle
It is easy to achieve a perfectly round hole using a drill with special drill bits. The nozzle is pressed perpendicularly to the surface of the drywall. By pressing the trigger, they begin to drill a hole.
The drill is not capable of creating decorative holes of large diameter or rounded parts (for example, wavy elements). A hacksaw can easily cope with such a task using the cutting method. internal elements. To do this, you need to cut a line and insert a canvas with pencil markings. Then it is sawed according to the markings.
It is inconvenient to work with a hacksaw with drywall on the floor, so it is best to place a sheet of plasterboard on the table. Moreover, the plaster will have to be laid in such a way that the cut part is outside the countertop.
Experts can cut with a regular knife, then knock out the circle with a sharp push. However, in the absence of professional skills in working with drywall, an uneven gap will form with jagged, chipped edges.
In a straight line
Before starting work, you need to take measurements in the room so as not to make mistakes when cutting parts. A simple pencil will help you mark the cut lines. It is better not to use a marker or pen. Caustic ink leaves marks that show through the putty layer.
When drawing the main lines, you must first make equal marks at the top and bottom of the sheet. After this, apply a level or a metal ruler to the points, along which a straight segment is drawn.
Upon completion of the calculations and application of the appropriate markings, the drywall is placed on a surface parallel to the floor. For cutting, it is more convenient to use a construction knife, since the sharp blade can be adaptively adjusted during work. It should be remembered that the length of the tip should not exceed the thickness of the drywall. It is recommended to make the cut using a metal ruler, which is placed on top of the pencil markings. For creating straight line it is required to carry out an additional 3 times along the cut with the instrument.
If a layer of plasterboard is placed on a table, it is necessary to move the plaster so that the part to be separated does not come into contact with the table surface. Once the cut is deep enough, you should pick up the edges of the drywall and break along the line with a sharp movement. For the final cut, an additional cut is made on the opposite side with a construction knife.
When sawing drywall on the floor, after additional movements, the drywall product must be placed in a vertical position. Gently push the cut part along front side it is necessary to separate it from the unnecessary (make a break). After which the remaining fragments are cut with a blade.
It is important to remember that you should not use it to cut drywall. circular saw. Fine teeth rotating at high speed produce a dense column of dust. Solid particles settle in the lungs and on the mechanical parts of the tool, causing damage to both the person and the inside of the circular saw.
Letter "G"
The shape of drywall curved in the letter “L” is used for lining a door or window opening, as well as when creating any corner model.
The work begins with calculations and marking the line with a pencil. For implementation, you can use a hacksaw if you don’t have a specially serrated drywall saw at hand. Gypsum is a soft, pliable material that does not create problems when cutting.
Using a tool you need to cut out a short part. The long one is cut out according to the “straight line” method.
Edge processing
The work doesn't end with cutting the drywall. Sharp and uneven edges need to be smoothed. You can handle nicks and chips using sandpaper.
It is recommended to level with gentle movements until you reach smooth surface. Upon completion preparatory stage fasciation is carried out. Two-thirds of the thickness of the drywall sheet must be cut off from each edge. Next, a chamfer is cut at an angle of 45 degrees with a plane. If you don't have a suitable tool, you can use a regular knife.