Hey all! I need to cut out a 12x12 inch piece of drywall as part of some electrical work, and I'm looking for the best tool to do it while minimizing dust. I heard that a hand saw might be a good option, but will that make the edges rough and harder to repair later? Would an oscillating power tool be a better choice? I've never done drywall repairs before, so any advice would be super helpful! Oh, and can anyone recommend a budget-friendly stud finder that actually works? Thanks!
5 Answers
An oscillating tool will give you a nice, clean cut with minimal dust, since the blade is super thin. If you don’t have one, though, a standard drywall saw is also fine. Just make sure your edges are clean for a smooth patch later.
Honestly, I swear by my oscillating saw. It saves time and effort, plus I run a shop vac while cutting to really keep the dust down. If you have the option, it's definitely worth it!
A drywall saw is solid for this job! Just punch it through the corner of your area and saw along your lines. Patching isn’t harder afterward; just spackle and sand once you're done. Also, magnetic stud finders are the best since they locate screws and nails easily without breaking the bank!
If you're cutting near electrical, a heavy-duty utility knife works wonders. It'll take a few passes, but you can make cleaner cuts this way and end up using that piece as your patch. It's a win-win!
A drywall saw (also known as a stab saw) is definitely the tool I’d recommend! It takes a bit of practice, but once you get the hang of it, you can make really precise cuts. Just make sure to keep the piece you cut out to use later for your patch!
Great tip! Just remember to mark the orientation of the cut piece so it fits back in without issues. As long as your lines are relatively straight, you should be good to cover them with tape later.
Exactly! A drywall saw can definitely make a mess, but if you don’t feel like buying a new oscillating tool, you could use the drywall saw and just be careful with your patching afterward. I’ve had good luck popping the old piece back in and securing it.