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Step-by-step techniques for how to cut Sheetrock and other drywall using only the simplest of tools
Cutting and installing drywall is fairly straightforward and can be accomplished with only a handful of common tools. However, because full panels are heavy and awkward to handle, hanging drywall is far easier with a helper.
You can use a utility knife to make straight cuts and a compass saw, drywall saw, or power saber saw to make curved cuts or small cutouts.
If the wall will be painted or wallpapered, youll need to finish the joints and corners, but you may not need to hide joints on installations that serve as a backing for ceramic tile.
1. Using a pencil and straightedge or chalk line, mark your cutting line across the front paper layer. Score through the front paper with a utility knife and then turn the drywall over and break the gypsum core by bending the panel toward the back. Finish by cutting the back paper along the crease, as shown.
2. When cutting drywall to fit around doorways, windows, outlets, and other surface interruptions, measure out from the adjacent panel and up from the floor to the obstruction. Then transfer these measurements onto a new panel and cut. Make small cutouts for outlet and switch boxes about 3/16 inch larger than the boxes, and adjust the holes with a perforated rasp if necessary.
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