How to cut drywall? The most commonly used tool for cutting drywall is the razor or utility knife. You score the panel, apply some pressure, and snap. A new short metal blade specifically for cutting holes into existing drywall has been developed for electric-powered reciprocating saws. The blade has a blunt tip, and it’s only about 1¼-inch long.
Drywall:
Drywall (also known as plasterboard, wallboard, sheetrock, gypsum board, buster board, custard board, and gypsum panel) is a panel made of calcium sulfate dihydrate (gypsum) with or without additives that are typically extruded between thick sheets of facer and backer paper and used to build interior walls and ceilings.
Fiber (usually paper, glass wool, or a combination of these materials), plasticizer, foaming agent, and additives that can minimize mildew, flammability, and water absorption are all added to the plaster. Drywall construction became popular in North America in the mid-twentieth century as a time- and labor-saving alternative to lath and plaster.
History of Drywall:
In 1888, the first plasterboard factory in the United Kingdom was established in Rochester, Kent. Augustine Sackett and Fred Kane, both Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute graduates, devised the Sackett Board in 1894. Plaster was layered between four plies of wool felt paper to create it. Sheets were 36 by 36 by 1⁄4 inch (914 mm × 914 mm × 6 mm) thick with open (untaped) edges.
Between 1910 and 1930, the gypsum board progressed, starting with wrapped board edges and the removal of the two inner layers of felt paper in favor of paper-based facings. Sackett Plaster Board Company was purchased by United States Gypsum Corporation in 1910, and Sheetrock was developed in 1917.
It was created as a fire resistance measure as well as a measure of installation efficiency. Later advancements in air entrainment technology made boards lighter and less brittle, and j0int treatment materials and techniques evolved as well. Plaster was first applied on gypsum lath.
It was a panel constructed of compressed gypsum plasterboard that was occasionally grooved or perforated with holes to allow wet plaster to key into its surface as an alternative to typical wood or metal lath. It was eventually fronted with gypsum crystal-impregnated paper that adhered to the applied plaster-facing layer. ROCKLATH was a trademark for US Gypsum’s gypsum lath product in 1936.
Summary:
Drywall is a panel made of calcium sulfate dihydrate (gypsum) with or without additives. It is typically extruded between thick sheets of facer and backer paper and used to build interior walls and ceilings. The first drywall factory in the UK was established in Rochester, Kent in 1888.
How to cut drywall?
Measure a straight line across the top and bottom of the damaged section with a level. Then cut across those lines with a drywall knife, stopping at studs past the fractured places. Cut the drywall adjacent to the studs down until the entire area is removed.
They’re commonly referred to as “jab saws” since you start your cut by jabbing them into the drywall.
- Place the tip of the blade where you wish to begin your cut.
- To force the tip of the saw through the drywall, smack the hilt of the saw forcefully.
- Use a back-and-forth sawing motion to make your cut.
When you buy wood or sheetrock from Home Depot, they will cut it to your requirements. A few cuts are usually free, but if you need a lot of them, they might charge you more.
A flat panel of gypsum plaster layered between two sheets of thick paper is known as drywall. Nails or screws are used to secure it to metal or wood studs. Sheetrock is a type of drywall sheet with a distinct brand name. These terms are frequently interchanged.
Ironically, drywall cutting is one of the simplest, cleanest, and quietest remodeling activities. Even an “all-thumbs” do-it-yourselfer can learn the basics of drywall cutting without fear, and even a major, sheet-wrecking mistake can be fixed for a few dollars.
Lay a T-Square on the right side of your drywall after measuring it. Make a scoring line with a pencil. Follow the pencil line and softly cut through the paper layer of drywall with a sharp utility knife or another cutting tool.
Unfortunately, there is no way to rectify it in the past. However, use a guide to ensure that the 1/8-inch spacing between sheets is maintained throughout installation. The blade of a drywall square, which is about 1/8-inch thick, is sufficient. As for spacing guides, thin strips of wood can also be utilized.
Because fire rules generally require seams to run the length of the framing on commercial projects, the drywall must be hung vertically. The drywall on the walls is normally hung horizontally on residential installations.
You can easily cut plaster with an angle grinder. However, you must use caution to avoid causing damage to the wall. Remember that a minor blunder while cutting the wall could result in the entire structure collapsing.
Cutting sheetrock requires the use of a utility knife saw blade, a drill with a drill bit, marking tools, and a drywall rasp. Standard, rectangular, and plunge cuts can all be made using a jigsaw when cutting holes in drywall.
Drywall cutting is one of the simplest, cleanest, and quietest remodeling activities. Even a major, sheet-wrecking mistake can be fixed for a few dollars. Remember that a minor blunder while cutting the wall could result in the entire structure collapsing. Use a T-Square to ensure 1/8-inch spacing between sheets throughout the installation.
Table about how to cut drywall:
| Steps | Details |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Score Front of Drywall Panel. |
| Step 2 | Break Drywall Sheet Along Scored Line. |
| Step 3 | Cut Through Paper on Back of Drywall Sheet. |
| Step 4 | Smooth Cut Edge of Drywall with Rasp. |
| Step 5 | Mark Drywall for Cutout Using Electrical Box. |
| Step 6 | Cut Electrical Box Opening with Drywall Keyhole Saw. |
The production process of drywall:
Drywall was first marketed as tiny fireproof tiles by the US Gypsum Company in 1916. Interiors had previously relied on time-consuming and labor-intensive lath and plaster processes. It was eventually made as a single layer of gypsum crushed between two sheets of strong paper after several years. Drywall became the most popular wall-covering material during the post-World War II construction bo0m.
Several additives, such as starch, paper pulp, and an emulsifier that functions as a thickening agent, are added with mined gypsum. It’s mixed with water to make a thick paste, which is then put in thick layers on Manila paper. Another sheet of Manila paper is laid on top before the item is dried in the oven. After then, it’s cut into sheets.
Although it differs around the world, most drywall in Europe is cut into sheets that are 120 cm wide, with 90 cm and 60 cm wide sheets also available. The most commonly cut length is 240 cm, although lengths of 250 cm, 260 cm, 270 cm, 280 cm, 300 cm, and longer are also cut. Drywall tends to be available at thicknesses of 9.5 - 25 mm.
The most common edge treatments that are available are; tapered edge, plain edge and beveled on all sides.
Some specialized forms of drywall can be manufactured, such as:
1-Fire-rated:
Fiber strands are added to the standard mixture to give a longer fire rating.
2-Impact resistant:
Fiber strands are added and thicker paper is used.
3-Moisture resistant:
Water-resistant green paper can be used when the drywall is to be installed in areas prone to moisture.
4-Sound board:
Polymers are added which convert noise energy to heat energy.
5-Lead-lined:
A thin layer of lead is added between the gypsum core and the paper backing for use in X-ray rooms or areas prone to radiation.
6-Flexible drywall:
Where drywall is to be used for tight arches and/or curves, thinner boards are used that are ‘wetted down’ before being used.
7-Blue board:
A special green coating is used to cover the drywall, making it easier for veneer plastic to adhere to it.
Installation of drywall:
The first step in drywall installation is to trim the sheets to the desired lengths. This should be done with a drywall saw on a dry, level surface. Cut the necessary holes for electrical outlets, light switches, and other items with a keyhole saw and/or circle cutter.
Drywall panels are then attached to wall studs or furring strips installed over brick surfaces. Panels can be hung vertically on metal studs, but they’re best hung horizontally on wood studs since wood is more likely to warp over time, and horizontal hanging (combined with drywall glue) helps minimize deflection.
Wallboard nails or plasterboard screws can be used to secure the board. Screws are typically inserted every 10 cm. The finishing process entails utilizing wallboard j0int tape and a j0int compound distributed over each seam using a finishing knife to hide the seams between panels.
After the compound has dried and set, lightly sand the surface with sandpaper until no tape is visible and it is smooth and flush with the rest of the wall. Drywall ceilings require thinner sheets than drywall walls because they are less weighty and hence easier to install. To provide extra support for the ceiling, the walls should be created first.
A j0int compound is used to fill small holes that are then sanded clean and flush to repair the damage. Larger holes may need to be filled with j0int compounds and a piece of cut drywall.
Specifications of drywall:
1-Australia and New Zealand:
In Australia and New Zealand, the name plasterboard is used. In Australia, the product is commonly referred to as Gyprock, after the world’s largest plasterboard manufacturer. It’s also known as Gibraltar and Gib board in New Zealand, following the registered trademark (“GIB”) of the locally produced product that dominates the market.
It comes in 10 mm, 13 mm, and 16 mm thicknesses, as well as additional thicknesses up to 25 mm. 1200 2400 mm, 1200 4800 mm, and 1200 6000 mm sheets are the most frequent sizes for panels. Sheets are often fastened to timber or cold-formed steel frames at 150 to 300 mm centers along the beam and 400 to 600 mm centers across members.
In both countries, plasterboard has become a widely used replacement for scrim and sarking walls in the renovation of 19th- and early 20th-century buildings.
2-Canada and the United States:
Drywall panels in the United States are made in widths of 48, 54, and 96 inches (1.2, 1.4, and 2.4 m) and in varying lengths to suit the application. The most common width is 48 inches. Lengths up to 16 feet (4.9 m) are common; the most common is 8 feet (2.4 m).
Common thicknesses are 1⁄2 and 5⁄8 inch (13 and 16 mm); thicknesses of 1⁄4, 3⁄8, 3⁄4, and 1 inch (6.4, 9.5, 19.1, and 25.4 mm) are used in specific applications.
3-Europe:
In Europe, most plasterboard is made in sheets 120 centimeters (47 in) wide; sheets 60 and 90 centimeters (24 and 35 in) wide are also made. Plasterboard 120 cm wide is most commonly made in 240 centimeters (94 in) lengths; sheets of 250, 260, 270, 280, and 300 centimeters (98, 102, 106, 110, and 118 in) and longer also are common. Thicknesses of plasterboard available are 9.5 to 25 millimeters (3⁄8 to 1 in).
Plasterboard is commonly made with one of three edge treatments: tapered edge, where the long edges of the board are tapered with a wide bevel at the front to allow jointing materials to be finished flush with the mainboard face; plain edge, where the entire surface will receive a thin coating (skim coat); and beveled on all four sides, used in roofing products.
For widespread use, major UK manufacturers do not produce four-sided chamfered drywall.
Drywall sound control:
Sound transmission through walls and ceilings can be reduced depending on the technique of installation and the type of drywall used. Several builders’ publications claim that thicker drywall lessens sound transmission, whereas engineering guides advise using multiple layers of drywall, sometimes of different thicknesses and cemented together, or special noise-reducing drywall.
The framing with steel studs, increased stud spacing, double studding, insulation, and other elements that reduce sound transmission are also crucial. Sound transmission class (STC) ratings can be increased from 33 for an ordinary stud wall to as high as 59 with double 1⁄2-inch (13 mm) drywall on both sides of a wood stud wall with resilient channels on one side and glass wool batt insulation between the studs.
Sound transmission may be slightly reduced using regular 5⁄8-inch (16 mm) panels (with or without light-gauge resilient metal channels and/or insulation), but it is more effective to use two layers of drywall, sometimes in combination with other factors or specially designed sound-resistant drywall.
Plinchboard comes in thicknesses of 10 mm, 13 mm, and 16 mm, as well as additional thicknesses up to 25 mm. Sheets are often fastened to timber or cold-formed steel frames at 150 to 300 mm centers along the beam and 400 to 600 mm centers across members.
Frequently Asked Questions:
The following are some of the most frequently asked questions concerning this keyword:
1-What tool do you cut drywall with?
The most commonly used tool for cutting drywall is the razor or utility knife. You score the panel, apply some pressure, and snap.
2-Do you need a special blade to cut drywall?
A new short metal blade specifically for cutting holes into existing drywall has been developed for electric-powered reciprocating saws. The blade has a blunt tip, and it’s only about 1¼-inch long.
3-Can I cut drywall with a utility knife?
With a sharp utility knife or another cutting tool, follow the pencil line and lightly cut through the paper layer of drywall. The best tools for cutting drywall are utility knives, putty knives, reciprocating saws, oscillating multi-tools, and track saws with dust collectors.
4-Can you use Dremel to cut drywall?
A Dremel is best used to cut holes in drywall that have specific curves and turns. You can cut drywall with a Dremel equipped with this drywall cutting bit. Use a Dremel to cut detailed lines with curves and turns. A Dremel is best used to cut holes in drywall for pipes and electrical boxes.
5-Can I cut drywall with a jigsaw?
A utility knife saw blade, drill with a drill bit, marking tools, and drywall rasp are all helpful when it comes to cutting sheetrock. A jigsaw can cut a variety of holes in drywall including standard, rectangular, and plunge cuts.
6-Will multi-tool cut drywall?
For getting precise cuts in less time, an oscillating multi-tool is the best tool to cut drywall with. Your other drywall cutting tools might still come in handy for some of your cuts, but an oscillating multi-tool can be great for long, straight cuts as well as smaller precision cuts.
7-Can you use a table saw to cut drywall?
Novices might think it seems like a good idea to use a circular or table saw to make major cuts. But as Pros know, the gypsum material between the outer paper layers of a drywall panel is brittle and quickly crumbles. This is easy to see on panel corners that have been dropped.
8-What’s the difference between sheetrock and drywall?
Drywall is a flat panel made of gypsum plaster sandwiched in between two sheets of thick paper. It adheres to metal or wood studs using nails or screws. Sheetrock is a specific brand of the drywall sheet. These terms are often used interchangeably.
9-Why do you hang drywall on the ceiling before the walls?
Doing the ceiling first means you can lift the wall sheets to make a tight j0int. By contrast, if you do the walls first you would have to sculpt every edge to make it seat tightly, and/or end up with lots of voids to fill before you tape.
10-Can you cut drywall at Home Depot?
Unfortunately, Home Depot does not cut drywall/sheetrock as of 2022. However, some stores may offer to cut to help customers load the product into their car.
Drywall is a gypsum panel with or without additives that are commonly extruded between large sheets of facer and backer paper and used to build interior walls and ceilings. The razor or utility knife is the most frequent instrument for cutting drywall. You score the panel, press down, and snap it. For electric-powered reciprocating saws, a new short metal blade has been created specifically for cutting holes into existing drywall. The blade is just around 1¼-inch long and has a blunt tip.
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