How to Cut Drywall on the Wall

Co-authored by Ryaan Tuttle

Last Updated: May 2, 2024 References

If you need to access something inside a wall or make a hole to install an outlet, you will need to cut into the drywall on the wall. Don't ever use a circular saw or other large power saw to cut into drywall on the wall because you will generate a huge amount of dust and possibly damage something behind it. First, plan your cuts and take some safety measures to protect yourself and anything inside the wall. Then, use a jab saw, also known as a drywall saw, to cut out a section by hand or use an electric rotary tool if you want to make quick work of the job.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Planning the Cuts and Taking Safety Measures

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1
Look at plans for the building to see where there is plumbing or wiring in the wall. This will help you determine if there are any places you need to avoid cutting into. Only cut into spots where there might be plumbing and electrical wiring if it is absolutely necessary and be extra careful to cut no deeper than the depth of the drywall, which is usually ¹⁄₂ in (1.3 cm).
- If you don't have architectural plans for the wall you need to cut into, you can try estimating where plumbing and wiring runs by looking at things like sinks, toilets, electrical outlets, and light fixtures.
Tip: Wires typically run vertically down the walls from the ceiling towards electrical outlets, light switches, and light fixtures on the wall. There is usually plumbing directly behind sinks and faucets, as well as below toilets, tubs, showers and other places where water drains.
2
Mark the outline of the section you want to cut out with a pencil. Identify the spot where you want to make a hole for an inspection or to access something behind the drywall. Draw the outline for the cut freehand if you just need a rough opening or use a straight edge to create perfectly straight lines.^{[1]
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- If you want to create a circular opening in drywall, you can trace around a round object to create a neat cut line.
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This will protect you from inhaling drywall dust or getting it in your eyes. Prolonged exposure to drywall dust in your lungs may cause respiratory problems.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Cutting by Hand with a Jab Saw

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1
Plunge the tip of a jab saw into the drywall where you want to start cutting.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Ryaan Tuttle
Home Improvement Specialist

Expert Interview. 24 February 2021.} Place the sharp tip of the jab saw against the drywall, then wiggle it back and forth while applying strong pressure to push it straight through using your dominant hand. Use your non-dominant hand to push on the back of the handle if you need more force to get it through.^{[3]
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- A jab saw is also known as a drywall saw. It has a sharp tip that makes it relatively easy to punch through a sheet of drywall as well as teeth for sawing.
- Jab saws can be used to make both straight and circular cuts in drywall.
2
Saw along your cut lines using clean, smooth strokes. Apply more pressure on the forward sawing motion to create a neat cut without jagged outside edges. Pull the blade most of the way out and rotate it 90 degrees before plunging it back in whenever you reach the end of a cut line on a square or rectangular section.^{[4]
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- Try your best to saw with even, controlled motions and only saw about ¹⁄₂ in (1.3 cm) deep, which is the most common depth of drywall.
Tip: If you want to reinstall the same piece of drywall after you remove it, you can hold the jab saw at a 45-degree angle away from the center of the section as you cut it out. This will create a bevelled cutout so you can easily patch the piece back in.
3
Use a shop vac to suck up dust as you go if you want to minimize the mess. Hold the nozzle of a shop vac in your non-dominant hand. Follow along behind the jab saw to suck up the dust as you cut.^{[5]
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- This is completely optional. It just helps to reduce the mess you make, but you can always vacuum it up afterwards if you want to.
- Another trick to minimize dust is by fitting a jab saw with a finer-toothed blade meant for cutting metal rather than drywall.
4
Smooth out any irregular edges of the cut with a utility knife when you finish. Carefully go back around the edges of the section you cut out using a utility knife. Cut away any rough, irregular pieces or straighten the lines.^{[6]
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- This will make it easier to patch or repair the drywall.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using an Electric Rotary Tool

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1
Attach a drywall cutting bit to a rotary tool and adjust the cutting guide. Insert the drywall cutting bit into the rotary tool and tighten it in place. Adjust the cutting guide to ¹⁄₂ in (1.3 cm), which is the depth of most drywall.^{[7]
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- You can use a rotary tool of your choice, such as a Dremel tool or a RotoZip.
- If you don't have a drywall cutting bit, you can also use a multi-purpose cutting bit.
Tip: Dremel tools and RotoZips are both popular rotary tools for making cutouts in drywall. However, Dremel tools are easier to handle and maneuver if you are just cutting out smaller sections of drywall. RotoZips are larger and more heavy duty.
2
Turn the rotary tool on and plunge it into the drywall. Set the rotary tool to its highest speed and turn it on. Plunge it into the beginning of a cut line wherever you want to start your cut.^{[8]
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- You won't be able to plunge the bit into the wall if the rotary tool is not on.
3
Move the rotary tool along your cut lines until you have cut out the section. Carefully push the rotary tool along the cut lines you drew with both hands, holding the cutting guide firmly against the wall to help you make clean cuts. Stop and pull it out once you have cut along all the lines.^{[9]
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- You can now pop out the section you cut out to access something behind it or install a piece of hardware like an electrical outlet.

Expert Q&A

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Question

How can I find out if there are any pipes or wires behind the wall before I start cutting?

Ryaan Tuttle
Home Improvement Specialist
Ryaan Tuttle is a Home Improvement Specialist and the CEO of Best Handyman, Inc. in Boston, Massachusetts. With over 17 years of experience, he specializes in building home service businesses, focusing on creating scalable and efficient brands. With the help of his global team, the companies have achieved over 10+ million in sales and received recognition through magazine features, and enjoy partnerships with wikiHow and Jobber field service software. Boston Magazine and LocalBest.com have named Best Handyman Boston the Best Handyman in Boston. Ryaan holds Construction Supervisor and Home Improvement Contractor Licenses.

Ryaan Tuttle

Home Improvement Specialist

Expert Answer

You can buy a stud finder at a local home improvement store and use that. Some of the top-notch ones are able to find metal pipes and wires behind walls.

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Warnings

Always wear protective goggles and a face mask to keep drywall dust out of your eyes and mouth.

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Avoid cutting into areas where there are definitely wires and plumbing in the wall.^{[10]
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Expert Source

Ryaan Tuttle
Home Improvement Specialist

Expert Interview. 24 February 2021.} For example, around outlets, light switches, light fixtures, sinks, faucets, and other plumbing fixtures.

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