Finishing 

What is cut hl. We bend and cut drywall with an improvised tool at home. How to make a round hole in the plasterboard

It is necessary to cut drywall during repairs almost every 5-10 minutes. Why? Because the sheet of this material will be at least 2 square meters and without residues it is impossible to mark a wall, ceiling or any other structure. The smaller the structure, the more you have to cut, and it is not always necessary to cut it evenly (corners, uneven walls and ceilings have also not been canceled). What to do? There is only one way out - to learn how to quickly and efficiently cut drywall.

You will need to make not only cuts “under the ruler” across the sheet, but also cut out triangles, rectangular pieces, ovals or circles (for example, for lighting elements). It is advisable to consider several options for cutting drywall at once, from a regular clerical knife to an electric jigsaw. Now we will consider the simplest and most high-quality ways of cutting and processing the edges of drywall.

How to cut drywall with a mounting knife "without noise and dust"

hand tool this action is much easier and faster. The most interesting thing is that the quality of the cut will also be much better if you need to spread the sheet along or cut off an even piece from it. The theory is superfluous here, let's move on to practice and immediately cut drywall:

  1. We make the necessary measurements and draw a line. It is advisable to stock up on a marker so that it is convenient to look at the “fat” mark from any side.

    2. Along the edge of the line, you can attach a long metal ruler or a profile that is used to fasten drywall.


    3. We put the tip of the knife on the edge of the line, we begin to lead, exerting a pressure of 2-3 kg on the drywall mounting knife.


    4. After the line is cut, it is necessary to bend the sheet so that the cut is on the outside. You can put the sheet on the floor, hold the edges with your hands and lightly kick with your knee at the cut, but on the opposite side, the sheet will crack and bend.


    5. You will have a drywall corner, now you need to take a mounting knife and cut the paper on the other side of the corner. We put the knife on top and stretch it to the very bottom, we get a high-quality cut.

This method is ideal when cutting long strips ONLY, because you need a large pressure arm for a good break line. If the lines are made oval or cut off a piece only 5-10 cm from the edge of the sheet, it may break unevenly, and the edge will crumble. After the cut, you need to use a drywall planer to “smooth the edges and remove the corner for subsequent plastering (then there will be no “eyebrows”).

It is convenient to cut on the table or on the floor, putting a sheet of drywall on 2 wooden bars next to the cut line. Keep in mind that gypsum often crumbles after a drywall break, so it would be better to put something under it if the cut is on a clean surface.

Features of cutting drywall with a hacksaw - an option for the hardworking

It is better to use a hacksaw if you need curly cutting, when you need to cut drywall in a semicircle or make holes of various shapes inside it. With the help of a mounting knife, this cannot be done, at least with good quality. Now let's look at how to cut a sheet of drywall with a hacksaw and make holes inside it.

STEP 1: markup. It is necessary to draw a sheet of drywall on the back side, make holes in the corners of such a size that a hacksaw blade can fit in them (you can use a sharp knife or a drill).


STEP 2: sawing. We insert a drywall tool (hacksaw) into the hole and saw to the other extreme point, it is better to avoid turns.


STEP 3: when the cut has been made along all the drawn sides, and the figure inside the sheet has “fallen out”, you can process the edges. Use a planer or file if the hole is very small and no other tool can be placed there.

We looked at how to cut drywall and cut a hole of the desired rectangular shape in it, but there is an even more difficult task - non-standard or oval figures inside the sheet. Here it is already necessary to work with thin blades on a hacksaw, which will be convenient to turn during internal cutting. In such cases, it is better to abandon the hacksaw and use a jigsaw, since the quality of the edges of the cut hole inside will be much higher.

We cut drywall with an electric jigsaw - an option for the lazy

If you do not know how to cut drywall at home and are afraid to experiment, then it is better to entrust the processing of the material to an electric tool. A jigsaw is the best tool for cutting drywall, as it allows you to make a canvas of any shape and can make holes inside a sheet of drywall. Curved lines will be as accurate as possible, and the edge will be much easier to handle with a drywall planer.

Consider step by step instructions how to cut drywall with a jigsaw:
1. We draw a line along which it will be necessary to cut the material. It is better to use a black marker so that it is clearly visible.


2. We install a drywall sheet on several bricks or stools so that so that there are no objects under the cutting line(they can be hooked by a saw). The sheet should lie balanced, be not tense at the cutting points - the quality of the cut will improve significantly.


3. We install the jigsaw at the beginning of the line, turn on the laser sight (if there is one on the tool) and lead exactly along the desired path. Or we bring drywall to a tripod with a jigsaw.


4. We demolish the edges at 45 degrees, for plastering the surface. You can even do it with sandpaper, if the processing area is not too large.


5. If you don’t have a planer or corners are bad, then a drywall cutter will become an actual tool. It can be put on a screwdriver or drill, set the cone between the sheets and draw along the joint. cutting knives they will remove the edges of each sheet at the same angle - it is very convenient for large volumes of work, where you need to process many sheets quickly and efficiently.


Perhaps you wanted to ask how to cut L-shaped drywall under a door or window opening? There is no universal tool here, you must use both a hacksaw and a jigsaw, because with just a jigsaw or a hacksaw you cannot get inner corner 90 degrees.

A jigsaw will be the ideal tool for you if you don’t have anything to cut drywall profiles, as it will also work for metal. You need to buy a few files "for all occasions" and it will be possible to cut not only drywall, but also metal, wood, stone and other materials. Now let's see a video of cutting drywall with a paint knife without noise and dust:

Successful repair and pleasant work with your own hands!

Hi friends! Recently, a friend and I were doing repairs in his apartment, and we had a question about how and how to cut drywall. We tried a grinder: it turned out quickly, but a huge amount of dust forced us to abandon the option. They took a clerical knife with a thick blade - they outlined it, cut one side, and got the result. We also experimented with an electric jigsaw, which we borrowed from a neighbor, and then we took a saw for metal. As a result, we noticed that everyone seems comfortable different ways. If you are working with drywall, I advise you to try all the tools and find the right one. And what are the options, I'll tell you now.

A standard sheet has dimensions of 2.5x1.2 m, but, as a rule, they do not fit anywhere whole. Naturally, there is a need to cut drywall. The set of tools for this is the most minimal - a metal ruler or a rule, a measuring tape, a small planer, a pencil and a stationery knife. There are several ways to cut drywall, they are quite simple, and almost everyone can do it on their own, with their own hands, without resorting to the help of professionals.

Method one: how to cut straight lines

The sequence of cutting plasterboard panels: a-cutting cardboard and part of the gypsum core; b-breaking of the uncut gypsum core; c-cutting cardboard on the reverse side of the sheet; r-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 front side GKL. It is important to draw with a simple pencil and in no case use markers, since the trace of any felt-tip pens will be visible even through putty. We apply a metal ruler or a rule to the line, you can also use a piece of the profile. Carefully and evenly, we begin to mark up with a clerical knife. It is necessary to carry out several times to cut through the top layer of cardboard and the gypsum core by a couple of millimeters.

We slightly shift the entire sheet so that the notch is slightly beyond the edge of the surface on which we cut the drywall. After that, we simply bend it with our hands at the place of the incision with a little effort and our sheet breaks, remaining hanging only on one side of the cardboard. We take a knife and cut a layer of cardboard on the back of the sheet. We process the edges of the cut piece with a peeling planer, and that's it, all that remains is to screw it onto a profile prepared in advance. You do not 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 the GKL, it becomes necessary to cut not just solid line, and the corner in the form of the letter "G", for example, near windows or doorways. The beginning is exactly the same: we take measurements, mark the lines. Here you will need to saw through the shortest side with a thin hacksaw, and then do everything according to the method described above, using the same clerical knife. On sale there are special cone-shaped saws for GKL with finely set teeth, but if it is not at hand, then absolutely any hacksaw will do. Gypsum itself is a soft material, and usually there are no problems with sawing.

Similarly, various curly pieces are cut. With a certain degree of dexterity, one can easily achieve the most diverse and bizarre forms using only one knife.

The third way: electric jigsaw for cutting drywall

Drywall can also be cut with a jigsaw. Whatever the flight of the designer's thought, any bends and any shapes will be within the power of a power tool. The same applies to the need to make internal cutouts 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 more time. 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, three-dimensional 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, such structures in combination with color solution can give 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, cutouts directly in the wall. In these cases, the jigsaw is simply irreplaceable. So if you don’t have this miracle device yet, then it’s time to think about purchasing it. Moreover, it will become an excellent assistant in other working moments. you will enjoy the achievements that were obtained with your own hands for many years to come.

In any repair, safety precautions must be observed. Work with sharp cutting tools is supposed to be done with protected hands, using cotton gloves. Plastic goggles are required to protect the eyes. Glass glasses are dangerous to use, as there is a risk of damaging the eyes with small fragments. When working with a jigsaw, a lot of dust is generated, so the room must be well ventilated.

Very often, when cutting drywall sheets with an ordinary knife, it is not always possible to make the edges smooth. If you still close your eyes to this defect and use sheets with uneven ends, then the parts will not fit snugly together, thereby adding extra trouble to you. And it's not even about aesthetics, but about quality!


When cutting out details, the master must ensure that the sheets are the same. Therefore, for such work, a special planer for drywall is needed.

Planer for cutting drywall

In the people, this tool is often called a "drywall grater" or simply a "peeling planer". This tool belongs to the varieties of rasps (popularly - "carpenter's file"). Outwardly, it resembles a planer with a plastic or metal body to which a handle is attached. By the way, the handle in some peeling planers can be attached in two positions. Therefore, you can customize the tool for yourself.

It is not worth talking about what such tools are made of environmentally friendly material. It is unlikely that someone will come up with the idea 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 on the body with 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 peeling planers in two sizes: 140x40 mm and 250x40 mm.

How to use a planer when cutting drywall

Place the sheet of drywall on the comfortable side (usually machined ends up) and run along the end, lightly pressing the tool. If you press down harder, then remove the part thicker than planned. Especially if you didn’t have to work with a peeling planer before.

None special care this tool is not required. During operation, dust and metal chips may accumulate inside the case. In order to remove it, simply turn over and shake off the peeling planer. If a lot of dust has accumulated, then you can use a metal brush.

How much does it cost and where to buy a drywall cutting tool

It does not 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 don't plan to throw it away as soon as you cut one sheet of drywall, but plan to use it often, then it's better to get a more expensive tool. In this case, the "more expensive - better" scheme works.

A peeling planer can be purchased at a building materials store in your city or in an online store. When buying, pay attention to the case (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 what to cut drywall

Cutter for processing GKL - many have heard of such a tool, but what it is and how it works, they have not verified from their own experience. Actually, they cut drywall not only for her. What is the best way to do this, it 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 cutter. It has a rotational movement, and the workpiece that is being processed is translational.


A shaped router cuts not only grooves, but also virtually any kind of geometric holes in a drywall sheet. In terms of functionality, a shaped router is better. It can also process the edge of the sheet.

To mill drywall, either disk or shaped routers are used. Discs are mainly used only when it is necessary to make long straight grooves. Such a tool cannot cut a curved pattern.

Which drywall cutter to choose? If you have to make rounded surfaces, radii, you need a U-shaped cutter. And if we are talking about sharp corners, preferably a V-shaped cutter for processing drywall.

Drywall cutting tool (video)

Hacksaw or wood saw when cutting drywall

This tool should be narrow. If you take a wide hacksaw, the sheet can be damaged. When cutting, the sheet must be fixed so that there are no breaks.

A peeling planer will also be needed to clean 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, a multi-level ceiling, you cannot do without a planer.

How to cut a profile for drywall

Frame for drywall construction will also need to be cut.

The profile can be cut with the following tools:

  • hacksaw for metal;
  • grinder;
  • scissors for metal;
  • manual machine;
  • cutting desktop machine;
  • electric jigsaw with a metal saw.

It is difficult to say which is better - but use the grinder as a last resort. It’s not that she won’t take a profile, her “minus” is a large number of sparks during work.

How to cut drywall

Working with GKL is not so difficult, especially if a good tool is at hand, and you are still determined not to saw, but to cut.

Drywall Cutting Tips:

  • You need to cut on a stable and even surface, otherwise the material may bend.
  • Cut large sheets in several passes.
  • GKL must be dry, moisture can damage them.
  • The frame for drywall can be safely formed even from small parts, but these fragments must be fixed on the wall soundly.
  • If the cuts on the profile did not turn out to be perfectly even, they will eventually close with sheets anyway, so you should not worry.

Curly cutting of drywall deserves special attention. Most suitable option- electric jigsaw, it is more convenient and easier for them to work. If this is not the case, a drywall hacksaw will help out.

If you have to work with drywall often, you need to have several special tools in your arsenal at once.

You may need:

  • drywall planer,
  • jigsaw,
  • mounting knife for drywall,
  • drywall saw.

Once again it is worth noting - a circular saw for working with drywall is unsuitable.

Many tools are multifunctional and can inspire new drywall designs.

How to cut drywall (video)

How to cut holes in drywall

Drywall has proven itself as a universal finishing material. Due to its excellent performance and comparative ease of operation, it can be used to solve a wide range tasks. However, there are some features of handling it. For example, when you need to cut a round hole in drywall, certain difficulties may arise. How to properly carry out the necessary actions, and 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 it became necessary to make a technological or decorative hole in a drywall sheet, then it should be taken into account that the problem can be solved in several ways. The choice of option should be made on the basis of specific conditions and the availability of tools.

Special nozzle drill

You can make a round hole in drywall using a special drill bit on a drill. The option can be considered the simplest and most convenient for independent implementation. To do this, you need to purchase crowns (round drill bits) in a specialized store that will fit the desired size. The element is clamped in the drill chuck, and the necessary holes are drilled according to the previously applied markings. Such drills are most often sold in sets, so there should not be any problems with selecting the right size.

One of the most convenient ways to make a hole in drywall is a hole saw.

Electric jigsaw

If you need to drill a hole of a large diameter or it is not possible to purchase a special drill, then you can use a simple electric jigsaw. To do this, markup is performed in the right place. After that, you need to use an ordinary drill, the diameter of which will be slightly larger than the width of the jigsaw blade, to make a through hole on the marked line. Next, using the resulting hole as a starting point, a circular cut is made. The inner edges of the resulting hole, if necessary, can be processed with sandpaper.

Tile drill

Another option for making holes in drywall for fixtures is to use a special tile drill. Despite the fact that such use of nozzles 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 will use a blade from a hacksaw for metal. Here, approximately the same actions will be repeated as when working with a jigsaw. In terms of its availability, this option can be considered the most acceptable in most cases. It is important to note that when working with the canvas, care should be taken, because when sawing it is quite possible to get injured. To avoid this, you can take the simplest precautions, for example, wrap one of the sides of the web with electrical tape in several layers or put a heat shrink tube over it. In case of uselessness, such an impromptu handle can be removed.

Other ways

If for some reason the above methods are impossible to apply, the problem can be solved in another way. So, for example, a number of holes are drilled according to the marking with a conventional drill. They must be performed at a distance of several millimeters from each other. Further with a light blow of the hammer handle inner part knocked out, and the remaining irregularities are removed with coarse sandpaper.

In addition, you can use a simple clerical knife. For a guide, you can take a round object of a suitable diameter, like a saucer or a bottle. Several passes are made around the improvised template with a knife, resulting in a fairly neat hole.

Thus, it is obvious that there are a lot of options for how to make a hole in drywall for a lamp, so that every home master can choose the most suitable method for himself.

How to cut drywall and profile: all ways

Drywall into separate fragments today is cut in several ways. These include:

  • a way when you need to cut a sheet in a straight line;
  • cutting drywall in an indirect line.

Both methods are easy to do with your own hands, subject to simple rules, which we will consider below for each option separately.

How to cut drywall in a straight line

Very often it is necessary to cut the slab in a straight line in order to finish the frame sheathing in certain places. To do this, you will definitely need a drywall knife. According to many experts, it is better to use it, instead of analogue substitutes.

cutting drywall using such a knife involves the following preparatory procedures:

  • we put the plate (moisture-resistant, ordinary or refractory sheet) on a stable and even surface;
  • we apply the necessary markings on the plate in order to cut out the pieces we need. Marking is especially needed if you need to cut a hole for a lamp or socket of a certain size;
  • Marking is applied with a simple pencil. It is undesirable to use a marker or pen;
  • on the reverse side of the plate we make marks from the bottom and top, and then we connect it with a long and even rail. You can use chalk thread.

Now that the markup is done, you can cut out the desired 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;
  • on the marked markings several times lightly draw with a knife. You can not remove the rail for greater evenness;
  • turn the plate over to the other side and knock on the cut. It will be enough to knock with a fist several times;
  • fold the sheet along the line at the cut site. Now the cut piece is held only on paper;
  • cut the remaining layer of paper and get an even piece of the plate.

In this way, you can cut a whole sheet and get perfectly even pieces.

When cladding 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 tool cannot be used. To cut a hole of any diameter, you need to take a hacksaw with small teeth.

Where a knife fails, a drywall hacksaw will. With its help, you can easily cut a hole of any diameter and size.

Cut holes with a hacksaw in the following way:

  • put the plate on a flat surface:
  • we put the markup in the right place;
  • we take a hacksaw in our hands and saw through it with short segments at the bend points, at the beginning and end of the cut;
  • we take a knife and cut through the GKL according to 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 corrected with a planer.

In this situation it is better just use an 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 close your eyes with goggles and wear a respirator.

How to quickly cut drywall

Drywall is a truly versatile material when it comes to indoor interior work. With it, you can erect partitions, sheathe walls and ceilings. In addition, drywall lends itself perfectly to processing, bending and is quite affordable. But in the manufacture of any design, it will be necessary to divide the whole 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

It doesn't take long to figure out what cut drywall. For this, the usual available tools are used:

  • plane;
  • special hacksaw;
  • electric jigsaw.

It is not necessary to buy a knife, although there is a special one for cutting hl. Almost anyone is suitable here, the main thing is that it is well sharpened. It is better to choose a hacksaw with fine teeth and a thin blade. An electric jigsaw is convenient for cutting holes and will greatly speed up the whole process, and a planer is useful for processing edges. A mounting knife is not very suitable for this, as 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, a rule, a simple pencil - all this is needed for marking.

Now it's worth talking about drywall cutting technology and what tool to use for this.

Regular drywall cutting

To begin with, it is worth making careful measurements and drawing a 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 along the line make an incision. Only the top layer of cardboard is cut through, while the bottom layer remains intact. Important nuance: The knife must be very sharp.

After that, it remains to put the hl vertically and knock on it. It will break right 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. In the case when you need to make holes, use a different tool.

How to cut drywall in an indirect 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 sawn through with a hacksaw. Then they make a break and process the edges.

For cutouts for communications, the main difficulty is marking. It is best to make a drawing on paper, which is then transferred to hl. Straight lines can be cut with a hacksaw, and curves with a drywall cutter. And we must not forget that hl is a fragile material, so you need to act carefully and without haste.

What is the best way to cut round holes in drywall?

Gkl is a material that is perfect for wall cladding and the construction of partitions. They can be curly, using decorative lighting. With this option, the question arises, how to cut drywall under Spotlights or sockets.

The most accurate holes will be obtained using a jigsaw. But if it's not available, don't despair. You can try to cut the circle with a knife and then knock it out with a hammer. Small holes, for example, for sockets are cut with a drill bit.

How to cut already installed drywall

There are times when you need to make an incision in a sheet installed on the wall. How, in this case, to cut the drywall correctly and what tool to use? First you need to check the quality of installation and the stability of the frame. If everything is in order, then choose the inventory depending on the shape of the future hole.

If you need to make an L-shaped cut in drywall, then you will need a hacksaw and a knife, and for round holes - only a hacksaw. First, a small hole is made (initial), and then a hole of the desired diameter.

It can be seen that even such a simple (at first glance) procedure as cutting hl 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 remnants of the material. In any case, such experience will come in handy at almost all stages of home repair. Is not it?

What is the best way to cut drywall

Perhaps the most common material in modern repair work is GKL (plasterboard sheet). Its ease of use, combined with 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 really deserves its place in our lives. Indeed, in terms of practicality and reliability, it has no equal.

But how to work with such material, what tools are needed - that's what you need to think about first of all if you are going to use it for your own purposes.

A drywall knife, although it seems at first glance not such an important tool, is actually the basis for the quality and speed of work, because sheets of material are cut with it. Let's take a closer look at the options for knives and others. cutting tools for GKL.

Hand tool for cutting drywall

Of course, it is better to use a knife with a tape measure and another tool for marking drywall.

most popular and in a simple way cutting drywall is a paint knife.

Beginners in the construction business do not know how and how to cut drywall in the best way. After all, any work, whether it is the creation of a ceiling structure, a partition or a complex decor element, requires knowledge of the rules for cutting GKL and strict adherence to them in practice. The tool for these purposes is used differently. It all depends on the chosen cutting method. So, how to cut drywall at home, the following recommendations will suggest.

Introduction to the toolbox

The mandatory list of tools for sawing gypsum fiber with your own hands includes three groups of items

1. Devices for marking on a GKL sheet- a simple pencil, tape measure, long ruler.

2. Actually cutting and sawing devices.

  • Knife. You can cut the GVLV with a clerical knife, as well as a specialized construction knife with a double-sided replaceable blade (suitable for denser materials).
  • Hacksaw. It is better if it is a tool for working metal than wood.
  • Electric jigsaw. Ideal for sawing rounded elements. Least of all leave chips on the ends of drywall high-quality files for metal with a fine tooth.
  • Electric drill. Needed for making holes. Large d gaps will require round crowns (which cut into the core of door snap locks) and feather drills.

3.Edging fixtures:

  • peeling planer;
  • planer for chamfering.

This list clearly shows how home craftsmen cut drywall. Of course, it is far from complete. The arsenal of experienced craftsmen may include professional equipment, such as a special cutter for GVL. However, for those who work with the material for the first time, this set is quite enough. To better understand how to properly cut drywall, you must clearly understand the structure of this material.

The structure and purpose of drywall

Plasterboard sheets are a layered combination of two types of materials - gypsum (internal content) and sheets of thick cardboard glued to it on both sides. It is clear that if the cardboard layers are damaged, sawing the rest is not difficult.

Therefore, in order to be able to quickly cut out a GKL sheet, it is not enough to know what is better. cut drywall. It is important to know the basic principle of this action: after a continuous even cutting of drywall is carried out, the second step immediately follows - breaking the sheet.

Sawing drywall, like any hard porous material, is easy. It also lends itself well to drilling.

The functions of the material make it possible to distinguish it into varieties: moisture resistant, fire resistant, standard, increased strength (for example, drywall or drywall, made according to Knauf technologies), acoustic drywall, etc.

Despite the large assortment of HA, panels of any of its varieties lend themselves well to being divided into parts using the material at hand.

Choice of HA cutting methods

Which method of cutting drywall to resort to will become clear after studying the options available for this purpose.

Standard cutting

Cutting the sheet in a straight line is the easiest way to cut. It boils down to this:

GVL is placed on a hard and even surface. After that, the marking of the future cutting line is performed.

Whichever knife is chosen, they should be cut strictly, placing a ruler on the side. An uneven cut is guaranteed if it is decided to cope without a ruler. Cutting starts from the back (there is a denser cardboard layer). The front part of the Civil Code is somewhat different, as it is intended for finishing work. When cutting, they try to deepen the knife as much as possible into the plaster contents.

Upon completion of the process, the HA is turned over and bent in the direction of the solid (without the cut line) side. Gypsum, not touched by a knife, will be broken in the required direction. The cardboard on the opposite side is cut along the formed fold line.

It is not particularly important which side to start cutting drywall from. However, it is much easier to do this on a flat, dense surface than when holding the GL by weight.

Before you cut drywall with improvised tools, you should familiarize yourself with two more types of simple cutting, feasible for self-implementation.

Double sided cutting. More often, cutting in the form of any rectangle is performed in this way. By means of a hacksaw, one of the sides is sawn, the other is simply cut with a blade. After that, the material is broken, and the cardboard is cut off from the opposite side (as with simple cutting). The finished cut is brought to perfection using an edge planer.

Cutting along uneven lines. To cut material along uneven lines, you must first prepare a drawing.

Cutting according to the given geometry

Curly cutting of drywall is used in a situation of creating unique shapes for a specific structural element. This procedure is more complicated, and one cannot do without basic experience and a sufficient arsenal of tools.

When curly cutting, the material is also marked out first. If you need to draw a circle, but there is no compass at hand, then they are armed with a needle with a thread and a tied pencil.

For curly cutting of HA in different situations, one of the methods described below is applicable.

Option one. Describes the process when a hacksaw is selected as a tool. Manipulating a hacksaw is akin to working with a knife with teeth and a handle. Using a drywall hacksaw, you can cut out fragments with any non-trivial shapes (for example, butterflies or flowers).

Option two. An electric drill with a cylindrical nozzle allows you to create even circles of small diameter in drywall. The circle is not marked here, but limited to a mark in the desired area.

Option three. For sawing GVL with an electric jigsaw, a clear marking of the contour of the required shape is performed. Priority in choosing a jigsaw is given when the diameter of the circle being made must be greater than the diameter of the crown of the electric drill, and the rounded shape lines are not limited to a circle.

Option four. The most primitive, when the choice of tool comes down to a knife and a hammer. Drywall is cut along the intended border. At the same time, they try to press as hard as possible on the blade.

After that, the HA is placed on a flat surface with a recess. Moreover, the detachable part of the element must fall into this hole. It is less effective to rest the sheet on the wall. Next, hit with a hammer in the middle of the detachable fragment. The part to be removed should break through. A layer of cardboard from the bottom is cut off, aligning the ends as needed. GK masters highly do not recommend resorting to this technique for people without experience. Since you have to spend a lot of drywall sheets for stuffing your hands and working out the pressure force.

The nuances of making circles

Circles in the ceiling structure are made primarily for the installation of fixtures. The easiest way is to cut a circle of a given diameter in the hypofibre with a blade. And gently knock out the middle part with a hammer. However, it will be easier to implement the plan with a drill with special equipment - a cylindrical nozzle. The same one that is used when cutting into the door of the lock mechanism with a latch.

Cutting after installation of plasterboard

Of course, it is more convenient to cut material that has not yet been fixed. But in practice, there are situations when cutting off the excess is required after mounting the sheets to the frame. Such pruning is due to the fact that the sheathed surfaces meet window slopes or corners on their way.

The sheet is fixed on the wall, leaving a small margin of size. Already on the wall, excess centimeters are removed.

Here it is important to make sure that the HA is securely fixed to the frame. The incision is made on the side that is in contact with the wall. Cutting movements are repeated repeatedly, drawing along the markup. At the same time, unnecessary parts of the material are trying to “squeeze out”. The sheet is cut on the other side.

After studying these methods, beginners will understand how to cut drywall with a minimum set of tools at home. If you need to cut large quantities of HA, these options will not work. The best solution is to turn to professionals.

source: https://izgipsokartona.com/montag/rezka-gipsokartona.html

When installing drywall sheets, it is necessary to use tools that will allow you to cut all the plates evenly and with high quality. Let's find out how to cut drywall, what tools can be used for this.

Drywall cutting diagram.

Drywall sheet cutting tools

Drywall is a very durable material, but in order to securely fix it to the ceiling or wall, it must be properly cut. GKL sheets are somewhat fragile, that is, in order to cut them in a straight line without splitting the slab, you will have to use special, albeit fairly simple tools. After that, you can, using the profile and screws, proceed with the installation.

So how to cut drywall? Many manufacturers recommend using special equipment for this, but its cost is quite high, so it is quite possible to get by with a minimum set that allows you to quickly and accurately cut sheets before attaching them to the profile. You can limit yourself to the following set: Tape measure, a simple pencil - this is the minimum set required to make markings on the surface of the sheet. It is better to take a three-meter tape measure, made of metal, the pencil should be sharply sharpened.

The markup itself is very simple, according to preliminary measurements. It is better to take a long ruler, but if it is not there, then you can use a regular profile, the trimmings of which may remain after installing the frame. Knife. There are several options here: the most common clerical sharp knife with a strong body or a special construction knife with replaceable blades, which has a comfortable handle for work. When cutting this way, it is necessary to ensure that the blade is sharp, it is recommended to use protective gloves.

For cutting sheets of drywall, a wood saw or a hacksaw, which cut knots, is excellent.

It must be necessarily narrow so as not to damage the stove during operation. Also, when cutting, the sheet must first be fixed so as not to break it. Roughing planer. This is probably the only professional tool that should be used when cutting GKL sheets. A planer is used to clean the cut edges. Many people think that such work can be done using the most common kitchen grater, file, sandpaper, but when installing a multi-level ceiling or large niches, partitions, it is recommended to use a plane

Simple straight cut

How to cut drywall correctly? Most often, a straight cut is used, which allows cutting the sheet into the necessary parts with the desired shape. It's easy to do this job. First you need to mark up with a simple pencil and a metal ruler. Next, a sharp knife carefully cuts through the first layer of cardboard. It is also best to cut along the ruler so that the line is even and neat. There can be two or three such cuts, do not be too lazy to do this so that the sheet easily breaks exactly in the place where it is needed.

It is necessary to break the sheet in this way: after cutting through the layer of paper, it is recommended to put the GKL on the edge, approach from the side where the cut was made, lightly tap on the drywall slab. Approximately two or three such blows, and the gypsum core will not withstand the load, it will break exactly according to the markings you have made. It remains only to hold the halves so that they do not fall to the floor. After that, using a metal profile, the GKL sheet is attached to the ceiling or wall. In this direct way, drywall is usually cut in most cases. This allows you to quickly cut a large number of sheets.

Bilateral cut

Quite often, when attaching a sheet to a profile in difficult places, it is required to perform a two-sided cut. This method is used in the design of window openings, doorways, if necessary, bypass beams and other complex structures. What's the best way to cut drywall in this case? First you need to make a hole rectangular or square shape. You can cut it with the help of such a simple tool as a hacksaw or a sharp knife. The cutting process is not difficult:

  • first you need to mark the sheet with a simple pencil and ruler;
  • on the one hand, the sheet must be cut with a hacksaw, and on the other, using a knife;
  • now the drywall is cracked, cut off on one side.

After that, with the help of a peeling planer, carefully process the edge to get smooth edges. When the sheet is cut, you can fix it in the desired place with self-tapping screws. Joints and seams after installation are puttied, pre-glued with a special mesh.

Round holes, uneven cut

Often, when installing drywall sheets, you have to make a variety of holes, for example, for a battery, plumbing equipment, for installing electrical fittings (sockets, switches, when installing lamps). For this, conventional cutting methods are of little use. So how to cut drywall in this case? It is especially difficult to determine the correct dimensions of the future hole, to choose a tool, a place for fasteners. Let's consider in more detail the procedure.

First you need to draw up a drawing, and then measure all the dimensions. When it is necessary to make a semicircular cutout or a bend on straight surfaces, you can also use an ordinary hacksaw, having first marked the sheet with a simple pencil. For pipes and electrical fittings, special nozzles are used for drills, which allow you to perform accurate and right res.

But you can make such round holes with a regular knife, and then clean all the edges with sandpaper. Usually this easy way used in the installation of lamps. First, a marking is applied with a simple pencil, after which a hole is carefully cut out with a sharp knife. The cut material is carefully knocked out with a hammer, the edges are cleaned. This method can be used when the cut points will be decorated with something additional. Do not forget that the sheets still need to be fixed to the previously prepared profile.

Drywall is a material that is often used for finishing walls and ceilings, in the construction of a wide variety of niches, partitions. With such material, you can embody a lot of ideas. And cutting the GKL, as you have seen, is not so difficult. So it's time to act and implement your ideas.

source: //www.vashgipsokarton.ru/montazh/kak-rezat.html

Methods for cutting drywall

Before you make a hole in drywall, you need to find out what kind of material it is. Drywall is a material that is a two-layer sheet of cardboard and a core of hardened gypsum with fillers. This material is intended for sheathing, creating partitions, and is used when installing ceilings in rooms with normal air humidity.

Holes in drywall may be needed when installing switches, sockets and fixtures.

There are three types of drywall: regular, moisture resistant and fire resistant. Moisture-resistant type is used when working in rooms with high humidity air, such as a bathroom. Fire-resistant, respectively, for fireplace portals and other places where there is an open fire nearby. In addition to the above listed types, there is also a gypsum fiber sheet, which is highly durable, and acoustic, which has increased sound insulation.

There are several ways to cut drywall.

Each of them is used for different cases. The most common way is to cut the sheet in a straight line. But it also happens that it is necessary to cut out a circle or other figure.

4 ways to shapely cut drywall

  • electric drill;
  • special nozzle - crown.

Sawing products are easily removed from the crowns through the side slot.

It is best to cut a circle in drywall, for example, for a built-in lamp, using an electric drill and a special cylindrical nozzle for drilling round holes - crowns. These cylindrical nozzles are available in various diameters and applications. To cut a circle, a nozzle for wood and plywood is suitable. They are called circular saws or drills. It is also convenient if there is a set of such saws, for example, if you need to make a hole for spotlights various models or for round sockets of various diameters.

List of tools for work:

  • jigsaw.

If you do not have a crown, then you can use a jigsaw. Before starting work, a circle is marked on the drywall, then a hole is drilled in the center of this circle, into which we insert the jigsaw blade. Cut out, passing along the previously marked contour of the circle. Thus we get a perfect circle. You can also advise when cutting using a jigsaw to use a narrow file with fine teeth. At the same time, it should be noted that you do not need to cut too fast, but it is better to set the speed of the jigsaw to the maximum.

List of tools:

  • pencil or marker (for marking);
  • hacksaw for drywall.

Drywall cutting diagram.

In addition to the above tools, in order to cut an even circle, you can use a special hacksaw for cutting drywall. This tool is very simple and easy to use, and it can also be used for straight cutting. All you need to do is simply mark the circle in advance with a pencil or marker and then cut it out according to the markup.

Method 4. If there are no special tools

List of tools that will be needed for work:

  • pencil or marker (for marking);
  • ruler (for measuring the radius of the hole);
  • drywall knife;
  • a hammer.

All the methods described earlier can be used if you have the appropriate tool at hand. But what if there are simply no such tools and devices, but you still need to cut a hole?

In this case, you must use the following method. All we need for this is a drywall knife and an ordinary hammer.

The actions are the following:

  1. We mark the center of the future circle and measure the radius.
  2. Let's mark up.
  3. With a knife, we draw along the markup so as to cut through the drywall as deeply as possible.
  4. We put a sheet of drywall on a surface in which there is a recess, so that the circle that we cut out is above this recess.
  5. then we hit the marked center of the circle with a hammer with enough force to break the drywall through the slot made.
  6. cut off the excess pieces, trim the edges and cut off the bottom layer of cardboard.

Drywall cutting tools.

This method is very, very simple, does not require special tools, but its application requires skill. It is quite dangerous, in the absence of experience, and a beginner will have to ruin more than one sheet of drywall before working it out. The blow should not be too strong, otherwise the material will simply break, but not too weak.

The depth of the cut made in the first stages of preparation is important. The deeper the slot, the less effort will have to be applied to ensure that the sheet breaks off in the right place. If the circle you want to cut out is large enough in diameter, then it's best to cut the cardboard inside the outline into segments.

Other geometry

Those methods that were described above, except for the first one, can be equally suitable for cutting rectangular holes.

A jigsaw is best suited if you need to perform curved cutting, but not everyone has such a tool. Then you can use the following method, for which we need a hacksaw. You need to act as follows:

  1. Mark the center of the future figure and mark the edges
  2. We apply the markup
  3. We divide the cutting contour into more or less straight sections and cut them with a knife, and only the top layer of cardboard is cut through and the gypsum is scratched
  4. Cut the cut part with a hacksaw into segments
  5. We put a sheet of drywall on a surface in which there is a recess, so that the figure that we cut out is above this recess
  6. Then we hit with a hammer in the marked center of the figure with sufficient force so that the drywall breaks through the slot made
  7. Cut off the excess pieces, trim the edges and cut off the bottom layer of cardboard.

This method is suitable if you need to cut a figure with a large radius.

Drywall installation work involves cutting sheets into parts of the desired size. At home, the master does not often face such a task, so it is not advisable to buy professional electric files for cutting HA. When working with large volumes of HA, the cutting speed comes first, so for a master who is constantly engaged in installation, the purchase of such equipment is relevant.

A set of tools for working with GC

But in order to make a box for the ceiling or an arched opening in your home, cutting the HA can be done with a common general-purpose tool that is available in the arsenal of any home craftsman. And in order to understand how to cut drywall correctly, you must first figure out what kind of material it is.

In order to easily bend, cut drywall (GC) at home, both in a straight line and in a complex line, you must first understand the structure of this material. Its name fully speaks about it: in fact, it is a sandwich, the core of which consists of a fragile mixture based on gypsum, which is glued on both sides with cardboard. When preparing parts, the properties of drywall are used, due to its material and structure:

  • The core gives the drywall hardness, and the cardboard prevents it from breaking. If the cardboard layer is damaged, the HA easily breaks in this place. Making a continuous straight cut into the cardboard and then breaking the sheet - main principle fast cutting.

Sectional sheet
  • Like any hard porous material, HA is easy to drill and saw. Gypsum can be cut with any hand tool.
  • The porous mass of the filler is able to absorb moisture, while the material reversibly loses its hardness and can be deformed. After giving the required shape, the HA dries up and regains strength. This property is used to obtain solid arched parts with a uniform bend.

GK cutting tools

To work with drywall at home, you will need tools for marking and cutting:

  • Marking is carried out using a tape measure and a meter metal ruler. It is convenient to use a metal guide or carrier profile. With their help, the initial markup of a long sheet is performed. A ruler for drawing a longitudinal line on a 2.5 m long GK sheet will be short.
  • Stationery knife. It is better to use a drywall knife. It is stronger, and when working with it, you can make cuts with considerable effort without the risk of breaking the knife.

Knife - the main tool for cutting GC
  • Hacksaw for wood. For sawing HA, a thin pass saw with a minimum set of teeth is suitable. Hardware stores sell a special narrow file for drywall.
  • Electric jigsaw. This tool is today considered a universal assistant in household, so it is in the arsenal of any master.
  • Electric drill. It is used for drilling straight holes. For large diameters, pen drills or round crowns are used to insert the core of door latches.
  • A planer is used to process the edges of parts after cutting, cutting off irregularities, scraps of cardboard, and chamfering. It is not necessary to buy a drywall planer, a regular carpenter will do.
  • The metal profile is cut off with a grinder or metalwork scissors.
  • Needle roller for making curved parts.

Drywall cutting techniques

Proper marking of the workpiece is the basis for cutting the HA. If the part turns out to be larger than necessary, it can be cut, but the small workpiece will be completely ruined.

The time spent on rechecking the markup will be significantly less than on reworking or trimming parts.

The tool for direct cutting drywall is a knife. After marking two points on the surface of the sheet, a ruler or profile is applied to them. It is not necessary to draw a line. It is necessary to firmly press the guide and with pressure make an even cut of the cardboard. You can cut through several times, since the deeper the groove, the more evenly the drywall will break off. After that, the sheet is broken and all that remains is to cut through the cardboard evenly from the back of the sheet.

Curved lines are cut with a jigsaw.

A hacksaw is used for zigzag lines. Usually these are corner cuts. In this case, one line is cut with a hacksaw, the second with a knife.


Application of a hacksaw

To make blind holes, a circle is marked, a hole is drilled, a jigsaw file is inserted into it, and a sphere of the required shape is cut out in a circle.

If you want to make a rectangular hole in an already installed GK sheet (for an outlet), it is not always possible to use a jigsaw for fear of damaging wall communications. With absence professional tool with an adjustable reach of the cutting element, you will have to work with an ordinary knife, gradually cutting through the sheet to its full thickness.

Production of curved parts

The most time-consuming and lengthy process is the bending of drywall parts. Correctly bending the GK, profile is a task that requires accuracy and patience.

First, a rectangular blank is cut off. To correctly mark the part, using a flexible tape measure, the length of the arch along the bend is measured.

The front coating of drywall is denser than the reverse, therefore, the bending of the workpiece is performed so that the back coating is stretched.

After watching the video, you can understand without words how simple everything is:

Exactly bending a wide part is possible only with the help of a template. It is made from fiberboard, plywood or the same drywall.

One side of the part is rolled with a needle roller with such pressure that the needles penetrate into the thickness of the sheet by 3-5 mm. After that, the surface is moistened with water until softened. This is a long process, and you should not rush. In this case, according to the template, you need to gradually bend the part. After it lies completely in the mold, it is fixed and left to dry.


Bending on a template

For gentle arches with a large radius, where the steepness of the bend is small, wet arching can be dispensed with. Transverse cuts are made on parts with a uniform step, resulting in an accordion. After fixing, such a surface is puttied to hide the bending ribs.

For arched structures, bending the profile will not work. To do this, it is cut with scissors in increments of 3-10 cm, depending on the steepness of the bend. Correctly make triangular cuts.

To work with drywall, you can get by with the usual tool that can be found in any home workshop.

In contact with

Everyone who works or plans to start working with GC is faced with the question of how to cut drywall. This simple and at the same time difficult operation can be performed in several ways.

The most popular is cutting drywall sheet in a straight line. To do this, the GKL is laid on a flat surface in a horizontal position. After that, with the help of a pencil and a rule, a straight line is marked along which an incision is made. Then the sheet is turned over and cracked along the cut line on the other side. To understand how to properly cut drywall, consider all situations and cutting methods in more detail.

First, let's decide what tool we need for this operation. How to cut drywall:

  • Regular or special drywall cutter with interchangeable blades
  • Roulette
  • Ruler, rule or cord for marking
  • Electric jigsaw with a small file (for cutting a sheet along an uneven line)

After cutting the drywall sheet, processing of its edges will be required, so for this we will use:

  • Planer for chamfering
  • Peeling planer

How to cut drywall in a straight line

Cutting a drywall sheet in a straight line is not that difficult. To do this, we lay the GKL on a flat horizontal surface (on the floor or on the table), we make the necessary measurements using a simple pencil. It should be noted that it is not recommended to use a marker or pen for marking, as they leave traces, which are then almost impossible to putty.

After measurements, we leave marks at the bottom and top of the sheet. We apply a rule or level to these marks and draw a line.

Now let's get down to cutting. To do this, we need a sharp knife with an adjustable blade length. In this case, the blade should protrude from the knife handle by a length not exceeding the thickness of the drywall. We make an incision along the left line. In order for the line to turn out to be more even, it is necessary to walk 2-3 more times along the cut with a knife, so we will deepen it.

If the sheet was lying on the table, then it is necessary to move it so that the cut-off part protrudes beyond the edges. Now you need to take hold of the edges of the sheet and with a sharp movement gently break along the notch line, after which we make another cut with a knife on the reverse side.

If the cutting of the drywall sheet was carried out on the floor, then after the incision it must be placed on the edge, and with light taps on the whole side, make a break and then cut the cardboard with a knife.

On a note! Not to be used for cutting drywall circular saw. Using this tool can be compared to hammering nails with a stone. Such a saw creates a huge amount of dust, which adversely affects the mechanical parts of the tool and your lungs.

How to cut drywall in the shape of the letter L

Usually drywall sheet is cut in the shape of the letter G for sheathing a doorway. The operation is not complicated, but to perform it we need a hacksaw, with which we saw through the short part. The long part is cut according to the scheme described above with a knife.

How to cut drywall in an uneven line

More difficult process cutting drywall along a curved line, for example, when we need to cut an oval or a circle. For this work, we need an additional tool - electric jigsaw with a small nail file. You can try to cut the sheet with a knife, but there are very few guarantees that the cut will turn out to be even and neat.

When cutting drywall with a jigsaw, a lot of dust is generated, so you need to take care of personal protective equipment (safety glasses, a respirator).

How to cut drywall installed on a wall

If it is necessary to sheathe a window slope or a corner of a wall with a plasterboard sheet and at the same time make sure that its edge matches perfectly with the edges of the wall, then the cutting of the plasterboard is carried out "in place", that is, the sheet already installed on the wall is cut. As a rule, a piece of drywall is attached a little for this. bigger size than necessary and then cut off unnecessary parts.

To properly perform this operation, the drywall sheet must be securely fastened to the frame. An incision is made on the side of the sheet that is adjacent to the sheathed surface. We draw several times along the outlined line, slightly pressing on the unnecessary piece. After that, we cut the sheet from the back. In order to cut a sheet in the shape of the letter G on a sheet already attached to the frame, we cut a horizontal line with a hacksaw, after which we cut a vertical line with a knife.

How to cut a hole in drywall for an outlet or light bulb

These holes are cut into drywall sheet usually after installation . How to cut drywall in this case?

For this operation, we need a drywall crown (circular saw) or a drywall hacksaw. In hardware stores you can buy a set of crowns for HA of different diameters. These devices are installed on a screwdriver or drill.

Cutting a hole with a hacksaw is more difficult, and the edges of the hole will not turn out so smooth.

Finishing drywall edges after cutting

After cutting, the edges of a drywall sheet are usually not very even and smooth. To make them more accurate and at the same time prepare the joints of the installed sheets for puttying, it is necessary to chamfer with a special planer. You can also do this with a regular knife. Typically, the chamfer is removed 2/3 of the thickness of the sheet at an angle of 45 degrees.

Cutting drywall correctly is not a difficult task, but we recommend an excellent video clip to fix the material.

How to cut drywall video:

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