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Drywall knife. How to cut gvl at home. How to cut GVL correctly - the necessary tools

Many people think that GVL is some kind of drywall and try to cut it with ordinary household knives. To do this in the case of GVL is unlikely to succeed for quite objective reasons.

GVL specifics

Gypsum fiber sheet, like GKL, is made on the basis of building gypsum. But the similarity of these materials is limited to this. Unlike drywall, GVL has the following characteristics:

  • Solar uniformity of internal mass;
  • Absence of an external covering from dense paper;
  • The presence of reinforcement from cellulose fibers;
  • High degree of strength;
  • Zero flammability;
  • Withstand humidity up to 70%.

With all the strength characteristics, the material practically does not bend and is quite fragile to fracture. With the wrong tool, you can simply crush the slab. That is why a special tool is required to cut it.

Tools for working with GVL

GVL can be cut with the following tools:

  • A hard construction knife - while the blades will have to be constantly changed, as they quickly become unusable;
  • Hacksaw for working on GVL - on the canvas, the teeth of a special shape are located at a specific angle. This is done so that the material does not dust and does not crumble when cutting;
  • Angle grinder (grinder) - the most fast way cut GVL, but the dust will stand as a column. Work should be in glasses and a respirator;
  • Electric jigsaw - it is better to use a model with a built-in dust collector. Use a canvas on wood with a step of 4mm.

GVL cutting technology

Regardless of which tool is chosen for cutting, it must be remembered that the material is easy to crumble. In this case, we will describe the procedure for cutting with a construction knife, since this method is the most budgetary. The sequence of actions is as follows:

  1. A clear marking is applied to the gypsum-fiber sheet.
  2. As close as possible to the marking line, a long metal ruler should be attached, a clean rule or a flat rail will do.
  3. With a construction knife, the markup should be carried out several times.
  4. It is necessary to obtain a groove with a depth of more than 2/3 of the sheet thickness.
  5. The sheet breaks with a sharp movement towards itself.

Among piece finishing materials gypsum fiber boards for the walls stand out. They are in many ways similar to dry plaster, but have differences in performance. How such plates are cut, how they are prepared for installation and attached to the wall, we will describe later in the article.

Gypsum fiber boards - types and advantages of the material

There are two types of gypsum fiber sheets (GVL), the difference between them lies in the manufacturing method and properties. Some are suitable for rooms with high humidity, others sheathe other walls. Moisture resistant sheets (GVLV) have impregnations that protect products from water and steam. The scope of their application is unheated rooms, bathrooms, kitchens. Non-moisture resistant GVL are used in dry rooms.

The basis of the plates is gypsum - a rather fragile material, therefore, to increase the strength in the production, cellulose and reinforcing additives are additionally used. GVL for walls differs from drywall: in its manufacture, cardboard coating is not carried out. The strength of GVL is much greater than drywall. In many cases, gypsum fiber boards are simply indispensable for, especially in unheated rooms. They do not lose their properties during repeated freezing and thawing.

Among other advantages of GVL, increased fire resistance is noted. Covering wooden walls with gypsum fiber boards increases their fire safety. There are no impurities harmful to human health in the material. Fungi, mold do not find a nutrient medium in them, they are also not interested in rodents. The products are very durable, warm to the touch, well isolate sounds, protect against heat loss.

GVL comes in standard and small format sizes. Standard 2500×1200 mm, 10 or 12 mm thick. Small-format ones make 1500 × 1000 mm of the same thickness. They are convenient in small spaces: bathroom, toilet. On the reverse side, a marking indicating the properties of the product is applied. The letter A in the marking indicates high quality.

These products are supplied to the market by many enterprises producing building materials. You should choose products from well-known manufacturers. A visual inspection will also help you get an idea of ​​the product. The surface must be undamaged and free from roughness. Buy should be in stores with dry warehouses, where the goods were stored in proper conditions.

Among other advantages of gypsum fiber boards, the following should be noted:

  • construction defects and communications are hidden under them;
  • pressed sheets are very strong and viscous, nails and screws are securely attached to them;
  • the material can be processed with carpentry tools like wood;
  • the surface is painted, wallpapered, tiled.

GVL can be used in any premises, regardless of the condition of the surfaces, the material used. This is an alternative to wet plaster: environmentally friendly, durable, beautiful, requiring a minimum of time and effort during installation.

How to cut GVL correctly - the necessary tools

Many people believe that preparing material for installation should be similar to drywall. This is not entirely true. Despite the same basis, their properties differ. GVL, with all its strength, is fragile, so its processing technology has differences. For cutting use:

  • hacksaw for GVL, which almost does not form dust;
  • a thick construction knife with many spare blades that will have to be constantly changed;
  • shoe knife;
  • grinder or circular saw, which cut sheets very quickly;
  • electric jigsaw with a wood file, pitch 4 mm.

When cutting with a jigsaw and grinder, a lot of dust is generated. For protection, a respirator and goggles are used, the sheets are moistened with water.

Cutting is carried out carefully and carefully to avoid injury from sharp and dangerous tools. First, the sheet is marked out, then cuts are made several times along the ruler or rule with a knife. The depth of the cuts should reach ⅔ of the plate thickness. A ruler is exposed from below, a piece of sheet is sharply pulled up, and the plate breaks along the line.

Sheets usually have a smooth edge, which does not create difficulties when joining them. If it becomes necessary to adjust the edges, it is convenient to work with a planer. To make a fold, use a shoe cutter or chisel. If there is a lot of work, use a milling cutter with a groove cutter of 3-4 mm.

Installation without a frame - all the nuances of the process

GVL can be installed without a frame. It is preferable to carry out the installation before laying the finishing floor covering. For two or three days, the sheets are kept indoors at a temperature of +10 ° and above, the thermal regime must be maintained throughout the entire operation. It is also important to avoid changes in humidity.

Assess the condition of the walls. If the surface peels off, partially or completely remove the plaster, depending on the area of ​​​​the problematic surface. Putty is applied, allowed to dry. Whether the wall was puttied or not, it is checked for unevenness. In different places, a ruler is applied and the depth of the depressions is measured. Their presence or absence determines how the material will be attached.

If the irregularities are less than 4 mm, they are fixed with gypsum putty. It is applied with a notched trowel along the edges of the slab, then the gypsum fiber is glued to the wall. For irregularities up to 20 mm, GVL glue is used. It is applied all over the sheet, starting from the edges, after 30 centimeters. If the irregularities are up to 40 mm, the installation becomes more complicated. First, strips of sheets of 10-centimeter width are attached to the glue, and then the sheets themselves are glued to them on gypsum putty. The plates are leveled along a stretched cord, tapping with a mallet.

Before installation, the walls are primed. While the primer dries, you can prepare the GVL slabs. They are cut to size, holes are made for the outlet of electrical appliances. The surface of the walls is marked out using a tape measure and a cord breaker, indicating the installation locations of the plates. It should be remembered that the bottom edge of the sheet should not reach the floor by 10 mm. Then these gaps are closed with GVL segments.

Installation of GVL on the frame

A metal profile or wooden slats 75 × 25 mm are used. First, prepare the walls, removing the peeling coating. Application frame method allows you to exclude the preparation of walls from preliminary operations. Many experts, however, advise pre-puttying the walls.

Applying building level, plumb, apply markings indicating the installation location of the profile. Vertical posts and lintels are installed at the joints and the gaps between them in 40 cm increments. A metal frame is preferable wooden slats. Profiles are installed on brackets, fastened with self-tapping screws or dowels. Racks are glued with sealing tape, which will increase sound insulation. The length of the risers is minus 10 mm from the height of the room.

It is better to finally fix the racks after checking the compliance with the joints of the plates.

Gypsum-fiber material begins to be fixed from the corner in a run along the perpendicular. Fix with 40 mm self-tapping screws for GVL, if the thickness of the material is standard. In any case, the screws should go into the body by 20 mm. Hats are recessed by 2 mm. A small gap of 5-7 mm is left between the sheets. The space between the GVL and the wall can be insulated using, for example, mineral wool.

Adding beauty to walls - surface finishing

Before finishing, surface preparation is carried out with the main goal - to seal the joints. them, as well as internal corners reinforced with special paper tape. Some masters do not recommend reinforcing. A little universal putty is applied to the seams, a tape is applied on top and pressed a little.

Joints should not be reinforced with nylon nets and fiberglass tapes.

After drying, the seam is covered with a layer of putty and leveled with the base. The heads of the screws must be puttied too. At the outer corners, aluminum perforated corners are fixed with putty. Then this place is also leveled and reduced to the level of the main plane.

Now putty is prepared in a plastic bucket with a mixer and applied to the surface. A day later, when the putty dries, they begin to grout the walls with an abrasive mesh or emery. Abrasive material is fixed in special graters. Its grain size depends on the finishing finishing material. For painting, an abrasive of at least size 240 is suitable, for dense wallpaper, 60 is enough.

Dust is removed with a damp cloth and primed with a roller. The walls are ready for finishing. Can be pasted over with wallpaper - from paper to textile or tiled. Of the paints, all are acceptable, except for those made on lime, which include silicates in the composition.

The ease of processing drywall is its undeniable advantage, since the most ordinary tools are used to work with this material. At the same time, even the most complex figure you can cut it out of drywall with your own hands, and if you have certain skills, it will take very little time.

In the article we will talk about the most commonly used tools for cutting drywall, as well as how to properly cut drywall boards using one or another device.

Using a knife according to the GKL

How to cut drywall

Hand tool

As we have already noted, cutting sheets of drywall sheathing is not a laborious task. However, to ensure the most precise dimensions and to obtain the most even edge, you must use the appropriate tool.

You can cut the material using the following devices:

Drywall knife

  • Drywall knife. In principle, any fairly sharp knife with a straight blade can be used to cut drywall, but experts prefer to use models designed specifically for drywall and drywall.
    These knives are equipped with interchangeable trapezoidal blades, and the ergonomic handle allows you to make a smooth cut even without using a ruler.

Note!
The thinner the knife blade, the easier it cuts through the cardboard layer. On the other hand, thin blades are more likely to break and require replacement.

  • Hacksaw for drywall. Most often used for cutting holes. The blade of such a hacksaw is made quite narrow, which allows you to cut grooves in an already installed skin.
    High-quality models of hacksaws have fine sharpened teeth made of high-strength hardened steel.

Hacksaw with double-sided blade

  • Disc cutter. It is used for cutting straight strips of a fixed size from gypsum board. The design of the cutter is shown in the photo, and learning how to use this device is quite simple.

Related article: How to choose bathroom furniture

Disc cutter

Related articles:

  • Drywall lift
  • Edge planer for drywall
  • Drywall Tool

power tool

As an alternative hand tool many masters, especially those who are engaged in drywall work on a professional basis, use various power tools.

Most often used:

  • Electric jigsaw. It can be used both for straight cutting and for sawing out shaped elements. For drywall, a standard electric jigsaw is used with a saw for wood or with a special saw for cement-bonded particle boards.

Jigsaw blades

  • Saber saw. The high price of most models of reciprocating saws limits their widespread use, however, such a saw provides fast and even sawing of drywall of any thickness.
  • Electric drill with an annular cutter. It is used for making holes in the plasterboard, for example, for installing sockets or switches.

Annular cutter

Accessories

For maximum quality processing of the material, in addition to directly cutting tool A variety of accessories are used:

  • Planer-grater - used to align the edges of drywall boards after trimming.
  • Edge planer for drywall - provides chamfering from the ends of the GCR boards, thereby facilitating the jointing and sealing of seams between the boards.

Edge planer

  • Level, tape measure and other measuring tools. Their purpose is obvious - after all, without an accurate measurement, even the most advanced tool cannot cut off a piece of material of the right size.

Drywall cutting technology

Using a knife according to the GKL

Despite all the abundance of devices for cutting drywall to the required dimensions, the most common mounting knife is most often used. With it, you can easily separate a fragment of a GKL slab in a straight line:

  • First, using a tape measure, we measure the dimensions of the drywall fragment we need.
  • We transfer the dimensions to a sheet of material and use a pencil or marker to mark its surface.
  • We apply a metal ruler or a sufficiently long level to the points marked on the surface of the sheet.

Advice!
To cut long enough strips, craftsmen sometimes use a rack or start profile panel - the main thing is that its surface is perfectly flat.

  • We press the ruler to the surface, and draw a knife along it without taking our hands off, i.e. in one motion. The blade should enter about 1/3 of the GKL thickness, so you should not press the knife too hard.
  • We take out the knife and lay the drywall in such a way that the cut line is shifted beyond the edge of the table. If we are working on the floor, then a wooden plank can be placed under the cut so that one edge of the plate is suspended.
  • We press with the palm of our hand on the free part, breaking the plate along the cut. We turn the drywall over and cut through the cardboard layer from the wrong side with a knife.

Gypsum fiber sheet or GVL is actively used in the production of works related to finishing. This material was created later than drywall, so it has not yet managed to become so popular. Gypsum-fiber sheets have a special composition that provides them with completely new characteristics of strength and fire resistance, several times higher than GCR. GVL is considered an indispensable material in the creation of bulk floors, the initial decoration of walls, ceilings, as well as in the process of constructing various boxes.

In the process of working with such a valuable material, only one important question arises - how to cut GVL?

Features of gypsum fiber sheets

To understand what and how to cut gypsum fiber, you must first understand the essence of this material itself. The production of gypsum-fiber sheets, like drywall, is carried out from building gypsum, which limits their similarity. Plates GVLV differ in such features:

  • Fluff pulp is used as reinforcing material.
  • The material is characterized by absolute uniformity of structure,
  • No coating is used on top,
  • The material is completely non-flammable,
  • The density of the material is higher than that of traditional drywall.

This construction material produced by many companies, but the sheets that are manufactured by Knauf deserve the greatest demand. If we take for comparison the gypsum board and gypsum fiber sheets of this company, then we can understand how perfect they are to complement each other, and when they are used as finishing materials in the repair process, only a positive effect can be obtained.

Despite the fact that GVL is an excellent material for making any box, and the walls turn out to be strong and practically non-flammable, this material is different in that it cannot be bent in the same way as drywall. It turns out that it is not suitable for mounting structures that have rounded shapes and complex elements.

The use of a gypsum-fiber sheet is advisable on the floor, in dry screeds, where there is expanded clay, where they show all their most best qualities. When used in the process of constructing a subfloor, you can get excellent result. The floor elements obtained by gluing a pair of GVLV sheets with a total thickness of 20 mm have the following useful properties:

  • They are resistant to loads, that is, they do not break during operation,
  • Resist the penetration of cold
  • Perfect surface smoothness
  • GVL are able to withstand humidity up to 70%.

What is required to work with GVL?

Usually, craftsmen who independently perform the preparation and installation of drywall believe that work with GVL is carried out in a similar way.

However, quite certain troubles can await them here. With all available strength characteristics gypsum fiber sheets demonstrate increased fragility to fracture, so they break easily at the same time. For this reason, GVL sheets do not bend like drywall.

Before cutting GVL, you need to figure out what tools are suitable for this?

So, the tools that can be used to cut GVL:

  • A sharp construction knife, the thickness of which is at least 12 mm. Due to the fact that the blades will dull quickly, they will need to be changed frequently.
  • For GKL there is a special hacksaw, with which you can cut the material with little or no dust.
  • The use of a grinder or a circular saw is advisable only in well-ventilated areas, if only the end really justifies the means. This is a very noisy and dusty method, but of all it is the fastest. If you decide to opt for such a tool, then be sure to use respiratory and eye protection.
  • A jigsaw with a built-in vacuum cleaner is the most perfect option, especially when using a wood file with a 4 mm tooth pitch. However, in this case, quite a lot of dust is formed, which requires the use of a respirator and goggles.

After you decide how to saw GVL, you must take care and accuracy when working with these materials. When using a special hacksaw or cutter for work, it is recommended to proceed as follows:

  • The GVL sheet is marked as it needs to be cut,
  • The marking line is used to attach a rule or a straight ruler to it,
  • It is required to draw a knife over the sheet so many times that a groove is formed on it with a depth of at least 2/3 of the thickness of the sheet,
  • A special rail should be placed under the formed cut line,
  • Next, through a sharp upward movement, you need to gently break the sheet.

You can watch the corresponding video before cutting.

Gypsum fiber sheets are characterized by the formation of even edge edges, so there are usually no problems with joining. If a slight adjustment is required, then you can resort to the help of a peeling planer. To obtain a fold, a chisel or a shoe cutter is best suited. If the amount of work is quite large, then it is recommended to use a milling cutter. When using a groove cutter with a step of 3-4 mm, it is possible to perform all the necessary work in 2-3 approaches.

Drywall is a popular building material material, it is practical and comfortable to use. From GKL sheets, you can create designs of even the most complex shape. For this, complex special devices are not needed, only a special knife is enough. Drywall knives are handy tools for construction works. They come in several types, all of which are aimed at making it easier to work with plasterboards, saving time and creating smooth details and lines.

What to cut?

Cutting drywall is actually a simple and fairly easy process, but to create a smooth, beautiful edge, you should take a tool designed specifically for drywall.

There are 2 main types of tools:

  • manual;
  • powered by electricity.

Devices for manual labor are divided into several varieties.

  • drywall knife is the simplest tool. It cuts smoothly, quickly, and is safe to use. The blade of such a knife is easily extended and securely fixed. Unfortunately, it quickly dulls and can break, although it is easy to change if necessary.
  • Hacksaw, specialized in drywall, is applicable when it is necessary to cut holes and difficult corners. Made from high quality hardened steel. This blade is thin, narrow, and has small sharp teeth, which allows you to cut holes and grooves in the GKL sheet.
  • Disc cutter used for cutting drywall sheets into identical even parts when it is necessary to cut a large number of details.

The thinner the blade of the knife, the easier and more precise it cuts the material, making even and smooth cuts.

But at the same time, a thin blade loses its properties faster. It breaks off, dulls, so you should carefully monitor its condition and replace it if necessary. If desired, any sharply sharpened straight knife can be used for work, but professionals prefer specialized tools.

It can be a specialized knife, a common and popular tool when working with gypsum boards. If you need to make a small incision, you can use a regular utility knife. But it is possible that the resulting edge will be rough or torn, which may require further processing of drywall in the future.

In cases where thorough work is carried out with drywall, preference is given to the following types:

  • special knife;
  • utility knife;
  • knife with a circular blade;
  • blade runner.

Special

The appearance of this knife is similar to the clerical counterpart. The design assumes the presence of a handle that can be disassembled into parts, as well as a double-sided blade, a locking mechanism (most often a spring is used) and a bolt connecting all the elements into one structure. The blades used are usually thin and strong and can be changed in whole or in sections. The minimum width value is 18 mm, the thickness ranges from 0.4-0.7 mm. For ease of use, the handle is covered with rubber (so that the hands do not slip). But there are just plastic options.

A special knife allows you to cut through the material with strong pressure without breaking the blade.

Universal

A universal knife or a mounting knife, due to its design, allows you to work with gypsum boards at any stage. Its handle is ergonomic, it lies easily and comfortably in the hand, the rubberized plastic of the body makes the use of the knife comfortable. Manufacturers present two options for fixing the blade: screw and using a spring. The blade blade is made of high quality steel and has no sectional cuts. This increases the reliability and durability of the knife.

The assembly kit of the mounting knife may include additional elements:

  • spare blades;
  • latch for attaching to a trouser belt or trouser belt;
  • built-in spare parts compartment.

All these factors make the use of a utility knife convenient, comfortable and suitable for daily work.

with disc blade

A knife with a circular blade is often used by specialists when it is necessary to quickly and correctly cut parts from GKL. It allows you to perform work on cutting various lines (straight lines, curves, geometric shapes of varying complexity). Due to the fact that during use the disk is constantly in motion, the applied forces can be minimized. Such a knife can withstand heavy loads and guarantees a long service life.

With a tape measure

hallmark of this knife is the fact that the design is complemented by a built-in measuring tape. This knife is a multifunctional device, it consists of a comfortable handle covered with a rubber compound, as well as a cutter blade and a centimeter tape measure. The blades can be changed, the parameters of the tape measure are measured in two quantities - centimeters and inches. It slides smoothly over the base of the GKL sheet, always keeping a straight line parallel to the cutting. The desired length of the roulette is fixed by pressing a special button. The case has a recess adapted for a writing instrument.

blade runner

Blade runner appeared in the ranks of building materials a few years ago, it is still little known, but in the circle of specialists it is preferred. Translated from English, it means "running blade". By looking at the design, you can confirm this. This professional knife consists of two main parts, which are located on both sides of the sheet during operation and are securely fixed with strong magnets. Each block has its own blade, which is quite simple to replace, you just need to open the case and remove the old one.

Its main advantage is that the drywall sheet is cut simultaneously from two sides. This reduces the time spent on work, the material itself falls apart.

With the help of Blade runner it is convenient to cut vertical sheets, cut out elements of any complexity. To turn the blade, just press the button and turn the knife in the desired direction. It is not traumatic - the blades are hidden inside the case. Blade runner handles thick sheets perfectly, saves time and guarantees durability.

Stages of work

Drywall knives allow you to quickly and easily cut the necessary part along the intended line.

Consider step by step instructions.

  • At the first stage, the parameters of the proposed fragment are measured using a measuring tape.
  • Then you need to transfer the dimensions to the surface of the material and mark the lines on the base using a pencil or any other writing instrument.
  • We attach an iron ruler (building level or metal profile) to the intended line.
  • We hold it firmly on the base of the drywall and carefully draw along it with a construction knife, without interrupting and without taking our hands off.

  • Having made an incision line, carefully remove the knife from the material.
  • We lay drywall on a table or any other surface so that one side is on weight.
  • Now we lightly press on the free part with our hand and break the GKL plate exactly along the cut.
  • Turn the sheet over and cut the back layer.

If you need to cut an angular curved figure, you must use a drywall hacksaw and a drill. Having outlined the contours of the future element, we drill a small hole in any convenient place using a construction drill, then insert a hacksaw and begin to saw through the contour of the part, making sure not to go beyond the marking contour. Working with drywall does not require special skills, it is available to beginners. A drywall knife can be used when preparing sheets for finishing joints with putty. It is used at the stage of jointing (processing the edges of the material to a perfectly flat surface). In places where GKL sheets fit, chamfering is done at an angle of 45 degrees.