What do you use for cutting Drywall?

[jgromada]

So I have been doing a bunch of Drywall recently and i have been more frustrated with the cheap throwaway knives for cutting Drywall. It is difficult to get a deep cut and I am thinking I need to get something better.

What is everyone's recommendation for a good tool to cut drywall so it is like a single score or so and then you can break it off?


On another related note I have gotten a chance to use the Drywall screw gun i bought. https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=385564

I got a Makita and it works pretty well but I still haven't perfected how to get the right depth set. I think someone mentioned that going into existing stud walls might be difficult as opposed to new construction with fresh studs. Also that thing is LOUD! Definitely need the hearing protection on this.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I use a regular utility knife with replaceable blade, not a plastic one with a break off blade. Something like a Stanley #99 or that style is probably what 99% of people use.

Also get yourself, if you don't have one, a surform shaver to remove drywall for close fitting rather than trying to trim an edge with a utility knife.

 

[PCustoms]

Cheapest bulk pack of husky utility knife blades in whatever handle was handy.

Score, snap, cut the paper on the back. Done.

Small cuts or corners, I have a keyhole saw.

 

[catron44]

I like the Lennox fixed blade knife with their titanium coated blade. The fixed blade lets me put more pressure and the titanium blade lasts a lot longer in my experience.

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[gml1998]

I use Bon tools Dolphin Knife https://www.bontool.com/saws-knives/dolphin-knife-15-500 . It is the best utility knife I have owned.

 

[benny27]

I use this utility knife the quick blade change is worth the extra price to me.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/LENOX-3-Blade-Utility-Knife/999947664

All so get one this for fine tuning your cuts as needed.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Marshalltown-2-in-x-5-5-in-Rasp/1000203973

A T-square is a must have.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Mayes-48-in-Lightweight-Blue-Wallboard-Square/3117757

you do not have to use a tun of pressure just cut threw the paper and snap then cut the paper on the other side. Use the rasp if you do not get a flat snap.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

The cut doesn't have to be that deep to score the board for snapping. I don't like the feel of disposable knives with break-off blades. Not big enough for a solid grip and they seem to flex.

 

[jshillin]

I use the blades that are serrated a bit in my utility knife, but I still like to score it twice just so I feel better about it. Once to get a good straight line, then a 2nd time to get fairly deep. I just finished hanging a room last week. Putting down the floor now.

 

[Trey T]

When I was about 14 or 15yrs old, I used a jigsaw (or circular saw) to cut drywall on a small project and over 20yrs after that, I just use a utility knife to score (cut thru paper), break off, and cut thru the other side of paper ... that's how it's done since day 1.

yeah ... story of my life!!!!

 

[pennsylvaniaboy]

utility knives and drywall handsaw...

 

[winlinmac]

utility knives when cutting fresh drywall and jabsaw when needing to replace certain sections for whatever reason

 

[Git]

It's the blade. Whenever I see them on sale, I stock up. For example, Ace Hardware recently had 100 Stanley blades for $6. Also, a drywall rasp comes in handy to knock any bumps or lumps off the cut edge

Something like this:

 

[Marctrees]

And, never never place your fingers holding a t square or straightedge... AHEAD of the blade.

But , no problem.. after your first slipping incident I'm sure you will remember for future !

One of those things you only have to learn one time.

Marc

 

[jgromada]

Thanks much for all the great input!

I think I will peruse the local Lowes & HD. That Drywall rasp looks like a great idea too. Will need to get one of those.

I do have a nice T-square & taping knives (Marshalltown). I am throwing out a bunch of those horrible plastic breakaway knives today!

 

[Trey T]

Thanks much for all the great input!

I think I will peruse the local Lowes & HD. That Drywall rasp looks like a great idea too. Will need to get one of those.

I do have a nice T-square & taping knives (Marshalltown). I am throwing out a bunch of those horrible plastic breakaway knives today!

get those all stainless steel knives. It feels really nice and the cleaning effort is very forgiving when you're tired of cleaning. It cost twice as much but worth it.

 

[Mr Ratchet]

T-square and Stanley quick blade change utility knife. I'll second a Stanley Surform or another rasp to take down any high spots for a better fit. I also use a Bosch roto zip for cutting openings.

 

[dogdog]

any cheap knife you are comfortable with is fine.... you score "usually about 1/8 or 1/16 inch" and snap "from the other side", then cut the paper from the other side to separate it.... .. . there is a drywall saw ....but you don't really saw long sheets with that... unless you wanted a mess to clean. It is usually used for cutting holes in drywall sheets...

 

[The Cobbler]

any good metal utility knife is fine. replace blades when they get dull
new drywall cuts easier than old and only needs to be scoreed and snapped. older drywall is slightly more brittle and difficult to cut '

 

[jd_1138]

Also, maybe look into a multi-tool to make weird cuts. Can also use it for wood of course. I have a cheap Ryobi corded model that's been rock solid. It was all of like $30 and has paid for itself many times over. There are also cordless models in all the major brands like Makita, DeWalt, Ryobi, Milwaukee, Ridgid, Porter Cable.

They excel at small precise cuts like electrical outlet boxes, around trim, etc..

 

[rick carpenter]

I use one of these.

 

[850xpeps]

Olfa knife with snap off blades. Black blades are sharper and last longer. Barley have to score drywall and snap and cut from back done deal. Fast and easier than a stub knife blade. Sometimes you need the length.


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[winlinmac]

Prefer not to be reminded, slipped and since then, always need to wear the appropriate PPE

And, never never place your fingers holding a t square or straightedge... AHEAD of the blade.

But , no problem.. after your first slipping incident I'm sure you will remember for future !

One of those things you only have to learn one time.

Marc

 

[Marctrees]

That's good, but I'm not sure what PPE prevents that injury.. other than woven stainless meat cutting gloves.

Seems to me, it's not really a PPE thing, but a habits where one places his fingers thing.

Exact same as Pro mechanics having less frequent ****** knuckles than the weekend warrior.

But, in any way you personally guard against such injury, excellent.

Marc

 

[PelicanPines]

I use a utility blade but spend a minute and sharpen a new blade... on a water stone. I don't resharpen... I toss and sharpen a new blade when needed. For boxes I use a multimaster.

Used to use a rotozip... someday I have to post them on eBay... they take up a whole drawer

 

[lbhsbz]

And, never never place your fingers holding a t square or straightedge... AHEAD of the blade.

But , no problem.. after your first slipping incident I'm sure you will remember for future !

One of those things you only have to learn one time.

Marc

This....my Dad learned this the hard way. No permanent damage, but a trip to the ER for stitches was in order...blade ran right up over the aluminum square.

This is one of the few times I've learned from someone else's mistake

 

[Lynden]

I use a Stanley retractable utility knife (Classic 99) most of the time. If I need to cut all the way through the drywall, I use a Milwaukee flip open utility knife. It is absolutely the best utility knife I have ever owned. Check out all of the positive reviews.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003I85GT6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-Fastback-Utility-Knife-48-22-1901/202206146

 

[dnschmidt]

My feeling is that you should use a NON-retractable utility knife like the one shown by Rick Carpenter above. You don't want that blade flexing or going anywhere. For blades Stanley makes some carbide edged blades that aren't that expensive that hold up better than average blades do. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005CJNJ0W/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[manwithtools]

Yep, Rick Carpenter has it. The fixed blade utility knives are hands down much more controllable than the retractable ones. I don't put in my pocket and I don't need too....

 

[rick carpenter]

Yep, Rick Carpenter has it. The fixed blade utility knives are hands down much more controllable than the retractable ones. I don't put in my pocket and I don't need too....

I have several retractables for occasional utility use. I don't like the retractor selector being right there at the first crease/first bone of my pointer finger when cutting drywall so I use the 199. You're right, it don't do too well in a pocket! I have a short length of pvc pipe with an even shorter length of pvc glued inside as a 'holster' in one of my bucket boss pockets.

 

[AreYaSerious]

Utility knife works best for me, if I'm cutting things after it's hung is a drywall saw.

 

[CNGsaves]

+1 for fixed-blade utility knife with lots of sharp blades. I use long piece of aluminum for a straight edge.

Oscillating saw for cuts into existing wall for new outlets, etc.