PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
EDIT Edit this Article
EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games Arts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and GardenRelationship Quizzes Cars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and StyleSports and Fitness Computers and ElectronicsHealthPets and AnimalsTravel Education & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and ReligionWork World Family LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationshipsYouth
LOG IN
Log in
Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. FacebookGooglewikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
RANDOM
Home
Random
Browse Articles
TrendingNew
Quizzes & Games
All QuizzesHot
Love Quizzes
Personality Quizzes
Fun Games
Dating Simulator
Learn Something New
Forums
Courses
Happiness Hub
Explore More
Support wikiHow
About wikiHow
Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
Categories
Home and Garden
Home Maintenance
Walls and Ceilings
Interior Walls
Drywall
The Best Ways to Cut Drywall on a Wall Download Article Easy ways to cut into drywall Co-authored by Ryaan Tuttle
Last Updated: February 21, 2025 References
Download Article
Planning & Safety
|
Using a Jab Saw
|
Using an Electric Rotary Tool
|
Expert Q&A
|
Warnings
|
Things You'll Need
|Show more|Show less X
This article was co-authored by Ryaan Tuttle. Ryaan Tuttle is a Home Improvement Specialist and the CEO of Best Handyman, Inc. in Boston, Massachusetts. With over 17 years of experience, he specializes in building home service businesses, focusing on creating scalable and efficient brands. With the help of his global team, the companies have achieved over 10+ million in sales and received recognition through magazine features, and enjoy partnerships with wikiHow and Jobber field service software. Boston Magazine and LocalBest.com have named Best Handyman Boston the Best Handyman in Boston. Ryaan holds Construction Supervisor and Home Improvement Contractor Licenses. This article has been viewed 56,159 times.
If you need to access something inside a wall or make a hole to install an outlet, you will need to cut into the drywall on the wall. Don't ever use a circular saw or other large power saw to cut into drywall on the wall because you will generate a huge amount of dust and possibly damage something behind it. First, plan your cuts and take some safety measures to protect yourself and anything inside the wall. Then, use a jab saw, also known as a drywall saw, to cut out a section by hand or use an electric rotary tool if you want to make quick work of the job.
How to Cut Out Drywall
Put on safety goggles and a face mask and mark the outline of the section you want to cut out with a pencil. To cut the drywall by hand, use a jab saw to saw along the outline. Alternatively, use an electric rotary tool to cut out the section. If necessary, smooth any irregular edges with a utility knife.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 3:
Planning the Cuts and Taking Safety Measures
Download Article
1 Look at plans for the building to see where there is plumbing or wiring in the wall. This will help you determine if there are any places you need to avoid cutting into. Only cut into spots where there might be plumbing and electrical wiring if it is absolutely necessary and be extra careful to cut no deeper than the depth of the drywall, which is usually 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm).
If you don't have architectural plans for the wall you need to cut into, you can try estimating where plumbing and wiring runs by looking at things like sinks, toilets, electrical outlets, and light fixtures.
Tip: Wires typically run vertically down the walls from the ceiling towards electrical outlets, light switches, and light fixtures on the wall. There is usually plumbing directly behind sinks and faucets, as well as below toilets, tubs, showers and other places where water drains.
2 Mark the outline of the section you want to cut out with a pencil. Identify the spot where you want to make a hole for an inspection or to access something behind the drywall. Draw the outline for the cut freehand if you just need a rough opening or use a straight edge to create perfectly straight lines.[1]XResearch source
If you want to create a circular opening in drywall, you can trace around a round object to create a neat cut line.
Advertisement
3 Put on a face mask and safety goggles. This will protect you from inhaling drywall dust or getting it in your eyes. Prolonged exposure to drywall dust in your lungs may cause respiratory problems.
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 3:
Cutting by Hand with a Jab Saw
Download Article
1 Plunge the tip of a jab saw into the drywall where you want to start cutting.[2]X Expert Source Ryaan TuttleHome Improvement SpecialistExpert Interview Place the sharp tip of the jab saw against the drywall, then wiggle it back and forth while applying strong pressure to push it straight through using your dominant hand. Use your non-dominant hand to push on the back of the handle if you need more force to get it through.[3]XResearch source
A jab saw is also known as a drywall saw. It has a sharp tip that makes it relatively easy to punch through a sheet of drywall as well as teeth for sawing.
Jab saws can be used to make both straight and circular cuts in drywall.
2 Saw along your cut lines using clean, smooth strokes. Apply more pressure on the forward sawing motion to create a neat cut without jagged outside edges. Pull the blade most of the way out and rotate it 90 degrees before plunging it back in whenever you reach the end of a cut line on a square or rectangular section.[4]XResearch source
Try your best to saw with even, controlled motions and only saw about 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm) deep, which is the most common depth of drywall.
Tip: If you want to reinstall the same piece of drywall after you remove it, you can hold the jab saw at a 45-degree angle away from the center of the section as you cut it out. This will create a bevelled cutout so you can easily patch the piece back in.
3 Use a shop vac to suck up dust as you go if you want to minimize the mess. Hold the nozzle of a shop vac in your non-dominant hand. Follow along behind the jab saw to suck up the dust as you cut.[5]XResearch source
This is completely optional. It just helps to reduce the mess you make, but you can always vacuum it up afterwards if you want to.
Another trick to minimize dust is by fitting a jab saw with a finer-toothed blade meant for cutting metal rather than drywall.
4 Smooth out any irregular edges of the cut with a utility knife when you finish. Carefully go back around the edges of the section you cut out using a utility knife. Cut away any rough, irregular pieces or straighten the lines.[6]XResearch source
This will make it easier to patch or repair the drywall.
Advertisement Method 3 Method 3 of 3:
Using an Electric Rotary Tool
Download Article
1 Attach a drywall cutting bit to a rotary tool and adjust the cutting guide. Insert the drywall cutting bit into the rotary tool and tighten it in place. Adjust the cutting guide to 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm), which is the depth of most drywall.[7]XResearch source
You can use a rotary tool of your choice, such as a Dremel tool or a RotoZip.
If you don't have a drywall cutting bit, you can also use a multi-purpose cutting bit.
Tip: Dremel tools and RotoZips are both popular rotary tools for making cutouts in drywall. However, Dremel tools are easier to handle and maneuver if you are just cutting out smaller sections of drywall. RotoZips are larger and more heavy duty.
2 Turn the rotary tool on and plunge it into the drywall. Set the rotary tool to its highest speed and turn it on. Plunge it into the beginning of a cut line wherever you want to start your cut.[8]XResearch source
You won't be able to plunge the bit into the wall if the rotary tool is not on.
3 Move the rotary tool along your cut lines until you have cut out the section. Carefully push the rotary tool along the cut lines you drew with both hands, holding the cutting guide firmly against the wall to help you make clean cuts. Stop and pull it out once you have cut along all the lines.[9]XResearch source
You can now pop out the section you cut out to access something behind it or install a piece of hardware like an electrical outlet.
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Search Add New Question
Question How can I find out if there are any pipes or wires behind the wall before I start cutting? Ryaan Tuttle Home Improvement Specialist Ryaan Tuttle is a Home Improvement Specialist and the CEO of Best Handyman, Inc. in Boston, Massachusetts. With over 17 years of experience, he specializes in building home service businesses, focusing on creating scalable and efficient brands. With the help of his global team, the companies have achieved over 10+ million in sales and received recognition through magazine features, and enjoy partnerships with wikiHow and Jobber field service software. Boston Magazine and LocalBest.com have named Best Handyman Boston the Best Handyman in Boston. Ryaan holds Construction Supervisor and Home Improvement Contractor Licenses. Ryaan Tuttle Home Improvement Specialist Expert Answer You can buy a stud finder at a local home improvement store and use that. Some of the top-notch ones are able to find metal pipes and wires behind walls. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 3
Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement
Tips
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Warnings
Always wear protective goggles and a face mask to keep drywall dust out of your eyes and mouth. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Avoid cutting into areas where there are definitely wires and plumbing in the wall.[10]X Expert Source Ryaan TuttleHome Improvement SpecialistExpert Interview For example, around outlets, light switches, light fixtures, sinks, faucets, and other plumbing fixtures. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Advertisement
Things You’ll Need
Cutting by Hand with a Jab Saw
Pencil
Straight edge (optional)
Jab saw
Metal cutting jab saw blade (optional)
Shop vac (optional)
Utility knife
Face mask and protective goggles
Using an Electric Rotary Tool
Rotary tool
Drywall cutting bit or multi-purpose bit
Pencil
Straight edge
Face mask and protective goggles
You Might Also Like
How toCut DrywallHow toCut Circles in WoodHow toUse a Reciprocating SawHow toRemove DrywallHow toDrill a Hole in the WallAn Expert-Approved Guide to Cutting Wood with Power ToolsHow toCut Holes in Tile for Shower FixturesHow toCut Wood in Tight SpacesHow to Run Electrical Wires through Finished WallsHow to Cut Fiberglass Without Any Cracks or BurrsHow to Safely and Properly Use a Circular SawHow to Safely Cut Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF)How toUse a JigsawHow to Cut Tile with a Dremel Tool (Backsplash & Ceramic) Advertisement
↑ Ryaan Tuttle. Home Improvement Specialist. Expert Interview
About This Article
Co-authored by: Ryaan Tuttle Home Improvement Specialist This article was co-authored by Ryaan Tuttle. Ryaan Tuttle is a Home Improvement Specialist and the CEO of Best Handyman, Inc. in Boston, Massachusetts. With over 17 years of experience, he specializes in building home service businesses, focusing on creating scalable and efficient brands. With the help of his global team, the companies have achieved over 10+ million in sales and received recognition through magazine features, and enjoy partnerships with wikiHow and Jobber field service software. Boston Magazine and LocalBest.com have named Best Handyman Boston the Best Handyman in Boston. Ryaan holds Construction Supervisor and Home Improvement Contractor Licenses. This article has been viewed 56,159 times. 10 votes - 100% Co-authors: 4Updated: February 21, 2025 Views: 56,159 Categories: Drywall
Print
Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 56,159 times.
Reader Success Stories
James B.
Jan 31, 2024
"I'm installing a new bathroom vent fan that is larger than the old one. Just needed to know the best way to enlarge the opening in the celing."..." more
Share your story
Did this article help you?
Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Ryaan Tuttle Home Improvement Specialist Co-authors: 4Updated: February 21, 2025 Views: 56,159100% of readers found this article helpful. 10 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote
James B.
Jan 31, 2024
"I'm installing a new bathroom vent fan that is larger than the old one. Just needed to know the best way to enlarge the opening in the celing."..." more Share yours!
Quizzes & Games
What Kind of Minecraft Player Am I QuizTake QuizFinish the Phrase QuizTake QuizWould I Survive a Horror Movie QuizTake QuizWould I Be a Good Super Spy QuizTake QuizWhat Men's Haircut Should I Get QuizTake QuizHorror Movie Trivia QuizTake Quiz
You Might Also Like
How toCut DrywallHow toCut Circles in WoodHow toUse a Reciprocating SawHow toRemove Drywall
Featured Articles
How toMake a Paper AirplaneHow toLearn Morse CodeHow toFold an Origami Star (Shuriken)How to Fold and Use a Paper Fortune Teller
Trending Articles
What Female Body Shape Are You? How to Identify YoursWhat Emojis Mean Sex?What Pokémon Am I QuizDo I Have Brainrot QuizSigns a Woman is Sexually Attracted to YouFinish the Lyrics Quiz
Featured Articles
What Animal Am I QuizAm I Gay QuizHow Well Do I Know My Best Friend QuizAm I an Alpha, Beta, or Omega Quiz
Featured Articles
160+ Good Roasts to Burn Your Friends & Family MembersHow to Play the Snaps Guessing Game140+ Wavelength Game Categories & Questions to Extend Your PlayThe Ultimate Collection of Funny, Cheesy, & Romantic Rizz LinesVirtual Truth or Dare Questions to Keep Things Interesting180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any Argument
Watch Articles
How toEat GuavaHow to Get Yellow Stains Out of White ShoesLeft Eye Twitching for Females: What Astrology Says About Eye Twitching50 First Date Conversation Starters to Spark a ConnectionHow to Make a Mask Out of Paper (for Kids or Adults)How to Put Jibbitz on Crocs
Trending Articles
Do You Agree with These "Hear Me Out" Character Hot Takes?How to Read Face Moles: Lucky and Unlucky PlacementsWhat JJK Character Am I QuizFade Hairstyle Types for Men: A Complete GuideRecessed Maxilla (Upper Jawbone): Symptoms & TreatmentCan Your Finger Length Tell Your Personality?
Quizzes & Games
What's My Minecraft Style QuizTake QuizWhat Is My Face Shape QuizTake QuizWhat Wild wikiHow Article Am I QuizTake QuizAm I Smart QuizTake QuizMinecraft Trivia QuizTake QuizThe Impossible QuizTake Quiz
Categories
Home and Garden
Home Maintenance
Walls and Ceilings
Interior Walls
Drywall
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
Download Article Easy ways to cut into drywall Co-authored by Ryaan Tuttle 
Advertisement 
Co-authored by: Ryaan Tuttle Home Improvement Specialist This article was co-authored by Ryaan Tuttle. Ryaan Tuttle is a Home Improvement Specialist and the CEO of Best Handyman, Inc. in Boston, Massachusetts. With over 17 years of experience, he specializes in building home service businesses, focusing on creating scalable and efficient brands. With the help of his global team, the companies have achieved over 10+ million in sales and received recognition through magazine features, and enjoy partnerships with wikiHow and Jobber field service software. Boston Magazine and LocalBest.com have named Best Handyman Boston the Best Handyman in Boston. Ryaan holds Construction Supervisor and Home Improvement Contractor Licenses. This article has been viewed 56,159 times. 10 votes - 100% Co-authors: 4 Updated: February 21, 2025 Views: 56,159 Categories: Drywall 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
692 
1 Look at plans for the building to see where there is plumbing or wiring in the wall. This will help you determine if there are any places you need to avoid cutting into. Only cut into spots where there might be plumbing and electrical wiring if it is absolutely necessary and be extra careful to cut no deeper than the depth of the drywall, which is usually 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm). 
2 Mark the outline of the section you want to cut out with a pencil. Identify the spot where you want to make a hole for an inspection or to access something behind the drywall. Draw the outline for the cut freehand if you just need a rough opening or use a straight edge to create perfectly straight lines.[1] 
3 Put on a face mask and safety goggles. This will protect you from inhaling drywall dust or getting it in your eyes. Prolonged exposure to drywall dust in your lungs may cause respiratory problems. Advertisement 
1 Plunge the tip of a jab saw into the drywall where you want to start cutting.[2] Place the sharp tip of the jab saw against the drywall, then wiggle it back and forth while applying strong pressure to push it straight through using your dominant hand. Use your non-dominant hand to push on the back of the handle if you need more force to get it through.[3] 
2 Saw along your cut lines using clean, smooth strokes. Apply more pressure on the forward sawing motion to create a neat cut without jagged outside edges. Pull the blade most of the way out and rotate it 90 degrees before plunging it back in whenever you reach the end of a cut line on a square or rectangular section.[4] 
3 Use a shop vac to suck up dust as you go if you want to minimize the mess. Hold the nozzle of a shop vac in your non-dominant hand. Follow along behind the jab saw to suck up the dust as you cut.[5] 
4 Smooth out any irregular edges of the cut with a utility knife when you finish. Carefully go back around the edges of the section you cut out using a utility knife. Cut away any rough, irregular pieces or straighten the lines.[6] 
1 Attach a drywall cutting bit to a rotary tool and adjust the cutting guide. Insert the drywall cutting bit into the rotary tool and tighten it in place. Adjust the cutting guide to 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm), which is the depth of most drywall.[7] 
2 Turn the rotary tool on and plunge it into the drywall. Set the rotary tool to its highest speed and turn it on. Plunge it into the beginning of a cut line wherever you want to start your cut.[8] 
3 Move the rotary tool along your cut lines until you have cut out the section. Carefully push the rotary tool along the cut lines you drew with both hands, holding the cutting guide firmly against the wall to help you make clean cuts. Stop and pull it out once you have cut along all the lines.[9] 
Ryaan Tuttle Home Improvement Specialist Ryaan Tuttle is a Home Improvement Specialist and the CEO of Best Handyman, Inc. in Boston, Massachusetts. With over 17 years of experience, he specializes in building home service businesses, focusing on creating scalable and efficient brands. With the help of his global team, the companies have achieved over 10+ million in sales and received recognition through magazine features, and enjoy partnerships with wikiHow and Jobber field service software. Boston Magazine and LocalBest.com have named Best Handyman Boston the Best Handyman in Boston. Ryaan holds Construction Supervisor and Home Improvement Contractor Licenses. 