How To Cut A Hole In Drywall For An Outlet

If you have a small drywall job to do there is no need to buy or rent a rotary tool to cut around electrical boxes.

How to cut a hole in drywall for an outlet. In order to get an accurate round hole you should first punch the drywall and then use back and forth motion to cut the drywall. How to use a drywall router to cut out the box. Set the circle cutter to cut about 1 8 in. Punch the point of a drywall saw through the drywall just inside of the marked outline then use the saw to complete the cut.

The family handyman editor mark petersen will show you how to layout the hole and cut it for a professional fit. Identify the spot where you want to make a hole for an inspection or to access something behind the drywall. Larger than the fixture stick the center point in the middle and rotate the cutter while forcing the wheel into the drywall surface. For cutting round holes you can also use a jigsaw before hanging the sheetrock to the wooden studs.

Next use a drywall saw to cut the hole in 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. Insert the bit at the center mark of the box. Mark the outline of the section you want to cut out with a pencil.

Cut the hole cover the floor below the work area with a drop cloth to catch dust. Jump over the edge of the box and rout counter clockwise following the outside of the box. Turn the rotary tool on and bore through a corner of the drywall on the back side of the drywall sheet using the tip. Cut the electrical box hole out with a rotary tool and a drywall rotary bit.

It may take a couple of rotations. Then repeat on the other side of the drywall and knock out the plug. Slowly rout over to the edge of the box.