There are a number of different tools available to you if you need to cut drywall sheets to size while building interior walls. Cutting drywall can take a long time. Now, one of the most common tools to use for cutting drywall is an oscillating tool.
You may ask: how to cut hung drywall with an oscillating tool? We are here to help!
Today, we want to determine whether or not an oscillating tool is the best tool for cutting drywall and, if so, how to do it.
Table of Contents
What is An Oscillating Tool?
An oscillating tool, also known as a multi-tool or rotary tool, is a power-driven cutting tool that uses a single motor to carry out a variety of tasks. Although they appear to operate similarly to other power saws, oscillating tools actually operate more like flat files.
The fact that they can easily and quickly cut through materials like plastic, metal, drywall, and wood while utilizing few moving parts is their most advantageous feature. For people who need to complete simple tasks around the house, oscillating tools are incredibly useful!
How to Cut Drywall With An Oscillating Tool?
- Step 1: Prepare the Area
- Step 2: Safety First
- Step 3: Measure and Mark
- Step 4: Affix Your Drywall Blade
- Step 5: Make the Cut
Let’s walk through a step-by-step guide on how to cut drywall now that you are aware that an oscillating tool is the best option.
Step 1: Prepare the Area
In order to avoid a mess when cutting drywall, you should first clean up the area you will be working in. This is because drywall produces a lot of dust when it is cut. As a result, you should think about cutting your drywall outside, or if you must do it inside, you should lay down some sheets and tarps to collect all of the dust.
In the event that you need to support the drywall from below while cutting, you might also want to set up a small sawhorse.
Step 2: Safety First
Next, before you begin working, you should make sure that you put on a respirator or at the very least a good mask. Safety is required because cutting drywall generates a lot of dust, which you do not want to breathe in.
Step 3: Measure and Mark
Now, you should measure the area where the drywall sheet will be installed using your measuring tape. Then, as your drywall sheet is being cut, you should transfer these measurements onto it using a pencil or another marking tool. Because there is no turning back once the drywall has been cut, make sure to measure twice.
Step 4: Affix Your Drywall Blade
If you haven’t already, attach your oscillating tool’s drywall cutting blade as the next step in this process. To prevent anything from coming loose when you make your cut, make sure everything is tight and stable.
Step 5: Make the Cut
The preparation is complete, so it’s time to actually make your cut. Keep in mind that you should use something like a table or sawhorse to support a large piece of drywall from underneath when cutting it down to size. Get your oscillating tool up and running at full speed right now.
Move it now along the line that was measured and marked in the previous step. You should keep in mind that a pendulum-style motion or a rocking motion works best when cutting drywall.
You shouldn’t keep bringing the blade into contact with the drywall. In order to keep your field of vision clear and periodically clear the cut of dust and debris, you should rock the blade away from the drywall.
Since the cutting edge will be doing the majority of the work in this motion, it will also prolong the blade’s life. Stop using the tool and clear any dust that is in your path with compressed air or a rag if it happens to be obstructing your vision while cutting the drywall.
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Is An Oscillating Tool the Best Tool for Cutting Drywall?
Although there are many tools available for cutting drywall, the oscillating tool is one of the most popular. The oscillating tool’s widespread use for cutting drywall is partly due to how small and portable it is.
With one hand holding the oscillating tool and the other holding the drywall, cutting drywall is a very simple process. In keeping with that, oscillating tools are also very portable and are simple to transport from one job site to another. Additionally, oscillating tools can quickly cut through drywall, especially if you have a specialized drywall cutting blade.
An oscillating multitool can be ideal for making long, straight cuts if you use that drywall cutting blade and properly measure and mark your work, but because of the shape of the blade, it can also be ideal for making small, precise cuts. An oscillating tool is one of the best options for cutting drywall for all of these reasons.
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Decide Between Corded Or Cordless Oscillating Tool
Choose between a corded or cordless oscillating tool when cutting drywall. As drywall cutting tools, both models work according to the same fundamental principles. Which one you ought to use for cutting drywall, though, will depend on a few minor variations.
Cutting Drywall With Corded Oscillating Tools
For cutting drywall, corded oscillating tools are the most advantageous. When making lengthy cuts down your wall, their ability to maintain constant speed and power is especially crucial. Because they do not rely on batteries like cordless tools do, corded tools will also last longer in the long run.
The drawback of using a corded oscillating tool is that it restricts your movement. You must have a cord that is long enough to extend from your outlet all the way up to the area where you are cutting drywall in order to do so. This can be inconvenient
If you want to make lengthy cuts in your wall, this is the best choice overall.
Cutting Drywall With Cordless Oscillating Tools
Because they run on batteries, cordless oscillating tools are ideal for quick and easy tasks. Their power is not as strong and they do not last as long as a corded model. It is acceptable to use a cordless model if you are only working on a small amount of drywall, though.
A charger and rechargeable batteries are typically included with cordless oscillating tools, making it simple to recharge them whenever necessary. However, if you are working on a bigger project, it is best to buy a cordless tool kit with extra batteries so that you have access to more than one fully charged battery.
Pros of Using An Oscillating Tool When Cutting Drywall
Using an oscillating tool to cut drywall has a number of benefits. First of all, it moves very quickly. The amount of time it would take you to finish your project using a standard saw and cutting blade will be drastically reduced.
Additionally, oscillating tools produce a much smoother finish than conventional blades do. That is because the blades lack teeth, which would otherwise cause your drywall to be torn or crushed.
Cutting drywall with an oscillating tool is simple. Even novices who have never used one before can use it thanks to its straightforward design.
Cons of Using An Oscillating Tool When Cutting Drywall
The blades of an oscillating tool can eventually become dull if they are not properly maintained, which is one drawback when cutting drywall with one. You will have to exert more effort to make each cut if your oscillating blade is dull, which could harm your tool.
It is advised that you hold the saw with two hands because your control over it will be slightly less than it would be with a straight saw blade.
When cutting through drywall, it’s also crucial to have an outlet cover close by because it will minimize dust exposure.
Mistakes to Avoid, Tips & Tricks
Let’s quickly go over some tips and tricks to help make this process as fast and easy as possible:
- Always remember to wear a mask and eye protection when cutting drywall, because you don’t want to get that desk in your lungs or eyes
- Never try to cut drywall without supporting it from the underside, as drywall isn’t the most durable of materials, and may snap if you put too much pressure on it
- Don’t try to cut drywall with an oscillating tool if you don’t have the right kind of blade, as it will not work properly
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FAQs
What is the Best Oscillating Blade to Cut Drywall?
- IBOA200 Fast Wood HCS Blade
- IBOA300 Wood with Nails Bi-metal Blade
- IBOAT337 Titanium Wood with Nails Blade
How Do You Cut Already Hung Drywall?
Construct a scoring line using a pencil. With a sharp utility knife or other cutting tool, follow the pencil line and lightly cut through the paper layer of drywall. The best tools for cutting drywall are reciprocating saws, putty knives, utility knives, oscillating multi-tools, and track saws with dust collectors.
How Much Does An Oscillating Tool Cost?
An oscillating multi tool is a convenient and reasonably priced piece of machinery. If you buy one, it’ll probably come with a variety of attachments for various tasks around the house or office. In most cases, your neighborhood hardware store will have one for less than $100.
Is An Oscillating Tool Dangerous?
However, the danger posed by the oscillating tool depends on the user. To prevent harm when using the tool, it is crucial to put on the appropriate safety gear (goggles, earplugs). In order to achieve accurate cutouts and flawless finishes, be sure to use it correctly.
The blades will stop if you pull back on the trigger too far, but if you don’t pull back far enough, you might have insufficient power, which could result in injury.
How Long Does An Oscillating Tool Last?
How frequently you use your oscillating multitool and how well you take care of it while using it will determine how long it lasts. The tool blade guard should always be observed when in use. When in use, the guard offers protection for your fingers, but if you are not careful, it could lead to issues.
The blades will abruptly stop mid-cut without warning if you don’t flip it up before using the tool, which could make the oscillating multitool dangerous and helpless.
The quality affects an oscillating tool’s lifespan as well. Choosing a model with high-quality components and a tool blade will yield the best results. If it does not last as long as you would like it to, it will take longer to recover the initial investment.
How Do I Know Which Oscillating Tool to Buy?
When deciding which oscillating tool to use, there are numerous options. You should first ask yourself what you need the tool for specifically. A mid-range model might be the best choice for you if you plan to use it just once or twice.
On the other hand, if this will be a key component of your toolkit, you might want to spend a little more money on a high-end model with useful attachments.
Final Thoughts on Cutting Hung Drywall
Anyone who needs to cut drywall quickly must have oscillating multi-tools. They are inexpensive, adaptable, and simple to use.
In order to cut drywall, an oscillating tool is therefore preferable to a knife or other tools. If you simply follow the instructions I have provided above, I am confident that you will be able to cut drywall correctly.
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