Cutting drywall can be a time-consuming process. It is necessary to measure, mark and cut the drywall before installing it. If you are not careful, you may end up with uneven edges or too much excess material. Even if you do everything correctly, cutting down an entire wall of drywall will take hours because of the tedious labor involved in making each individual cut.
Fortunately, there is an easier solution: how to cut drywall quickly and easily using an oscillating tool!
Table of Contents
What is an oscillating tool
An oscillating tool also called a multi-tool or a rotary tool is a power-driven cutting tool that performs many different tasks with the use of one motor. On the surface, an oscillating tool operates much like any other power saw, but they are technically more similar to flat files.
The most beneficial feature is that they are able to cut through wood, drywall, sheet metal, and plastic quickly and easily with few moving parts. Oscillating tools really come in handy for people who need to do simple tasks around the house! Get details information about oscillating tools.
Decide between corded or cordless oscillating tool
When you are going cutting drywall get to decide between corded or cordless which oscillating tool you should go with . Both of the models operate on the same basic principles as they both function as drywall cutting tool. However, some slight differences will determine which one you should be used for cutting drywall.
Cutting Drywall with Corded Oscillating Tools
Corded oscillating tools are the most useful for cutting drywall. They are able to maintain constant speed and power, which is especially important when you are making long cuts down your wall. The corded variety will also last longer overall because they do not rely on battery power as a cordless tool does.
The downside to using a corded oscillating tool is that you are limited in your movement. In order to cut drywall, you will need to have a cord long enough to reach from your outlet all the way up to where you are cutting drywall. This can be inconvenient
This is ultimately the best option if you are planning long cuts down your wall.
Cutting Drywall with Cordless Oscillating Tools
Cordless oscillating tools are best for quick and simple jobs because they use battery power. Compared to a corded model, their power is not as strong and they do not last as long overall. If you are doing a small drywall job, though, then it is perfectly fine to use a cordless model.
Cordless oscillating tools usually come with a charger and rechargeable batteries, so they can be easily recharged as needed. However, if you are working on a larger project, it is best to invest in a cordless tool kit with extra batteries so that you have more than one fully charged battery available.
How to Cut drywall with an oscillating tool
I am going to help you with how to cut drywall using an oscillating tool. I will be taking on this job alone, so you can see how quick and efficient the process is.
Let’s talk about gathering some things needed to cut drywall with an oscillating tool.
1. Collect your materials
Your drywall, best oscillating tool, and a straight edge are all you need for this project.
2. Make sure you have enough power
If the battery is not fully charged it will make cutting hard and takes longer than usual because of loss of power and speed between charges.
3. Saw blades
It is very important that you are using the correct blades for your brand of the oscillating tool. The oscillating tool blade should be able to cut through drywall, but it should not have any teeth on it if you want a smooth finish.
4. Safety Gear
A pair of safety gloves is always a good idea, especially if you do not have the best grip and could potentially cut yourself.
You should also wear safety goggles, as drywall is known to be dusty and particles could fly into your eyes.
Lastly, it is important that you wear earplugs or listening protection. The oscillating tool can be loud and cause hearing damage.
The safety gear that is needed for this project has been listed below.
5. Prepare the drywall
If you are cutting through an already-installed piece of drywall, you will need to remove the outlet cover. If you are cutting through a whole section of the drywall, make sure it is properly secured to the studs.
6. Mark the cuts
You can use a pencil or marker to mark the cuts you want to make on your drywall. Make sure your mark is straight and goes from corner to corner.
7. Cut the drywall
This is the most important step! Hold your oscillating tool firmly and push it against your straight edge. Make sure to keep your hand on the corner you are cutting through at all times. With a steady motion, push down and make several passes until you reach the other side of your cutout area. Your cuts should be clean and precise.
8. Reinstall outlet covers
Once you have finished your cut, reinstall the drywall outlet cover and use a drill to secure it into place. You can now decorate or paint as you please! Finally, you can finish your drywall cutting.
An oscillating multitool can save time and effort on any project involving drywall. This is because the oscillating action of the blades allows for cutting without tearing, which is what happens with a standard saw blade. Me to cut some drywall using my oscillating tool. Watch this video to get more information.
Advantages of using an oscillating tool when cutting drywall:
There are several advantages when using an oscillating tool when cutting drywall. First of all, it is extremely fast. You will be able to complete your project in a fraction of the time that it would take you with a standard saw and cutting blade.
Oscillating tools also leave a much smoother finish than regular blades do. That is because there are no teeth on the blades, which would otherwise tear or crush your drywall.
An oscillating tool is easy to use when cutting drywall. Its simple design makes it accessible even for beginners who have never used one before.
Disadvantages of using an oscillating tool when cutting drywall:
A few disadvantages of using an oscillating tool when cutting drywall are that the blades can become dull over time if not properly maintained. Not having a sharp oscillating blade means you will have to work harder for each cut, and this may cause damage to your tool.
Your control over the saw is slightly less than what it would be with a straight saw blade, so it’s recommended that you hold the saw with two hands.
It is also important to have an outlet cover nearby when you are cutting through drywall, as this will allow for minimum dust exposure.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an oscillating tool cost?
An oscillating multi tool is a versatile and affordable piece of equipment. If you purchase one, it will most likely come with several different types of attachments for various jobs around the house or workplace. You can usually pick one up for under $100 at your local hardware store.
Is an oscillating tool dangerous?
Yes. The oscillating tool is only as dangerous as the user makes it, however. It is important to wear proper safety gear (goggles, earplugs) to avoid injury during the use of the tool. Also, make sure that you are using it properly for accurate cutouts and smooth finishes. If you pull back on the trigger too far the blades will stop, but if you don’t pull back far enough you can end up with insufficient power, which can lead to injury.
How long does an oscillating tool last?
The life of your oscillating multi tool depends on how often it is used and the quality of care taken when in use. When in use, it is important to be aware of the tool blade guard. The guard offers protection for your fingers when in use but can cause problems if you are not careful with it. If you don’t flip it up before using the tool, the blades will stop abruptly mid-cut without warning which could render the oscillating multitool powerless and dangerous.
The life of an oscillating tool also depends on the quality. For best results, choose a model that is made from quality materials with a high-quality tool blade. The money you spend upfront will take longer to recoup if it doesn’t last as long as you would like it to.
How do I know which oscillating tool to buy?
There are so many options available when it comes to choosing an oscillating tool. The first thing you should consider is what exactly your need for the tool is. If you only want to use it once or twice, then perhaps a mid-range model would be best for you. On the other hand, if this is going to be an integral part of your tool kit, then you may want to invest a little bit more into a high-end model with good attachments.
Final thought
Oscillating multi tools are a must-have for anyone who wants to cut drywall quickly. They are affordable, versatile, and easy to use. If you don’t have one yet, I highly recommend them as they can save time and hassle when cutting through drywall.
You just follow the step, and you will know how to cut drywall with an oscillating tool properly.
