Drywall Tools - How To Choose the Right Drywall Tools for Cutting

Installing your new wall or ceiling will go much faster if you use the right drywall tools. The following tools are all you need to cut the large sheets of drywall.

• Utility knife. The single most important tool for cutting drywall is the humble utility knife, which is used to score the cut line before snapping the panel. Be sure to have a supply of new blades, and change them often.

• Drywall T-square. A drywall T-square is long enough to span the width of a standard sheet of drywall. Use it to guide the utility knife in scoring the drywall. If you don't have access to a drywall T-square, you can use a 4-foot level or straight board for the same purpose.

• Tape measure. A tape measure is indispensable for making accurate measurements.

• Surface-forming tool. A surface-forming tool, often called a Surform after a leading brand, makes cleaning up rough edges of drywall a breeze.

• Keyhole saw. A keyhole saw is a small tool with a sharp point that can be plunged into and through the drywall. It is used to make cutouts for electrical boxes and other obstructions. The Shark Rockeater and Stanley FatMax Jab are two good choices.

• Cordless drill. A cordless drill, equipped with a bit just a little bigger than the tip of the drywall saw, allows you to drill starter holes for the drill rather than plunge cutting. Not a vital step, but you may find it easier and safer than trying to jab the sharp point of the saw through the drywall.

• Drywall saw. A drywall saw like the Stanley SharpTooth Drywall Saw is optional, especially if you have other handsaws available. But the size and tooth configuration of this specialized tool really make clean, quick, short, straight cuts.