Spiral saw, which is actually a mini router, is one of the best tools for cutting openings in drywall. It lets you cut holes quickly and accurately without the time-consuming measuring and marking usually required. And once you get the hang of this tool, every box will be perfectly cut out, reducing the amount of time you'll spend patching.
Spiral saws can also cut wood and some types of soft tile with some special bits. With the mini angle grinder attachment, you can mount a diamond blade, metal cutting discs and sanding discs to your saw. Other attachments, like a flexible shaft for getting into tight spots, are also available.
Make Perfect Drywall Cutouts
This specialized tool is especially worth buying if you have a big drywalling job on the horizon. In this article, we'll show you how to cut around electrical outlets and lights when you're hanging drywall. We'll also show you a few other handy uses for a spiral saw.
You'll find spiral saws in the tool section of home centers, at drywall suppliers and at online tool sellers. Expect to spend about $60 for a basic, no-frills tool. We found one spiral saw at Toolprice for under $30.
Spiral saws are noisy and dusty, so don't forget your safety gear. Safety glasses, hearing protection and a good-quality (two-strap) dust mask are essential.
Setup Is Simple
After you insert the bit into the collet, pull it out until about 1/8 in. of the smooth part of the shank is showing before tightening the collet. This will help prevent bit breakage. Then adjust the base so that the bit protrudes about 1/4 in. beyond the depth of the material you're cutting.
You'll Hang Drywall in Half the Time
When you use a spiral saw to cut outlets, there's no need for precise measuring. Simply mark the approximate center of each electrical box or other opening on the face of the drywall and cut them out after the sheet is loosely attached to the framing.
Before you hang the drywall, turn off the power to the electrical boxes. Then press the wires to the back of the box to avoid damaging them with the bit. A hammer handle works well for this job.
When you hang the sheets, don't place any fasteners within about 16 in. of an electrical box until you've cut it out. Otherwise, the drywall is pressed against the box, and it will break out before you finish the cut, creating extra patching work. Use symbols to mark nonstandard boxes so you'll have a better idea what you're cutting around. For example, draw a square for doublewide boxes or a circle for round light fixture boxes. Make sure you mark and cut every box. Searching for missing electrical boxes buried in finished walls is no fun.
Cut counterclockwise when you're going around the outside of a box, window or other protruding object . Move the spiral saw clockwise if you're cutting around the inside of an opening such as a hole in the wall for a recessed medicine cabinet.
Use a spiral saw to get a perfect fit for recessed lights in drywall. You don't need exact measurements.
