How to choose drywall tools: cutting and fitting

Working plasterboard by hand takes only a few tools: a knife to score the board and snap it, a jab saw for cut-outs for boxes and pipes, a small plane or rasp for the edges, and a crimping tool to join profiles without screws. If you cut and trim boards every day, a cut-out tool or a cordless saw saves time and effort. The tools in the collection range from about 150 to 380 mm in length: if you are starting from scratch, the minimum set is a knife, a saw and a small plane.

The types

• Knife and board cutting gauge: they score the paper face along a line. The board is then snapped by bending it and the paper on the back is cut through. One example is the Stanley STHT1-16069 board cutting gauge.
• Plasterboard saw: the pointed tip makes the holes for electrical boxes and pipes. Available as a hand saw or cordless, like the Makita DSD180ZJ.
• Cut-out tool: the cordless version for anyone who has to trim and open up a lot of board, like the DeWalt Brushless 18V XR, sold as a bare tool only.
• Small plane, plane, file and rasp: they finish the cut edges. There are also planes for corners.
• Pliers and crimpers: the profile crimping tool joins tracks and studs by crimping the sheet metal, without screws. There are also setting tools for expanding cavity plasterboard fixings.
• Punches and punching tools: they are used to work the metal profiles of the framing.
• Hand sanders and poles: for sanding the jointing compound. The pole lets you reach the ceiling from the floor.
• Trowels, scrapers and panel lifters: corner trowels for the angles, panel lifters and board carrying handles for moving and positioning the boards.

How to choose by job

The features to look at

• Length (mm): in the collection it runs from about 150 to 380 mm. A short blade or rasp is easier to handle in corners; a long one is more accurate on the long edges of a board.
• Material: steel for blades and rasps, aluminium for supports and poles, plastic or wood for handles and lightweight supports. On knives and cut-out tools, the steel blade is what counts.
• Weight: it ranges from a few grams for a blade to over two kilos for a cordless tool. If you work overhead, you will feel the weight.
• Pieces per pack: replacement blades come in packs of 2 to 12. If you cut a lot, buy the large pack.
• Voltage: for cordless tools, check that the battery is compatible with the ones you already have. The DeWalt cut-out tool is 18V.
• Origin: some items are listed as made in Italy.

Common mistakes

• Snapping the board without scoring the paper properly: if the line is not marked, the break wanders and the edge crumbles. Score firmly, once only, along a line.
• Leaving a worn blade in place: a blunt blade tears the paper. Change it; it costs less than a ruined board.
• Using a wood saw: the gypsum clogs the teeth. You need a plasterboard saw with a pointed tip.
• Buying a "bare tool" cordless tool without a battery: in this version the battery and charger are not included.
• Using the fixing setting tool with the wrong fixing: the tool and the fixing must be chosen as a pair, according to the board thickness.

Frequently asked questions

Is a hand saw or a cordless saw better?

For a couple of openings a day, a hand saw is enough. If you make dozens of holes for boxes or downlights, a cordless saw saves effort and gives a cleaner cut.

Do I need a cut-out tool if I already have a knife?

The knife makes straight cuts. The cut-out tool is for trimming edges and shaping openings, especially with a lot of boards.

Does the profile crimping tool replace screws?

Yes, for joining tracks and studs it crimps the sheet metal without screws. Fixings are still needed to attach to the structure.

How do I remove chipped edges?

With a small plane or rasp, working along the edge with the board held still. One light pass is enough to get a clean edge.

You will find all the tools in the drywall tools collection: if you are not sure which to choose, the AMES technicians will advise you or prepare a quote.