Repairs in drywall can be time-consuming, difficult, and untidy. The problem is worsened by the fact that there is a wide variety of tools from which to choose.
If you don’t want to end up with a saw that snaps after a few rounds of use, our woodworking professionals tested and shared the best drywall saw options today, as well as drywall cutting tips!
Reviews of the Top Drywall Saws
1. IRWIN Tools ProTouch Drywall/Jab Saw (2014100)
Equipped with an ergonomic handle, tri-ground teeth, and a 31-centimeter blade length, we think that the IRWIN Tools ProTouch Drywall Saw is a cutting powerhouse.
The company’s ProTouch grip and a substantial thickness to the saw’s blade ensure your hand feels terrific and remains firmly around the handle during work. And at a price so low that it won’t break the bank.
For openings in ceiling tiles, HVAC ducts, plumbing, and electrical outlets, you won’t find a better value than these Irwin jab saws if you need a low-priced tool for quick, accurate cutting.
What We Like
- The best drywall tool for fast and smooth cuts
- Ergonomic handle
- Long blade length
- Tri-ground teeth
What We Don't Like
- The blade may be too long for other users
- It may be too thick for other drywall
2. DEWALT Rotary Saw (DW660)
This DEWALT rotary saw is powerful enough for industrial use. It boasts five amps and 30,000 RPM. This rotary tool also has a sleek construction, and its features will make your next drywall job easier. It will also stand out, thanks to its striking black-and-yellow aesthetic.
With the flip of a button, this power tool will be shielded from dust and will last much longer, and because of the amount of dust that electric saws may kick up, this feature will come in very handy.
The Dewalt DW660 is a rotary tool you’ll want to have because it is one that you will use for a long time.
What We Like
- Dust-sealed switch
- Tool-free bit change
- On/Bump-Off switch for an easy shutdown
What We Don't Like
- May not be for thicker drywall
- It may not fit other bits
3. STANLEY Hand Saw, Jab Saw, Wood Handle, 6-Inch (15-206)
The Stanley 15-206 drywall saw is the most useful and affordable option. The saw’s wooden handle is ergonomic and secure, so you won’t have to worry about dropping it. It’s a great option for novice builders on a budget and those who prefer longer blades.
The six-inch blade is equipped with several sharp teeth that make short work of drywall. The saw’s point is designed durably, making cutting a drywall hole easier. The blade and tip remained sharp as we drilled multiple holes in the drywall for electrical plugs.
Furthermore, it features epoxy-bonded and ferruled blades that have a connection that is three times as strong as that of non-epoxy-bonded blades.
What We Like
- Wooden, ergonomic handle
- Six-inch blade for thick cutting surfaces
- Good for cutting holes in drywall panels
- Affordable
What We Don't Like
- You may need to buy a solid case for it
- The blade is not retractable, thus not replaceable
4. DEWALT DWHT20123 2-in-1 Folding Jab Saw
The DeWalt DWHT20123 is also a good choice for a drywall saw. Its blade and rasp on this saw can fold away like a pocket knife, giving you more flexibility than a straight saw. It also eliminates the risk of ripping your clothing or bags.
The blade and rasp also feature a locking mechanism that secures them in open and closed positions, an ergonomic grip facilitates prolonged use.
With an ergonomic bi-material handle, you won’t have to worry about long-term discomfort in your hands. Aside from drywall, we also found it capable of cutting thin branches or sheets of wood.
What We Like
- Good for accurate cuts
- Stainless steel construction
- Ergonomic handle
- 2-in-1 rasp and saw
What We Don't Like
- You may need to lubricate its locking mechanism
- Blades are not retractable for replacement
5. Rotozip SS355-10 5.5 Amp High-Performance Spiral Saw
The best spiral saw on our list is the RotoZip SS355-10. It has an incredible speed of 30,000 revolutions per minute, making short work of any drywall task.
The fast-spinning blade produces a lot of drywall dust, which might obscure your view of the cutting area, but this saw has exhaust valves to keep the dust where it belongs, away from you and your work.
It contains a built-in “bump switch” for one-handed use that turns the tool off when the handle isn’t being grasped, and it has two grip zones to increase comfort when operating in a horizontal or vertical posture.
What We Like
- It has two distinct grip areas
- Bump switch
- Dust blower and exhaust vents for dust
What We Don't Like
- It may not be the best drywall tool for beginners
- Its cord may be too short for some projects
6. Klein Tools 31737 Folding Jab Saw Drywall Saw
Looking at this Klein Tools folding jab saw (31737), you can tell it means business. Its carbon steel blade and tri-ground teeth make it sharp enough to provide a more powerful and swifter slash.
Aside from the blade’s triple-ground teeth that provide three cutting surfaces for a clean cut, it also has a cushioned handle to reduce the discomfort of making initial cuts. When not in use, the blade can be folded away safely and won’t pierce your pockets or jeans.
This saw may be locked in either the 125-degree (partially unfolded) or 180-degree (fully unfolded) position, allowing for cutting in both directions (when the blade is unfolded).
What We Like
- Cushioned handle end
- Precision triple ground teeth
- Comfortable grip
- Best drywall saw for regular drywall projects
What We Don't Like
- A little heavy
- Expensive
7. Goldblatt Folding Drywall Saw, Jab Saw
Once you get this Goldblatt folding jab saw, you’ll get a 5-inch blade, a hot red and black design, and a super-sleek build. With its 8 TPI bi-metal composition and finely ground teeth, this drywall cutter does the quick work of any of your DIY projects.
With its anti-clog technology and deeper gullets than the typical jab saw, this saw makes less of a mess and causes less frustration on the job.
The blade folds down for easy transport, and the non-slip grip design and simple locking mechanism make it a delight to use from start to finish.
What We Like
- For precise cutting drywall, plastic, plywood, PVC, and wallboard
- Deep gullets between teeth keep the blade free of gunk
- Suitable for most DIY projects
- Good for small holes
What We Don't Like
- It might not be the right blade for some users
- Not for heavy use
Drywall Saw Buyer’s Guide
Blade Length
Chainsaw Winch Buyer’s Guide
Teeth
You should consider something known as “teeth grind” regarding blade teeth.
The number of cutting surfaces on the teeth is referred to as “teeth grinding.” The more cutting area there is, the blade will cut through the drywall more quickly and easily.
Usually, the box will indicate a double or triple tooth grind. You can achieve the quickest and cleanest cut with triple-ground teeth.
Surfaces with multiple cuts give the impression of a higher quality build, even if a cheap saw likely stamps out the blades.
Point
A drywall saw is a useful drywall tool for making the initial hole in the drywall necessary for cutting through it. Therefore, a drywall saw’s sharp blade is designed to pierce the material rather than cut it.
When cutting drywall, this feature is essential because it creates a hole in the sheet before you begin slicing. Just as a sharpened tip of a kitchen knife is more secure and efficient, so is the point of the blade.
Try to test the point’s sharpness with your own hands before buying it; if you’re not satisfied, keep looking.
Handle
The handle of a drywall saw is often disregarded, despite its importance. You won’t be able to devote time to a job or make precise cuts if the handle is awkward to hold. The blade can rock from side to side.
Chainsaw Winch Buyer’s Guide
RPM
When selecting an electric drywall saw, it’s important to consider the unit’s revolutions per minute. The most popular electric saw is the spiral saw, which typically operates at a speed of 30,000 RPM.
Keep an eye out for devices that offer more power than this, and if you can afford it, upgrade to a higher-power saw. More power allows you to make shorter work of your cutting tasks with less fatigue.
Corded or Cordless Tool?
Corded drywall cutters that need to be connected to an outlet are usually the most effective and cost-effective.
However, if you’re working in a broad area, you may find it challenging to reach some regions because the length of the cable limits how far you can move the tool. That’s why an extra extension cord is usually required.
Drywall cutters that don’t need to be plugged into an outlet can run on batteries instead. Since they are typically smaller than their corded counterparts, this makes them much easier to maneuver and take along.
Cordless tools have fewer features and less power than their corded counterparts, and their batteries wear out quickly. They can be more costly if you have to buy batteries independently.
Choosing a drywall cutter from the same brand is usually advisable if you already have other cordless tools and use a universal battery system.
Storage
Manual drywall saws have a long blade, and electric drywall saws are heavy and awkward to store due to their powerful motors and large housings.
Thankfully, manual saws are available with a folding mechanism that allows the blade to be folded down when not in use. A complete drywall saw kit is also available, eliminating the need to find separate storage for the saw and its components.
Type of Drywall Cutting Tool
Circle Cutter or Hole Saw
Simple instruments that cut materials into circles are called “circle cutters.” Hole saws often necessitate the use of both hands, but the compact size of hole saws makes them convenient for on-the-go use in cutting out perfect circles.
If you need to cut holes in drywall for electrical wiring, this is the saw for the job.
Utility Knife
When working with drywall, experts often reach for utility knives. They have a sharp blade that is ideal for precise cuts and are small and lightweight enough to carry anywhere. Furthermore, they are simple to operate, especially for individuals with no prior experience with drywalling.
Jab Saw
Another commonly used tool in tandem with utility knives is the jab saw. As the name suggests, this saw has a sharp point for jabbing it in and out of the drywall.
Since the blades on jab saws are often quite long (ranging from 6 inches to 12 inches), they can quickly and efficiently cut through large sections of drywall. These are the best drywall saws for beginners than electrical equivalents, but like any other tool, they require caution.
Track Saw
An electric saw is quick and convenient, even if chronic asthma isn’t your thing. Cutting drywall using a track saw is a less common practice, but you can do it by adding a dust collection device. It will make sawing easier and faster without creating a lot of dust.
Reciprocating Saw
To imitate the motion of a hand saw, a reciprocating saw uses a back-and-forth cutting motion. Even though these are not designed for the purpose, these demolition tools can quickly cut through enormous sheets or even significant pieces of drywall.
Reciprocating saws are regarded as the most powerful power option available but are not as good as saws at making clean, precise cuts when used to cut drywall.
Jigsaw
The jigsaw is similar to the reciprocating saw in that it uses a back-and-forth cutting motion, but the blade is narrower, allowing for more precise curved and straight cuts. There is a risk of damaging plumbing or electrical lines while cutting drywall on a wall with a jigsaw since you cannot adjust for depth.
Spiral Saw
A spiral saw is a powered tool to make plunge and curved cuts in thin materials like plywood and drywall. A depth adjustment is included on most spiral saws to prevent accidentally slicing through the electrical and plumbing lines hidden behind walls.
Oscillating Multitool
The oscillating multi-tool is another power tool designed for precise cutting. It features a cutting blade that oscillates back and forth and can be either rectangular, semicircular, or triangular cuts.
While oscillating multi-tools aren’t useful for creating circular or curved cuts, they excel where spiral saws falter: in a straight line cutting accuracy and efficiency.
Best Brands of Drywall Saws
Dewalt
DEWALT is the preferred brand for many power tools. That said, there are a variety of models of the Dewalt drywall saw to choose from. It was founded in 1922 with a groundbreaking woodworking machine. They’ve expanded and refined their products ever since.
Dremel
Founded in 1932, it has become a leading manufacturer of rotary tools and other requirements for the workplace.
One of Dremel’s first tools was a portable, multi-function rotary that you could utilize for various purposes, indicating the company’s commitment to meeting the specific needs of its consumers.
Irwin
In business since 1885, the IRWIN Tools brand has seen many exciting changes throughout the years.
Given the company’s origins in acquiring the rights to a revolutionary concept from a local blacksmith, it’s not surprising that its current products are inspired by the wants and needs of today’s laborers.
Klein Tools
Klein Tools develop high-quality, industry-specific tools for use by skilled laborers in various fields. In terms of drywall tools, Klein Tools is among the greatest brands on the market today. The ergonomically designed handles of these tools make short work of cutting drywall.
Worx
If you’re in the market for a drywall saw, a new drill, lawn care equipment, and other tools, check out WORX. The company’s dedication to greener production methods and materials is another way to feel good about buying from them.
Goldblatt
The company’s commitment to developing innovative, high-quality products for use in various fields has never changed. Check out Goldblatt’s wide variety of tools for a low price that you can trust to accomplish the job.
Rotozip
Rotozip was founded by a skilled drywaller who desired to improve the industry with simpler, more reliable drywall-cutting equipment. The company has long been supplying the market with innovative, professionally-reliable instruments.
Do You Need a Drywall Saw? + Advantages to Know
A drywall saw isn’t always necessary. If you only need to make one or two straight cuts, you should be able to get the job done using a sharp utility knife or any other hand tool.
However, a drywall saw is invaluable if you need to make numerous cuts or carve off the area around electrical outlets.
Making a puncture mark in the drywall and inserting the cutting instrument is the standard method of cutting drywall. Some drywall saws, known as jab saws, have pointed blades to facilitate easy puncturing.
The primary advantages of a drywall saw are:
- You can pierce drywall with a sharp edge.
- The long blade and sharp saw teeth facilitate quick and clean slicing.
- Allows for precision cutting
FAQ
Will I be able to cut drywall using a circular saw?
You can cut drywall with a circular saw, but it creates quite a mess. Excessive dust is produced when drywall is cut using a circular saw. Drywall dust can harm your health, so choosing circular saws that won’t create a lot of debris is important.
Will I be able to cut drywall using a table saw?
More dust is produced because the gypsum substance on the paper sheets of a drywall panel is fragile and readily fractures. Since a table saw is best used for cutting long pieces of wood, it is not the best instrument to use while working with drywall.
How can I cut straight on drywall?
When cutting a straight line in drywall, a T-square [1] and a utility knife are your best bets. A drywall panel already mounted on the wall can be easily cut straight with an oscillating multi-tool.
How can I minimize dust when cutting?
A surface covering such as tarps or drop cloths can be laid down on your workspace floor to reduce the accumulation of drywall dust. You can also contain dust by using a Zip Wall or similar dust barrier.
Which tool is most recommended for cutting drywall?
Since there is no generally excellent drywall-cutting tool, trial and error are required. There are drywall cutters for rough cuts, precise cuts, and everything in between. Curved or circular cuts require a rotary saw, hole saw, jab saw, jig saw, or a spiral saw.
Our Top Pick For a Drywall Saw:
IRWIN Tools ProTouch Drywall/Jab Saw (2014100)
After trying out the best drywall saws on the market, our woodworkers hailed the Irwin 2014100 as their top pick. It has an ergonomic grip, tri-ground teeth, and a 31-centimeter blade. Quickly and easily rip through drywall with the tri-ground teeth.
The rubberized handle is ergonomically designed with the ProTouch grip to ensure your hand feels terrific and stays firmly during a drywall project.
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