How to Use a Rotary Cutter | Beginners Tutorial

[@purefury702]

A lot of people on KZbin publish DIY content, but what I like about this channel is that Jeff cuts through all the fussing about and shows the practical way to just get it done right the first time and move on.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Cheers Brandon!

[@NoZenith]

Agreed

[@dennisfahey2379]

Totally agree. I gather KZbin has minimal length and viewer duration metrics. I note that Jeff just gives you more to digest in that time than many others. He has minimal intro and does not meander along stating the same thing 5 different ways to pad the thing out. You're in; you're out - now back to work. I cannot tell you how many channels have lost me with their fluff over produced drivel and endless product placements. Give me details and independent proven product recommendations. Don't sell out to the metrics or sponsors. That gives you viewer loyalty and retension. So cheers to Jeff.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Cheers Dennis!

[@timamyett9679]

When I want to get the skinny about anything in home construction this is where I come. I'm on the last leg of rebuilding a 3200 sq.ft.home , in a mountain town in Ruidoso NM. I have rebuilt almost every inch of this monster. I've done every bit of the construction myself, from the foundation to the metal roof, electrical plumbing HVAC and cabinetry. I've laid and sanded and finished 1500 sq.ft. of tongue and groove hardwood flooring , set tile, built a stone fireplace and hung ,tape bed and textured sheet rock. I've built over 700 sq ft. of decks .one that is over twenty feet off the ground. I've replaced 36 exterior windows and doors. This is a minimal description of the work I done on this house.... And this is hands down the best channel on the tube to go to to figure out how to accomplish any construction project. Thanks for all your quality content that is a major set of skills in itself.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Congratulations Tim. Well done!

[@kristinebrady3668]

I really appreciate your videos!!! I'm a 73 yo female. I'm a DIYer at heart, but often of necessity, because I don't have money to hire. I think my career could've been GC instead of admin! I get help from men in my life when needed... strong arms, etc! Just wanted to say thank you!!!

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

You are so welcome! You rock Kristine! never stop learning!

[@desmondturcotte2262]

instead of measuring for your boxes, put the sheet in place unpinned then take your drywall knife and while looking behind the sheet from the top stab the drywall where the boxes are and turn the knife. way faster. love your videos keep up the great work

[@tonybove2468]

The true mark of a Master is making something look easy. You sir, are a Master.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Cheers Tony!

[@lespaul36]

I started as the dreaded datacom installer. I did not get how we were looked at until I was an electrician. They each have their own obstacles and often datacom and telecom come to pretty finished projects, but I had to play liaison since I had the past. As an electrician I got my respect for the drywallers since I was always the guy that had to go jack up new walls because of screw ups and changes. I learned some basics and now, thanks to this communality, I have little fear about cutting open a wall and fixing it. Ya'll taught me it can be fixed and don't freak out. I picket up a zip a bit ago and do not use it often, but it is a great little tool to have and will probably use it a lot when I buy my house. Thanks to Jeff and this community that helps out a newbie like me.

[@pavel0900]

I love my RotoZip tool as well. I got mine years ago when I needed to make two holes for octagon junction boxes in my lath and plaster. The company makes special bits for that as well. I also got the vacuum attachment so there was minimal dust while cutting. The lath and plaster I cut out, came out as one unit (they were still attached to one another). This tool rotates so fast, it helps minimize the vibration that causes unnecessary damage. Just hold on tight! Even though I already used this tool, it’s nice to see a pro use it. I always learn something new from your videos Jeff. Thank you!

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Cheers Pavel!

[@katylowe3504]

Great job! Now I'll be looking for using this tool with a metal plunging blade to cut tack strips off concrete.

[@salembeeman370]

Jeff, I don't drink - but if I did I'd love to have a beer with you. You seem to have a friendly laid back personality. I've been watching you for years and always enjoy your content. I have a rotozip tool and never managed to "get it right." As a matter of fact the tool can "get away" from you in a flash. Thanks for the lesson.

[@angrytaxman]

These videos are always helpful. The only gotcha with this one was the quick cuts. Why did the actual work of cutting around the box get cut out each time? I thought it was an oversight on the first box, but you did it on every one. I think it’s beneficial to see at least one box cut in real-time without the quick cuts. Thank you for the great content as always!

[@usa-earth]

Agreed, would have been better if all the actual cutting around the boxes were left in, would have given me a more rounded idea of the tool's use.

[@gellfex9287]

Makes me assume he screwed it up in some way and didn't want us to see. After all, it could only be a few seconds. The magic of TV!

[@AKJammer1]

@@gellfex9287 Typically Jeff leaves in the blunders, so I don't think it's that. Probably he does it so often he assumed it was just repetitious and didn't think anyone would be interested.

[@richardm4804]

I also would have liked to see him cut all the boxes in real time.

[@NoZenith]

I really wish you were in Michigan. I appreciate you explain it in clear detail so I know what is going into the job and what I'm paying for if I don't feel I have the skill-set or the need to budget and to invest in specialty tools to do it myself. I have no illusions that I could do anywhere near as good a job as you especially in something like tiling a bathroom and making sure everything is done right the first time (and in a reasonable amount of time, your expertise would be invaluable in an old house renovation) and I would hire you! You inspire confidence in your ability just by so casually addressing hiccups like the first hole here. If you want to take a working vacation with a flexible schedule, hit me up!

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

I appreciate your confidence, however I am going to be crazy busy for m the rest of my life running this channel. Cheers!

[@NoZenith]

@@HomeRenoVisionDIY congratulations 🎊

[@timwiseley8039]

Thanks for quick guide to rotozip. Ready to cut some boxes on my porch drywall.

[@ericszkoda8690]

Thank you for sharing this video. I always thought that cut outs are done on the inside of electrical box. Now I know correct way to start inside , get to the edge and jump to outside:)

[@NavyCopMA1]

Always nice to see added tips. It took me a couple of cuts (and some wild, where the hell is the tip going??!! cuts) to get it but have been able to cut some pretty decent holes using a battery DeWalt cutter. I have a Rotozip somewhere, but for the life of me I can't find it at the moment. It will probably jump out at me just as I finish the renovation... Story of my life (I believe I have almost two of every tool because I keep misplacing things....)

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

LOL, That is exactly how I ran my business...with 2 of everything just so I can find it when I need it. Cheers!

[@Barkyfortress]

You gotta minimize

[@NavyCopMA1]

@@Barkyfortress As different areas get finished I will be able to clean up the garage and actually find stuff. Trying to finish a shed that became prohibitively expensive and that will clear a good third of my garage out. But yes, minimizing would be good as well!

[@hope2985]

Thank you for your videos…I have learned a lot. I appreciate showing the fails. This helps us not get discouraged whiling failing our way to success. Where are your safety glasses?

[@peep39]

This is good advice. I used mine for the first time today, and I have extensive experience with tools so I had good results with it immediately. However, I didn't pay attention to which bit I used, and I grabbed the full length cutting one rather than the piloting bit. So all the openings I cut out look a little ratty around the inside framing perimeter. Whoops! lol

[@SophiaAphrodite]

I only recently bought one this last year for my drywall work and it does take a bit of time to trust the design of the bit and be comfortable to use confidently . Your instinct it to be concerned that the bit is going to damage what it hits like the boxes when you hit them so you might be too gentle with it which will cause it to "walk" on you and on the flip side if you force it you will snap the bit because it is spinning so fast. I like the idea you mentioned of "drawing" the box.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

I hope this helps. Cheers!

[@P.L.M.]

I love his channel; he is such a hero but what I have learned is that I have to hire a pro.

[@rongilbride7217]

C2 Cabinet & Trim in the background? Awesome!

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

You know it!

[@tommiedunlap5300]

Always loved coming into this channel just to watch the tip and tricks and I did a bathroom project where your videos helped me so much. I did the bathroom myself other than putting in the tub, but watching your videos have always been step by step and on point with the tips. Thank you for doing these videos.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Cheers Tommie, happy to be of some help!

[@tommiedunlap5300]

@@HomeRenoVisionDIY you've definitely helped along the way with advice.

[@TPN_MeDS]

Love that tool. The info on the guide was very helpful

[@Johnsouthshore]

I have a rotozip with a plug.. I have used it for work on wood, fiberglass, and drywall. Great tool

[@chrislnflorida5192]

Thanks for explaining about when u using the Roto how u start in the center of the box and having to jump to the exterior to cut out.

[@dburke5766]

Good video, I'm also a canadian gc. I do mostly restoration drywall (2 foot cuts) theyre usually full of wires so i like to mark which way to send the zip cut to find the side of the box without hitting the wires. (Push wires to the right, plunge to the left, marked as 25" ⬅️) Also if u screw too close to the boxes the screw will often pop when u put the plates on later

[@elinsonberroa4436]

Thank you for your video. Extremly helpful. Easy to follow explanation

[@produce86]

Protect this man at all costs!

[@danrush871]

Now I know what I can do with my 30 yr old sears cutting tool in the garage! Thanks for the info!

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Right on! Cheers Dan!

[@mharper6877]

YES! So helpful and I wish I'd known this earlier! Thanks for this!

[@lauriegardner9424]

Thank you for all of your help and insight. My husband had a stroke last year and left me with a lot of repairs. I have watched many of your videos this past year which have helped me so so much. Do you think, as a woman, I could replace rotting facia board by myself?

[@chrism9976]

Had mine for 2 years before I figured out which direction to go in. A must have tool for doing a full remodel.

[@demef758]

Okay, so now i have perfect cutouts around my junction boxes and the drywall is all screwed down. How do I route my electrical wiring to the boxes?

[@tomprovan50]

great video I am a journey man carpenter and used to be hired because I could cut and measure vinyl drywall perfectly. Getting used to these tools its different

[@murraymetcalf-CA]

Perfect timing! I am ready to start this aspect of my project. I installed 44 electrical devices in my small, new workshop/shed (more devices than my whole house I think) and so being able to do this quickly and precisely will be key to the visual success of the project.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Fantastic! Cheers Murray!

[@marymccowan6629]

Very Cool tool. I don't care for battery power tools but it seems that is all you can find or are affordable today. GREAT VIDEO

[@luvdady]

harbor freights got a cheap one works good , just dont bang it around . I think I paid $15 a few years ago (chicago electric)

[@stockstnt8]

Just another reason why i love this guy ,, any chance you will be moving to ohio soon i can use a neighbor like you. Ha . Great video as always.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

I won't be moving there but I may pop in some day!

[@twotfreigh4946]

Great video. I got to get one of those tools, no more key hole saw...

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Yes you do. Cheers!

[@TheGuitarCovers101]

Thanks for the shout out Jeff!

[@cuban151]

Let’s go! I love it! Perfect 🤩 my man seamless as always!

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Cheers!

[@cuban151]

This was/is literally my go to when I repatched my walls during the off-season! Now it’s time to get back to work in a cpl days! 🍻

[@danielhammer7148]

Jeff’s our man. If he can’t do it no one can

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

LOL. Cheers!

[@ds1755]

Always great tips. Love a excellent corded tool any day. I have a few passed down to me from my dad that are 25 to 30 years old and still running strong.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Very cool!

[@gregmartin1757]

Roto zip is a awesome tool .you can cut virtually anything sheetrock, tile ,wood etc. Cleanly and easily with the right bit . And they last i used 1 almost daily for 20 yrs and it still works perfectly. Bought a newer 1 but not because the older model stop working just wanted to try the newer version.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Right. I used them on ceramic tile to make cuts!

[@-ray-h]

❤Awesome video Jeff...! 👍👍You are my go to guy when doing anything on construction / remodeling for the home... Heck My Wife even watches your videos... !!! Cut drywall or material Counterclockwise when outside of the box... Cut Drywall or material clockwise when inside of the box...❤

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Cheers Ray!

[@pansydelfi8916]

Thank you soooo much. Watched it 2x. Very helpful !!

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Cheers! happy to help!

[@mromutt]

Ha I still have my dads old roto zip in storage, everyone uses them for drywall but if you buy other bits you can actually do most other sheet goods! Its like a hybrid between a router and a jigsaw, best of both worlds. I actually am thinking of picking up a cordless one on the cheap. For outlets I kind of want to pick up one of those $10 - $15 box blades that go on thee oscillating multi tools (i love those tools especially for sanding), any one try those? Would be interesting to see one of those blades put through its paces in a video. Maybe as part of a video going over and trying out odd or interesting tools and accessories.

[@MrRyan0608]

Hi. I just want to watch a video with the wires inside the boxes. Most of the time I work with hot lines. Any tips will help. Thx

[@SheilaSpencer1]

I have a battery powered tool like this one. Try as I might, the thing just takes off on me. It seems being able to use the box as a guide gives you some control, but do you have any tips for cutting a freehand hole with one of these? The first time I tried to cut a simple access hole was something out of a comic strip. 🙄🤦‍♀️

[@Ben-l9w8b]

can you use regular drill bits that you use to drill holes?

[@xamargalber8088]

Good afternoon!! Nice video love and support from up . Blessings from Chicago!! ❤️👍👍👍👍👍

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Cheers Marisol!

[@cegentry]

I bought a cordless DeWalt version of this tool. I find it incredibly difficult to use. Any advice on how to get better at it?

[@CuddaBrown]

That was fresh my man

[@teddyboy252]

Great show !

[@scottsachs2547]

Wow! Very Helpful!! Thank You!!

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Cheers Scott!

[@lcook0825]

Great video Jeff.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Thanks Larry! Cheers!

[@CuddaBrown]

Gotta get mine...

[@MrKelly-ll1lx]

Beautiful, thank you!🧰

[@bevnfred]

Thanks. You are cutting inside the boxes. Does that leave enough clearance so the box slides through the hole?

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

i start inside and then jump the side wall and cut it out from the outside. Cheers!

[@BillAnon]

I've my Rotozip for around 20 years but I can't seem to find bits or blades for it anymore. Is that stuff discontinued now?

[@guyhuard9656]

Tank's for this explaination is very usefull

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Glad it was helpful!

[@chriscarr1791]

What about in a situation with mutliple layers of drywall, or sonopan & drywall, the box is sticking out more like 1" or more, can that first layer warp enough around a box sticking out that much ? Or anything special in those situations ?

[@dennisfahey2379]

That model is much better than the original unit. That thing would blow dust in every direction. No way to angle it to blow away from you. Really useful tool. When you need it there is nothing quite like it.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Cheers Dennis!

[@RobertStCyr-zh1tw]

Can you use for plaster and lathe?

[@Camperfanatic01]

Love the Rotozip, I have 3…. When I go to a yard sale and find one cheap with accessories, I can’t leave it behind. Lol

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

You and me both!

[@beachboardfan9544]

Thats trick af! Where do u get those zip bits with the pilot on the end?

[@Cris-ss8tb]

Hi Jeff, have you ever had to do this when the fulloutlet is in , not just the wires but the receptacle also ,an tips for that ?,thanks your the canadian version of the, " essential craftsman"

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

I usually cut a small hole where the box will be and then detail it after I hang the sheet!

[@Cris-ss8tb]

@@HomeRenoVisionDIY thanks Jeff have a good day "off"

[@murraymetcalf-CA]

What to do if the ELECTRICAL DEVICES are ALREADY INSTALLED in the boxes? I am thinking it will be much easier/more advisable to start my plunge cut on the OUTSIDE and drive to the box and just fill that extra cut with drywall mud? ... And of course make sure to shut off the main electrical breaker before starting!

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

nice!

[@CarlosMartinez-un4sm]

I want to extend a copper pipe because it leaves the big embedded in the stucco. I cut off the water and turned on some sinks to drain. I couldn't get water to stop dribbling out of said pipe. Used a vacuum and gave it some time but still wouldn't stop. Can you help me please?

[@joemedley195]

I can’t get the hang of that thing because I can’t tell when the tip is against the box and when it’s not. I didn’t know to hold it at a slight angle though. Does that help?

[@joshuam.6404]

Suggestion for cutting out a chunk of rotted drywall? I'm wanting to split the difference of the stud on either side so the new drywall panel has half the stud to screw into...but if the tip of the rotozip is not for cutting, then how will I plunge deep enough to run down the line (the tip will ride the top surface of the stud in other words)?

[@Billy_bSLAYER]

That have bits that do not have the guide tip.

[@joshuam.6404]

@@Billy_bSLAYER thank you!

[@idahospyder1620]

Do the same bits work in a Dremel tool?

[@johnbowser2612]

Dude, your info is to cool

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Cheers John!

[@shudderclaw7197]

I bought one and I did awful with it went straight back to my multi tool I'm sure it was operator error but still lol I will try again after watching this video

[@william18miller]

30000 rpm... if it was 5k you could probably do it with your drill. nice cutting Jeff 👍.. definitely a learning curve to using on plastic boxes

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

just need to angle it so the tip is the only thing touching the box!

[@drendon4]

Always love watching these videos. Set aside time to every weekend to watch. But this one was a bit disorientating. Not sure if someone else was recording or editing but it felt different. The camera moved a lot and didn't seem as stable as other videos. Maybe it was necessary due to the sound of the tool or dust created. Great content and information though.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

we were trying a new gimble camera. We have decided not to use it anymore. Cheers and sorry for the sea sickness!

[@wyattsdad8561]

Great vid man

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Cheers!

[@wyattsdad8561]

@@HomeRenoVisionDIY I don’t do a lot of big drywall jobs, I mainly do a lot of drywall repairs tho. But if I do a large job I use my Dremel with a roto zip type bit and it seems to work out good. But I sometimes wonder if I should buy a real roto zip. What do you think man?

[@agentcorbeau3530]

Tks a lot Always interesting!!

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@aaudain1]

Rotozip is about 25 years old very good tool

[@babukatv6923]

I have a problem when the wood or the studs end up cut up, how do you stop that?

[@rc_repair]

I was hoping to use this tool for drywall rough in. I got this tool free but kept cutting into the wood. Looks like I'm gonna have to sell it.

[@tcomben]

What if you already have wires in the box? You can't cut inside, right?

[@daineclark]

Thank you so much. 👊

[@snoodle877]

Can I use my Dremel tool vs the rotozip?

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Yes I am quite sure they make a drywall bit as well. Cheers!

[@lolaraye8694]

Love it...gotta buy one...lol

[@aaudain1]

Great idea

[@omnibuildersnz]

yip these are game changers for sure i will never use my key hole saw ever again🤣🤣

[@timramirez4121]

Can you use on wood?

[@sorrythanks666]

Great vid.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Cheers Eric!

[@machinori]

Plaster walls will melt the blade within a minute. Any tips on how to cut those?

[@alski259]

Should mention to tuck in wire away from perimeter to avoid cutting wires which are likely present during use of this tool.

[@joedyer1785]

Thanks

[@suhailkt8170]

How to fix Em lock with biometric

[@maryseay9406]

My brain immediately went to the mud...probably cause I'm mudding my walls, but hey. Jeff, great demonstration and explanation, thanks again. Does this tool work on paneling and wall board too?

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

yes if you buy the right bit for it. great for installing paneling in a trailer. Cheers!

[@Stevenyoung100]

The goat.

[@johnjensen8560]

Thanks for a great video Jeff. I think that you should include an explanation of the difference between guide point bits which I think that you are using and standard bits. I had a terrible time using standard bits until a year ago when I discovered guide point bits. So much easier!!! Do you know why they even make the standard bits? I would be interested to know. Thanks, John Jensen

[@mariocapmany9550]

Why are you installing drywall screws with drill? I'm pretty sure they sell screw guns up there in Canada.

[@berjo77]

I still have mine I bought in 2004, still in great shape, works perfect. However, my saw system is missing it’s square drive pin. Parts seem to be as rare as chicken’s teeth. Any sources for these older treasures?

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

seems to be a lot easier to buy a new tool than get service nowadays. try google for power tool repair shop. most towns have one to service the trades.

[@mgolfanderssson4381]

Wow you guys cant put up drywalls, holeinones magnet try it Love it. And please put plasterboard the right way. ➡️ wrong way ⬆️ right way

[@ericcook4665]

you should have a jack in the box hat jack of all master of none

[@waynesligar5948]

In 1995 i bought a cheap router and i still use it. I have no idea how much drywall I've hung. I worked 18 years doing only commercial drywall then i got more into management but now I'm disabled because my lower back is bad

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

sorry to hear about your back. I decided to go into multiple trades so i reduced the repetitive work. It seems to have saved me from any major problems.

[@jeremynguyen2346]

What is a rotary cutting tool used for

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

drywall, paneling, tile and any other precision cutting.

[@jeremynguyen2346]

@@HomeRenoVisionDIY what personal protection equipment is required when using a rotary cutting tool

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

be sober!

[@jeremynguyen2346]

@@HomeRenoVisionDIY hello

[@johnlemay5040]

Why do you start on the inside of the box if you are plunge cutting on the outside anyways

[@erikniemi1977]

Generally because part of the "speed" these tools allow is how fast you can measure out where the boxes are. As he showed you just need to make a mark in the "middle-ish" of a box and you can cut it out... If you want to start on the outside of the box you need to make a VERY precise measurement of at least one of the box edges and plunge in the exact spot of the outer edge. That kind of measuring takes more time, which isn't required if you are zip cutting out the wholes anyway.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

to avoid the need for repairs!