How to Cut Out Electric Boxes In Drywall

[@thetoolman3]

Thank you for this. It's a good basic tutorial. I would add three small tweaks. 1: You want the rotation of the router bit to pull it against the outside of the box as you cut. So you should go around it counterclockwise. It was clear that going clockwise, as you demonstrated, caused you to fight against it to keep it against the box. 2: You should use the base that comes with the router, and adjust it so that the bit doesn't plunge far enough to hit the framing, or worse, the wires. It is actually easier to use it this way. 3: Those ears on the switch are there to position it against the drywall surface. Unless your box is set at the perfect depth, breaking the ears off will put the switch too deeply recessed to align with the cover plate. You could add spacers to correct this. But it's easier to remove the screws and tuck one end of the switch into the box so it fits through the hole in the drywall. You don't have to de-wire it, but you probably should turn off the breaker.

[@Mgiusto]

I have one small tweak to your second method where you measure then cut the hole. If you have another box lying around I would only measure the left side and the top, then I would place my other box on top of those markings then and use it as a template to draw the entire box size, then cut it with the hand saw. Just figured I'd throw that out there for anyone who is doing multiple outlets across one sheet of sheetrock. Great video!

[@TybeeHandyman]

I use this template method also with good results.

[@hughjanus7539]

If I don't already have the switches/receptacles wired in I like to use lipstick around the rim of the box. I then place the drywall against the box, pushing it against the rim. The lipstick sticks to the back of the drywall leaving a ~perfect outline of the box. You can then make a very accurate cut with a drywall saw, razor blade, or roto-zip/router, whatever.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Great technique! Thanks for sharing!

[@joeljacquart6304]

special note !!! (to all husbands/boyfriends) ... Buy your own lipstick

[@scotteklof5082]

I have never seen a hanger with lipstick in his bags. I think he would get laughed off the job

[@diydozier3205]

Explain to the wife coming home with lipstick all over you.

[@jeffreyosiwalajr3458]

@@scotteklof5082I think it’s implied this technique isn’t for a professional

[@rrmorris67]

I bought a roto zip used for dirt cheap on ebay a long time ago. i have used it for a multitude of drywall projects large and small. for cutting openings for can lights and boxes and around door openings and stuff like that it cannot be beat. i learned the hard way that it works much better at a lower speed and you cant push too hard or the bit will break. and at high speeds the bit can burn right through plastic boxes. But once you get into the rhythm of using it, it is absolutely the best. it is so, so satisfying to quickly cut perfect openings.

[@John-dp3ln]

Use that rotozip bit in a dremmel and much more controllable. Speed control plus smaller power head.

[@deaneng8540]

I heard and it's been a while since I rotozipped my basement if you go counter-clockwise the drill will not want to wander off track as much. I've screwed up plenty of drywall when doing my basement by wandering off track and of course, learned the hard way!

[@billceve9830]

counterclockwise if go around the outside.....clockwise if go on the inside of a box..... that will prevent the wandering/kicking...

[@martintierney7187]

You appear to have cut the drywall in the incorrect direction. Your cut was clockwise, I was always taught to cut counterclockwise letting the spiral bit pull through the drywall rather than pushing the bit. Makes for a cleaner cut. Great video, you are a good teacher.

[@ThriftDiving]

You are correct. I've heard it's easier to go clockwise when cutting on the outside.

[@dennisp5302]

CORRECT!! Cutting boxes should be counterclockwise. Also, on a short piece of drywall only fasten one end. Securing opposing ends will cause too much pressure on the box; thus damaging the edge of the drywall at the box when cutting.

[@scotteklof5082]

Yeah, that was funny. I used to always tell a taper if he was going to watch me work that I would cut out all the boxes in the wrong direction and leave little puppy dog ears at the corners. He got the hell out of there. if I cared about my job at the time, I would always insert the router at the edge of the box. Electricians always snivel when the router strips off the insulation on their wires which is real easy to do

[@aplien5077]

Needed to replace some drywall in my basement so method 2 is exactly what I was looking for.

[@lindavejvoda7657]

Thank you for showing and teaching all of us. Being new to fixing up things in my own place is very satisfying when you know what to do.

[@leewillers4621]

Matt, you are the best at instructional videos! I love your u tube channel.

[@anthonyjasinski6322]

Should be using guide point zip bits for that drywall.

[@davidecasassa8679]

Yes. That and a depth stop, properly adjusted, would avoid chewing up the edge of a soft plastic box (or a window sill, jamb, etc.).

[@wildwoodtop]

4:50 You need a smooth tip bit son! 🤟

[@haansworsie]

Oscillating Renovator is what I use, perfect straight cuts

[@PickleRick366]

Great video. Just one tip, when using a Roti Zip try cutting counter clockwise.

[@keithgourley2198]

Thank you for such a clear and thorough lesson. Your instructions are very thorough and remarkably helpful. I appreciate your help as you work with me in spirit on my projects.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Appreciate this! Thanks so much for watching!!

[@chrisdavis1722]

I had no idea that the metal edges on a switch were designed to come off. I’ll file that away for future reference. Great tips on measuring and cutting drywall, too. Thanks for posting! 👍

[@whiterabbit1824]

The metal edges are actually meant to be used as washers if the box is inset a little far you can take them off and put them in the screws to make your outlet come out a bit more.

[@1personalt]

Yous shouldn't cut them off. Better to unscrew the two outlet screws and pull the outlet through the hole and then reinstall.. This way if the box is set back a little bit the switch is still were it needs to be

[@cfbarnett]

I've always thought that the "ears" helped stabilize the switch/receptacle by resting on the surface of the wallboard.

[@brunaheloisa]

Caralho que massa! Here in Brazil it's really not common use drywall but that was so informative and so simple to understand, love your videos dude.

[@Miguel.Garcia]

What do you guys use?

[@heroknaderi]

Thanks for the video Im framing some walls for a garage conversion and will use these tips for the boxes. Ienjoyed it.

[@Paullyell]

don't break the ears off if you have the square outlets the cover won't screw in i learned the hard way i noticed the hole for the screws is gone after breaking this off now i need 2 new outlets and i have to install them for the third time.

[@alannorthcarolina1776]

Thanks! But the tabs on the outlet are supposed to go on the face of the drywall, so the cover plate and switch are even with each other. I did the excessive measuring the first time as a kid and did not have fun. My Drexel will make todays project much quicker.

[@robertoneil513]

Thank you this was very detailed and simple!! Please keep the videos going!👍

[@jeffthewhiff]

Great video and easy to follow! This is exactly what I will be doing for a customer tomorrow as I only need to install one piece of drywall with one receptacle to cut-out.

[@dulaneyp]

Pro tip. The bit is designed to go clockwise around the interior of a box but counter clockwise when on the outside of the box. Eliminates the kickback seen in this video and makes a cleaner cut.

[@maryjames7193]

Exactly what I was looking for. Thank you for the step by step and visuals. You made it easy. Sadly I am dealing with partial board and I'm having to jig saw my way around.😞 This video helps. A lot.

[@jimtennison1]

Excellent video. Thank you very much. I'm going to go with the key hole saw instead of buying a roto zip. Thanks again. Jim

[@skoootles]

Nice video. Thanks. When I have new electrical boxes that only have the wire in them, I put a little bit of peanut butter on the edge of the box, push the drywall up against it, and then cut it out. No Rotozip needed. At least an alternative to Rotozip. Substitute Vaseline for the peanut butter if you wish.

[@kingkewon000]

A multi tool is another good option for cutting drywall

[@gregmize01]

The Fixer aka The Teacher!

[@mathewgrinnell7392]

I chalk the all the boxes press the rock against the boxes to transfer the chalk another guy would follow with the zip and cut them then we mount it and its ready for finish work like mud tape and cornerbead. that's my method cool that you do it different I clicked thinking you use a similar method.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Ah yes, that is also a good technique. As long as the job gets done! Thanks for checking it out!

[@AbstractCatsMedia]

I've been miss measuring(aka being lazy about doing it completely ) and did not know about the bits that can be broken off to make it fit. Now I know....man, I've lost $11 worth of drywall being lazy lol! Thanks for this video :)

[@faithford9143]

Fixer thank you for showing us how to do the math and the measurements. thanks for the share great video

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thanks for watching!!

[@richarda8093]

Love love it... 1st time watching your Chanel and I am glad I did. Thank you

[@alfelato7965]

Just what I was looking for. Thanks.

[@garyh4458]

LOL. Hardly a perfect cut but for drywall it doesn't really matter. Thanks for the demo.

[@mistywilson3520]

The blade you used for the drywall cutting looks like a larger size pumpkin carving knife lol! Thanks for sharing!

[@ieatwatermelon2995]

Very informative helps a lot thanks, keep up the awesome work 👏👍

[@billceve9830]

supposed to go counterclockwise around the outside of a box... clockwise if you on the inside of the box.... that is why your bit kicked back on you..,,,,,

[@dougpalmer9337]

Great job. Very helpful and straight forward.

[@clemsonownsthebuckeyes4491]

This video helped me alot brotha...keep up the good work!!!!!!

[@miltonnegron65]

Excellent video

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thanks, I appreciate it! 😃

[@ryancarlson9214]

Probably a dumb question but when it’s an outlet and is for the bottom piece of drywall (from the floor), I seem to have trouble accounting for the 1/4 to 1/2 inch from the ground that you raise the drywall piece being precise enough to calculate the measurement for the box. If I’m making any sense do you have any advice?

[@kmdoer]

Just to aid the Fixer, when using the Rotozip, always cut counter clockwise, that is how the tool works. Cleaner cut and won't even scratch the box. 2nd tip for you folks. if you don't want to measure the box placement, use red lip stick just use it around the edges of the box then press the drywall against it now you have your cut out.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Yup, great tips! Thank you!

[@fredpomeroy6755]

It showed me very clearly what I have to do. Thank you.

[@lucifersrivalry9563]

Saved me the whole day

[@randomgaming2333]

ur gonna want those metal tabs when ur drywall sticks out farther then your box

[@AuntieKaiHawaii]

Have you done a wheelchair ramp? I have to add them to a duplex I'm renting. Idk what to do? Ideas?

[@BrentAyotte]

You make it look super simple...

[@methods-SE]

I appreciate your style

[@iamwhoiamd7056]

What an excellent instruction video. What will you do next?

[@ricardorodriguez4353]

Thanks bro I was looking for this exact explanation 😁💪🏽

[@JD_Customs]

Perfect lesson!

[@cherylsims2053]

Great video... after putting eyeliner around each electrical box and smashing it against the drywall to get the right placement. 😁

[@princefilmedit]

Definitely perfect video bro 🍾

[@ricardogalvan7064]

Lot easier if you remove the switch after the hole is cut & wiggle it past the drywall so the ears of switch rests on drywall

[@Skashoon]

As perhaps one of the least skilled DIY’ers out here, I always mess up no matter how hard I try. I’ve measured, used templates, and a multi-tool, but still end up missing the mark. I’ll have to try a roto-zip tool. But I only have 3 more outlets to mess up, so it seems a bit of a waste of money for a tool at this stage. Thanks for the tips.

[@tenspeed1020]

Thanks this is just what I was looking for. I have to do this exact thing. 👍

[@_re42]

Great video. Thanks for putting this up. Keep up the great work.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thanks, Ryan! I hope the video helps!

[@lisaspera8590]

nice that was a lot of help.. Appreciate it

[@jimaronson2323]

Another excellent video. Learned something on this one too. Probably could use a rotary tool instead of the keyhole saw.

[@gregburnum-yp5ro]

Great video. Helped a lot. Thanks.

[@jeffreyosiwalajr3458]

omg, no do not remove those tabs. You need them to keep the receptacles flush to the drywall. And you’re roto-zipping in the wrong direction!

[@kevinhilzinger7872]

Great video. I wanted to know if I could email you directly regarding an electrical product I’ve invented which helps an electrician or home owner cut a box in an existing wall. I’ve been an electrician since 1996. Now I’m an electrical designer. I’m looking for someone to do a product demo just like you’ve done here.

[@JohnBaker3000]

Nice tutorial! Thank you!

[@Ms1Explorer]

I learned something new thank you!

[@ThisIsNotAVideo]

The rotozip video says to go counterclockwise around the box.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

It is a little easier to control that way. 👍

[@jccbsl1]

Something doesn't add up. If you run the bit around the inside of the electrical box, how does the outside of the box fit through the hole? I would think the hole would be too small.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

You don't run it through the inside. You dive in on the inside to find the edge of the box then carefully jump to the other side and cut it out. Sorry if I didn't make that clear in the video. I can't remember, it has been years since I made it. Hope this helps!

[@bd8483]

Make sure you turn the elecricty off to that box with loose wires. If you but this get a. Cordless version

[@Pallidus_Rider]

The Fixer 👍

[@donhettinga3881]

Thanks for the info. Very helpful

[@LIBERTY0RDEATH]

You should probably mark out your studs on your drywall before putting it up

[@alexanderingram3404]

Thanks I will be watching

[@tiarathompson8230]

Very helpful! Thank you!

[@GuyLanigan]

Hey cool thanks for the demonstration

[@tinacordova2334]

very helpful!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Hey, Tina! I really hope it helps! Thanks so much for watching!

[@jasonk305]

Great video. Great info thank you!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thanks, Jason! Happy to help!

[@felipemacias8334]

Thank you very much Great video

[@JohnnyUtah9173]

I don’t get the rotozip thing. You follow the inside diameter of the box, yet when you’re done, the hole is big enough to fit over the outside of the box. 🤯

[@j3dwin]

I've tried many tools to cut out drywall and nothing comes close to the almighty oscillating multi tool.

[@geanettbrowne5668]

Thank you very informative 💙

[@tommycho9068]

Good video. Thank you.

[@thedalmatianpack]

Hi👋I'm a New Subscriber to Your Channel😊

[@Iran-1955]

Thank you

[@beoutside]

CCW always outside the box..... thats why the bit wants to walk

[@robertdurrwachter]

Excellent!

[@chrisw443]

That was super informative!

[@williamforbes2689]

Great, thanks

[@ac2390]

Are you located in texas?

[@torero3]

How do you offer a solution that requires such a specialized tool? I thought this video was meant as instructional. So the solution is "MEASURING.' Brilliant. How did I get this far without you?

[@michaelsanders9506]

Thanks

[@RussWilsonII]

good stuff!

[@markbonnett881]

Like how you explain

[@melindamosbey8257]

❤️ You!

[@christopherfisher1694]

Great info. But the boxes look like they are not out far enough. When you put the switch cover on, the switch appeared a bit recessed. Thanks otherwise.

[@Roger-pw3zz]

This procedure is too time-consuming and expensive. Find some lipstick, put a dab on each of the four corners of the box, press the drywall against the box, and then connect the dots with the drywall saw. Done. Easy, fast, cheap and perfect every time.

[@deborahhaynes8361]

Info for my tool box

[@melindamosbey8257]

Mr. Magic!

[@Thomas-hf3dn]

So take measurements and cut hole

[@YT-User1013]

Ahh, those tabs you broke off are designed to sit on top of the drywall. Unscrew the switch and situate it so it goes thru the hole you cut when you put your drywall up and then put the switch back having those tabs on top of the drywall. Non-electricians!

[@timmynormand4818]

O I always went counterclockwise seemed like it would cut better an not pull Way just my experience. But nice vidio

[@michaelbarcz326]

Dont you love the " experts" who have to troll informative sites for people who want to actually learn the way to do it!? Always someone who " was taught differently". If thats the case why do you need THIS tutorial!??