Why are my drywall cuts around outlets always so rough? | Drywall Installers

Taylor Butler · 2026-03-09T08:06:41.908396+00:00

I keep messing up the cuts for electrical outlets, and it's driving me nuts. I use a drywall saw, but the edges end up looking like a toddler did it. Is there a secret to getting clean cuts every time? I've tried marking with a pencil, but my hand isn't steady enough. Any tools or methods you guys swear by? I'm tired of wasting drywall and time on fixes.

ellis.rose7mo ago

Scoring with a utility knife first?

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blake_cooper7mo ago

Scoring with a knife is the only way I get a clean edge. My cuts were a total mess before I started doing that. I press the box itself into the drywall to get a perfect outline, then trace it with a sharp utility blade. Go deep enough to cut the paper on both sides. That way when you use the saw, it just pops out and you aren't fighting to stay on the line. It takes an extra minute but saves so much headache fixing jagged edges later.

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jamietaylor7mo ago

Honestly, just skip the knife and freehand it with the saw once you get the hang of it.

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