How To Pick The Best Drywall Saw For Your Next DIY Home Project
A drywall saw is used to cut drywall for installation and repair purposes. Although an easy tool to operate, there are plenty of drywall saws to choose from that can match your skill level. As drywall saws have come a long way, before you buy one, it would help to be more knowledgeable before making a purchase.
Whether it’s your first time buying a drywall saw or you need a new one, we can help you. We’ll cover the pros and cons of drywall saws, and then show you the best saws for cutting drywall available today.
Drywall Saw Pros and Cons
Using an old drywall hole saw would be like brushing your teeth with a stick, or like chopping vegetables with a plastic spoon. A drywall saw is designed to cut drywall and provides a clean finish like no other tool can.
Some drywall saws create too much dust, which is harmful to your saw and health. If you’re not skilled at cutting drywall, you could injure yourself or damage the surface you’re working on at home or in your office.
Pros:
- Designed for drywall tasks
- Provides a clean cut
- Drywall saws come with an ergonomic handle
Cons:
- Produces dust
- Potential injury or damage
The Best Drywall Saws
Without further ado, our top picks.
IRWIN Tools ProTouch Drywall/Jab Saw
Who would have thought that such a simple design could pack such a punch (or rather, such a cut)? The blade of this IRWIN Tools jab saw has triple-ground teeth and features a thick design that’s perfect for a range of cutting tasks.
Its rubberized handle is crafted with your comfort and convenience in mind, employing the company’s ProTouch grip design to keep your hand feeling great (and your grip firmly around the handle) for the duration of your project. And all this at a super-affordable price—you’ll even be able to afford it on your post-Christmas shopping budget.
Pros:
- Aggressive for fastest, smoothest cutting.
- Ergonomic handle with ProTouch rubberized grip
- Good for cutting HVAC, plumbing, and electrical openings or cutting ceiling tile openings
Cons:
- Blade is too thick for some drywall surfaces
- Fragile tip
Goldblatt Folding Drywall Hand Saw, Jab Saw with Soft Grip Handle
A cute 5-inch blade, spicy red-and-black design, and super-sleek construction are all waiting for you once you purchase this jab saw from Goldblatt. Triple-ground teeth, construction of 8 TPI bi-metal makes for easy cutting.
Equipped with anti-clog technology; the blade uses deeper gullets than you’ll find on the average jab saw, which means you have a lot less mess and frustration to worry about as you work. Its non-slip handle design and easy-to-use locking mechanism make it a breeze to work with from beginning to end, and the blade folds down for hassle-free portability.
Pros:
- Precision triple ground teeth allow for smooth, faster, and effortless cutting
- Deep gullets between the saw teeth keep the blade free of material
- Ergonomic handle fits most hand sizes
- Designed for precise cutting drywall, wallboard, plywood, plastic, and PVC. Ideal for home DIY projects and for framers.
Cons:
- Durability issues
- Jagged blade doesn’t allow for finer cuts
Klein Tools 31737 Folding Jab Saw-Drywall Saw
One look at this folding jab saw from Klein Tools and you’ll know it means business—no nonsense here. Its blade is made of carbon steel and features triple-ground teeth for a faster, more intense cut.
With Klein tools and their ergonomic handles, make cutting holes in drywall an easier process. This saw can cut in two directions and also has two locking options: one for 125 degrees (when the blade is partially unfolded) and another 180 degrees (when the blade is unfolded).
Throw in its non-slip handle, the cushion at the end of that handle, and its lanyard hole, and you have yourself a drywall zip saw you’ll be proud to wield for your next project.
Pros:
- Folded saw keeps the blade from piercing through tool pouches and bags
- Cushioned handle-end for easier palming of the saw
- Comfortable, non-slip grip handle
Cons:
- Release lever puts your hand in the way of the blade
- Losing mechanism snaps shut
CIANO 10-Inch Folding Saw
Ladies and gentlemen, I present the 10-inch camping saw from CIANO. This saw is made with SK5 alloy steel and coated with Teflon to protect it from rust. Given its triple-ground teeth to boot, it also folds easily, features an easy-grip silicone handle, and locks in place for added safety.
From sawing tree branches to helping you defend yourself from any potential deep-in-the-woods serial killers, this jab saw will more than prove itself next time you hit the great outdoors.
Pros:
- Multi-purpose folding saw
- Woodworking saw handle made of soft silicone material is more user-friendly
- The safety lock of the folding wood saw can open the blade with one key
Cons:
- Blade is too thin for some projects
- Blade wiggles too much
DEWALT (DW660) Rotary Saw
This rotary saw from DEWALT provides 5 amps and 30,000 RPM of power for big projects. Its bold black-and-yellow design is complemented by its sleek build and features that will make your next drywall project a breeze.
Electric drywall saws can stir up dust, so you’ll especially appreciate its dust-blocking capabilities; just flip the switch and your saw will be protected from dust damage to ensure long service life. And trust us: this is a rotary saw you’ll want to have on hand for years to come.
Pros:
- Tool-free bit change for fast and easy bit changing
- Turn-on/Bump-off switch allows for quick shut down
- Dust-Sealed Switch protects against dust ingestion for longer switch life
Cons:
- Ergonomic issues
- Not good for thicker drywall surfaces
DEWALT Hole Saw Kit
This hole saw kit from DEWALT comes with 14 pieces, including attachments of different sizes and replacement parts. The saw was designed for cutting through thicker materials that other saws would struggle with.
This is made possible by its double-ground teeth, deep cuts in the blades, and easy-breeze ‘plug ejection’ to ensure the blades are never clogged for long.
Pros:
- Utilizes C-clamp design with tool-free clamping
- Door lock kit includes two adjustable bushings
Cons:
- Durability issues
- Weak saw teeth
Rotozip SS355-10 5.5 Amp High Speed Spiral Saw
From its black finish to its svelte frame, there is just so much to love about it—and that’s just its appearance.
You can use this 30,000 RPM RotoZip spiral saw for any number of cutting projects and on a range of different materials. In addition to its strength, you’ll love how effortless its one-hand, barrel grip handle makes it to hold and maneuver throughout the course of any project—this is further complemented by its lightweight construction.
Finally, you can be sure this saw will last you a long time due to its motor brushes and its (super-convenient) compatibility with so many different accessories.
Pros:
- Bump switch powers the tool with one-hand
- Dual grip zones provide superior comfort and control in horizontal and vertical positions
- Exhaust vents direct debris away from the tool maintaining a clear line of sight
Cons:
- Carry bag included
- Other accessories not included
WORX WX550L 20V AXIS 2-in-1 Reciprocating Saw and Jigsaw with Orbital Mode
Okay, this thing is a beast. A reciprocating saw by day and a jigsaw by night. All at the push of a button. It may be intimidating in size, but it’s surprisingly lightweight and a breeze to use. Unlike most of the saws we’ve covered so far, this one cuts using a more-efficient circular motion to make your projects go by faster. And due to its 2-in-1 functionality, you can use it for different projects. This drywall saw also as a dust blower attachment.
Pros:
- Dust blower keeps dust and debris away from the surface of your cut
- Lightweight and can maneuver easily
- Circular motion is more efficient for most materials than the traditional back and forth stroke
Cons:
- No blade back-stabilization
- Weak battery power
The Best Drywall Saw Brands
We thought it would be a good idea to provide you with basic information on the companies that make drywall saws. Here are the top names:
DEWALT
The go-to brand for professionals is DEWALT . The Dewalt drywall saw comes in a few models so you can pick and choose according to your project. Its nearly 100-year history dates back to 1922 when Raymond DeWalt added the final touches to his landmark woodworking machine. Since then, the company has grown and continued to perfect its tools.
Everything from a reciprocating saw drywall blade to a 6 inch drywall saw knife, the company’s products live up to its reputation.
IRWIN Tools
IRWIN Tools, founded in 1885, is a brand name with a long and colorful history behind it. Considering the company got its start after purchasing rights to a revolutionary idea from a local blacksmith, it should come as no surprise that it continues to glean inspiration from the needs and frustrations of modern-day workmen.
In fact, it sends dedicated teams to worksites in order to find out exactly what workers need from their tools. From there, it delivers. If you need reliable and user-friendly tools for your workplace or practice, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better brand.
Goldblatt
The Goldblatt company was conceived in the early 1900s by Russian emigrant Henry Goldblatt. Though many years have certainly passed since the company’s inception and rise to fame, one thing has remained the same: its devotion to creating top-notch tools for workers in a variety of industries. For affordable tools, you can always count on to get the job done—and then some—explore Goldblatt’s extensive selection.
Klein Tools
Klein Tools is all about professionalism at every level. This means creating professional tools for hardworking professionals in a range of different professions. Founded in 1857 by German emigrant Mathias Klein, the company has always done a superb job of giving workers exactly the tools they need to succeed. Klein Tools make some of the best drywall tools available on the market today. The tools feature ergonomic handles that make cutting drywall easier.
Dremel
Created in 1932 by Albert J. Dremel, this company specializes in rotary tools and also produces a variety of other workmen’s essentials. To give you an idea of how dedicated Dremel is to giving customers just what they need, consider one of its pioneer tools: a portable, multi-function rotary that could be used for any number of tasks. The company has since expanded its selection of products, but the high level of quality and user-friendliness remain.
RotoZip
Frustration often facilitates some of the finest ideas and inventions, and this was certainly the case for RotoZip (bought by Bosch in 2003). The company was born in 1972 after a professional drywaller set out to create a more efficient and user-friendly tool for cutting drywall. For many years, the company has been continually adding to the market with unique and well-built tools that any professional can rely on.
WORX
Whether you need lawn care tools, a new drill, or—ahem—a top-notch drywall saw, you can look forward to sublime quality when you purchase from WORX. You may have heard of companies ‘reinventing the wheel,’ but WORX reinvents…well, everything tool-related.
The company boasts a work model driven by innovation, which is clearly evident in every single one of its products. Another reason to feel good about purchasing from this company is its constant striving for eco-friendly manufacturing practices and products. That’s right: quality and a better future for the environment wrapped into one brand name.
What To Look For In A Drywall Saw
It’s important to familiarize yourself with drywall saws. Knowing everything about the product you intend to buy—from the material used to make its handle to its tooth grind—can help you avoid a disastrous drywall cutting experience and make your entire project a lot easier on you.
Ergonomic Handle
The handle may seem trivial, but imagine how your hand is going to feel after a long day of cutting drywall down to size. Can you feel the blisters already? Or the frustration of losing your grip on the handle mid-cut, over and over again?
Purchasing a drywall saw with a sturdy and ergonomic handle seems more important now, doesn’t it?
Most drywall saw handles are made of wood or rubber, both of which are quality materials. While it really comes down to preference, keep in mind that wooden handles tend to have less ‘grip’ than rubber ones, making them a bit more difficult to use.
You should also consider the shape of the handle (Does it fit well in your hand?) and its durability (Do you see it breaking anytime soon?).
Blade Length
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s easy to purchase a drywall saw with an incorrectly sized blade for your project if you don’t know what you’re looking for.
In short, longer blades are usually preferred over shorter ones. This is because they cut through more drywall at a time than their shorter counterparts, which makes any drywall cutting job significantly easier.
Most blades come in 6-inch or 12-inch lengths, though you can find some models that have shorter blades. The 6-inch variety is best for making smaller cuts, while the 12-inch variety is best for bigger projects where you’ll be cutting entire drywall pieces.
Related: The Best Drywall Sanders for Home Improvement Projects
Point
Wondering what makes the point at the end of the blade so important? This point is crucial in certain drywall cutting projects, as it punctures the material before you begin the actual cutting. Just like a kitchen knife is safer and more effective while sharp, so is the point of the blade.
If possible, feel the sharpness of the point yourself before purchasing the tool; if you’re not satisfied, keep looking!
Tooth Grind
Tooth grind refers to the number of cutting surfaces each tooth on the blade has. Two or more is preferable, so look for saws labeled as ‘double ground’ or ‘triple ground.’ The additional cutting surfaces allow the blade to cut through the drywall much more efficiently and with less effort on your part.
RPM
If you opt for an electric drywall saw, you also need to consider the unit’s RPM (rotations per minute). Spiral saws are the most common type of electric variety used for drywall projects, and you can normally expect an RPM of around 30,000 from this tool. Some units do offer a little more power than this, so keep your eyes open and purchase a higher-power saw if you can afford it. More power means faster cutting and less effort on your part.
Storage
Having a new and useful tool around is a beautiful thing…unless, of course, you realize much too late that there’s no room for it in the garage, tool shed, or your tool kit. Then it just becomes an eyesore and a nuisance.
Due to the long blade of manual drywall saws and the bulky composition of electric ones, they can be pretty difficult to store. Fortunately, there are a few manual saws that have a folding feature which allows you to fold the blade down when not in use—this makes it markedly easier to store! You can also find entire drywall saw kits; going this route automatically gives you a place to store the saw and its accessories.
Drywall Cutters
There are two different types of drywall cutters: manual and electric. There are also specific saw types that fall under these two categories, which we’ll discuss here.
If you plan on doing drywall projects often, you may want to consider purchasing more than one type of saw. There are many situations where different saws can complement each other during the course of a project—for example, a utility knife is ideal for small cuts while a jab saw is better for larger cuts.
If you only need the saw for a one-time project or occasional use, you should try and purchase the type that best suits your individual needs.
Manual Drywall Utility Knives
Drywall utility knives are a favorite tool among professionals, and for good reasons. Not only are they compact and lightweight for easy portability, but they also have a sharp blade that’s perfect for making small cuts. They’re also very easy to use, even for those who are new to the drywalling world.
Manual Jab Saws
The jab saw is another popular drywalling tool, often used in conjunction with utility knives. As the name suggests, you use this saw by jabbing it in and out of the drywall (a great way to de-stress, no?). They tend to have longer blades (6-inch or 12-inch), which allows them to cut through a lot of drywall at once. While these are easier for newbies to use than their electric counterparts, they can be hazardous if not used correctly.
Manual Drywall Circle Cutters And Hole Saws
Circle cutters are very basic tools that cut…wait for it…circles. These normally require two-hand operation, but are small enough for easy portability and create perfect circle cut-outs. This type of saw is ideal for drywall projects that will require you to make holes for electrical wiring to go in, for instance.
Electric Reciprocating Saw
Reciprocating saws are similar to jigsaws in design, and can be used with a variety of blade types to suit a number of cutting tasks. The device is relatively easy to use, but may not be ideal for amateurs or those who are new to drywall cutting.
Electric Spiral Saw
Spiral saws are versatile and ideal for cuts that require more attention to detail. You can use them for a range of cuts, from circles and rectangles to odd shapes that would otherwise have you pulling the hair right out of your head.
That said, these are not playthings and not recommended for inexperienced users. Also keep in mind that spiral saws tend to create far more dust than manual saws do, which can be damaging to the saw and your health.
Track Saw With Dust Collection (Electric)
If long-term breathing problems aren’t really your thing, you can still benefit from the speed and convenience of an electric saw. Though a less popular option, you can also use a track saw to cut drywall—just make sure it has a dust collection accessory to eradicate the aforementioned issue. This will give you a quick, smooth sawing experience with little to no dust-related repercussions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ
Can You Cut Drywall With A Circular Saw?
A circular saw can cut drywall, but it’s messy. When you use a circular saw on drywall, it creates a lot of dust. The particles in drywall pose a health risk, so you should use a tool that doesn’t make a big mess.
Can You Cut Drywall With A Table Saw?
Because gypsum material that exists on the outer paper layers of a drywall panel is brittle and breaks easily, this causes more dust. A table saw allows you to cut long pieces of wood, so it isn’t the best tool to use for drywall.
Can You Cut Drywall With A Reciprocating Saw?
You can use a reciprocating saw to cut drywall but you’ll need to use the correct blade accessory. The only problem is that it will create more dust than other saws.
Can I Use A Tree Saw To Cut Drywall?
You can use a tree saw to cut drywall. When using a tree saw you’ll need to cut along the framing while holding the saw square to the drywall face. You do not want to break the drywall edge and tear the face paper pull back and cut on the push stroke.
What Power Saw Causes The Most Injuries?
Circular saws cause the most work-related injuries than any other power saw on the market today. The saws have faster blades than table saws. The blades on the outer edge spin at roughly 120 mph.
Drywall Saw Conclusion
With drywall saws, you want high level performance. Whether working with a high quality carbon steel jab saw or cutting surfaces with a tool that has a sharp point, drywall projects require optimum tools. As you’ve learned here, when cutting surfaces made with drywall, blade length is important.
You need the right blade to cut drywall and a saw that has a firm grip and thick body. Most saws today feature ergonomic handles which help you cut drywall with little effort. With a comfortable grip, you can work for hours and not even know it. If you plan on doing heavy drywall work, you might want to invest in a drywall hole sawdust catcher. This would protect your health and keep your work area clean.
If it’s your first time cutting drywall, you might want to try a hand saw first and see what kind of results you get. The best blade to cut drywall also depends on your skill level. If you use a power saw that’s meant for professionals, you could hurt yourself. Just like with anything else in life, you don’t want to get in over your head.