How to Cut Out Electric Boxes In Drywall

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In this video I show you a few different ways how to cut out electrical boxes in drywall.
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Videos produced by The Fixer are provided for informational purposes only. All material provided within this video is for informational, educational, & entertainment purposes only. Some of these projects, materials, and techniques may not be appropriate for all ages or skill levels. Please use all safety precautions while following any instructions or concepts provided by this video. Viewers must be aware that by doing projects on their homes they are doing it at their own risk and The Fixer cannot be held liable if they cause any damage to their homes. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to educate themselves on their local codes and regulations before undertaking any sort of project. Always have safety in mind and have fun!

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Опубликовано:

26 июн 2024

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Комментарии : 147

@thetoolman3 5 месяцев назад

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 Год назад

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 10 месяцев назад

I use this template method also with good results.

@hughjanus7539 2 года назад

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 2 года назад

Great technique! Thanks for sharing!

@joeljacquart6304 2 года назад

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

@scotteklof5082 2 года назад

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

@diydozier3205 Год назад

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

@jeffreyosiwalajr3458 Год назад

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

@rrmorris67 8 месяцев назад

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 3 года назад

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

@robertoneil513 3 года назад

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

@1styoudummy 3 года назад

My 1st trade was drywall hanging. A lot of things wrong with this video. But i guess it's designed for the novice. For one thing, you do not want to break those tabs off. You should remove the switch. The tabs are to hold the switch tight against the d/w. By breaking them off, as you can see in the video, it is too deep in the wall now. And all that measuring and using a straight edge, really not necessary. Good video for the "home owner", but on a professional level, that would be a no.

@TheFixerHomeRepair 3 года назад

Hey Paul, good point. I suppose I could have talked about if the box is not even with the drywall, not to remove those tabs and remove the switch. Problem is a lot of people do not like to mess with electrical, so I didn’t want to suggest that. So I suppose you are right that this is for the homeowner and not for the pro as are most of my videos. Thanks a lot for the comment and for checking out the video!

@mikejean8957 2 года назад

@@TheFixerHomeRepair Like you said, not everyone wants to deal with electrical. It's not rocket science disconnecting outlets or switches when you have the correct knowledge, tools, and meters. Any home built within the last 20 years you're likely going to find that the electrician used the the Quick Wire Push-In on the outlet to make connections. I'm no pro, but I know it's commonly not recommended to try and re-use the Push-In connections due to the potential of the internal clamps never retaining their original wire grip strength. So now you're potentially spending time stripping and side-wiring the same outlets to put them back and reliable to not work loose after years of plugs going in and out. When dealing with removing and replacing kitchen backsplash drywall for a remodel and the typical 4-8 outlet/switch configuration, this tip could become a time saver. And whether you're a pro or a DIY, time is money. Seems like a good alternative for smaller drywall remodel jobs. I appreciate your video.

@maxthouin1 Год назад

@@TheFixerHomeRepair There is no need to disconnect the full thing to keep the tabs. FIRST! You need to turn off the breaker off and that's probably also something you forgot to mention. Always turn off your breaker any time you remove a switch cover. That measuring tape can easily touch one of the side poles and shock you even when the switch is still in place! To save the tabs: With the breaker off, remove the top and bottom screws of the switch and tilt the switch forward. You will be able the thread the switch through the drywall and reinstall the top and bottom screws. Be safe everyone.

@ChapsShrugged 11 месяцев назад

My brain says, in order of best-to-worst idea: A. Just cut a little bigger hole- the outlet cover will hide it. 2. File/cut around the tabs. or D. Bend them out, then bend them back in. But this was a great concise video to affirm my thoughts how to just get the job done well enough, safely, and finish it. I'm also gonna drill a hole to start the cut, cuz I'm not ballsy enough to think I won't ruin a sheet on my first time tapping the saw in. 😂 Thanks!

@lindavejvoda7657 3 года назад

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 3 года назад

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

@heroknaderi 2 года назад

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

@jeffthewhiff Год назад

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.

@keithgourley2198 Год назад

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 Год назад

Appreciate this! Thanks so much for watching!!

@dougpalmer9337 Год назад

Great job. Very helpful and straight forward.

@maryjames7193 3 года назад

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.

@deaneng8540 2 года назад

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 3 месяца назад

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

@ieatwatermelon2995 3 года назад

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

@brunaheloisa 3 года назад

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 3 года назад

What do you guys use?

@dulaneyp Месяц назад

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.

@martintierney7187 2 года назад

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 2 года назад

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

@dennisp5302 2 года назад

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 2 года назад

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

@JD_Customs 3 года назад

Perfect lesson!

@fredpomeroy6755 2 года назад

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

@haansworsie 2 года назад

Oscillating Renovator is what I use, perfect straight cuts

@JohnBaker3000 2 года назад

Nice tutorial! Thank you!

@jimaronson2323 3 года назад

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

@jimtennison1 7 месяцев назад

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

@tenspeed1020 2 года назад

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

@richarda8093 Год назад

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

@BrentAyotte 3 года назад

You make it look super simple...

@ricardorodriguez4353 Год назад

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

@clemsonownsthebuckeyes4491 2 года назад

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

@Ms1Explorer 3 года назад

I learned something new thank you!

@alfelato7965 6 месяцев назад

Just what I was looking for. Thanks.

@tiarathompson8230 Год назад

Very helpful! Thank you!

@aplien5077 Год назад

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

@anthonyjasinski6322 3 года назад

Should be using guide point zip bits for that drywall.

@davidecasassa8679 4 месяца назад

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.).

@_re42 2 года назад

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

@TheFixerHomeRepair 2 года назад

Thanks, Ryan! I hope the video helps!

@geanettbrowne5668 3 года назад

Thank you very informative 💙

@gregburnum-yp5ro Год назад

Great video. Helped a lot. Thanks.

@faithford9143 3 года назад

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

@TheFixerHomeRepair 3 года назад

Thanks for watching!!

@lisaspera8590 2 года назад

nice that was a lot of help.. Appreciate it

@tommycho9068 3 года назад

Good video. Thank you.

@princefilmedit 2 года назад

Definitely perfect video bro 🍾

@GuyLanigan 21 день назад

Hey cool thanks for the demonstration

@iamwhoiamd7056 3 года назад

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

@mistywilson3520 3 года назад

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

@Paullyell 2 года назад

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.

@wildwoodtop 24 дня назад

4:50 You need a smooth tip bit son! 🤟

@felipemacias8334 2 года назад

Thank you very much Great video

@lucifersrivalry9563 2 года назад

Saved me the whole day

@alexanderingram3404 Месяц назад

Thanks I will be watching

@jasonk305 2 года назад

Great video. Great info thank you!

@TheFixerHomeRepair 2 года назад

Thanks, Jason! Happy to help!

@PickleRick366 Год назад

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

@gregmize01 3 года назад

The Fixer aka The Teacher!

@cherylsims2053 3 года назад

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

@55davani Год назад

Thank you

@RussWilsonII 3 года назад

good stuff!

@chrisdavis1722 3 года назад

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 3 года назад

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 2 года назад

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 8 месяцев назад

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

@robertdurrwachter Год назад

Excellent!

@AbstractCatsMedia Год назад

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 :)

@williamforbes2689 5 месяцев назад

Great, thanks

@markbonnett881 Год назад

Like how you explain

@miltonnegron65 Год назад

Excellent video

@TheFixerHomeRepair Год назад

Thanks, I appreciate it! 😃

@tinacordova2334 3 года назад

very helpful!

@TheFixerHomeRepair 3 года назад

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

@Pallidus_Rider 7 месяцев назад

The Fixer 👍

@kingkewon000 Год назад

A multi tool is another good option for cutting drywall

@skoootles 9 месяцев назад

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.

@michaelsanders9506 10 месяцев назад

Thanks

@ryancarlson9214 Год назад

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?

@melindamosbey8257 3 года назад

❤️ You!

@AuntieKaiHawaii 3 года назад

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

@ricardogalvan7064 3 месяца назад

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

@garyh4458 11 месяцев назад

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

@alannorthcarolina1776 Год назад

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.

@mathewgrinnell7392 2 года назад

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 2 года назад

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

@chrisw443 3 года назад

That was super informative!

@melindamosbey8257 3 года назад

Mr. Magic!

@bd8483 5 месяцев назад

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

@thedalmatianpack 3 года назад

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

@Skashoon 7 месяцев назад

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.

@kmdoer Год назад

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 Год назад

Yup, great tips! Thank you!

@randomgaming2333 3 года назад

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

@kevinhilzinger7872 2 года назад

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.

@LIBERTY0RDEATH Год назад

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

@deborahhaynes8361 3 года назад

Info for my tool box

@beoutside 6 месяцев назад

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

@timmynormand4818 3 года назад

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

@ac2390 3 года назад

Are you located in texas?

@billceve9830 3 месяца назад

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..,,,,,

@Thomas-hf3dn 2 месяца назад

So take measurements and cut hole

@ThisIsNotAVideo 7 месяцев назад

The rotozip video says to go counterclockwise around the box.

@TheFixerHomeRepair 7 месяцев назад

It is a little easier to control that way. 👍

@JohnnyUtah9173 2 месяца назад

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. 🤯

@YT-User1013 Год назад

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!

@daviddrucker4865 2 месяца назад

Counter clockwise cut would make a cleaner cut. Never clockwise. Not good instruction for people learning the right way . I'm surprised the drill bit ( it's not blade) didn't dance around the box to make look worse.

@ricardodavis4863 3 года назад

Fun Fact - #TheFixer is the real deal _ No #Pretender 😊😂👏🇯🇲

@TheFixerHomeRepair 3 года назад

Thanks, Ricardo!!

@methods-SE 5 месяцев назад

I appreciate your style

@michaelbarcz326 3 месяца назад

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!??

@jeffreyosiwalajr3458 7 месяцев назад

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!