Trim to Length and Width, Follow Curves, or Create Circles With 2025’s Top Tools to Cut Drywall 

Although drywall typically goes up quickly (and is one of the most exciting stages of a project), cutting it accurately and smoothly requires the right tools to cut drywall. Even though plenty of tools can handle this task, there are really only a few that should. 

To help you determine which is which so you can find the right one, we researched a range of top options and sought insight from an expert. Based on our findings, we selected the Milwaukee Fastback Compact Folding Utility Knife Set as our top pick. It’s easy to use, works well for a variety of tasks, and is sold as a value pack with two knives and 50 extra blades. 

Whether you’re looking for a manual option or a battery-powered or corded tool, the following reviews of the best tools to cut drywall can help.

1. BEST OVERALL: Milwaukee Fastback Compact Folding Utility Knife Set
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Stanley 99E Classic Retractable Blade Utility Knife
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3. BEST UTILITY KNIFE: Lenox Gold Fixed Blade Utility Knife
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4. BEST DRYWALL SAW: Klein Tools 725 6″ Jab Saw
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5. BEST MULTI-TOOL: DeWalt 20V MAX XR Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit
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6. BEST RECIPROCATING SAW: Bosch PS60-102 Professional Reciprocating Saw
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7. BEST JIGSAW: Bosch JS470EB Corded Jigsaw
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8. BEST ROTARY TOOL: Dremel 4000-2/32 Variable Speed Corded Rotary Tool
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9. BEST HOLE SAW: Hole Pro X-305 Twin Blade Adjustable Hole Cutter
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Tools to Cut Drywall Comparison

Our Top Picks

A big part of learning how to cut drywall is choosing the right tool for the job. Each of the options below has strengths and weaknesses, and considering these along with the shopping tips that follow can help you make a good decision. 

Almost any drywall job can benefit from a trusty utility knife, and with this pick from Milwaukee, you get two. Both compact Fastback flip knives fold for pocket storage and are easy to open with one hand, leaving the other free to hold a sheet of drywall in place while you mark or trim it to size. 

The two knives in this set are slightly different, however. One has two seatbelt cutting notches plus onboard storage for five blades, and the other is a smaller version without those features. Both offer longer handles than most folding knives, allowing you to get a better grip when trimming or scoring. The kit comes with 50 replacement blades, though you may want to upgrade to drywall-specific blades for extra durability.

Get the Milwaukee tool to cut drywall at Ace Hardware, The Home Depot, Northern Tool + Equipment, or Amazon.

Folks looking to stretch their utility knife budget as far as possible should consider the Stanley 99E two-pack. This very affordable kit includes two of Stanley’s classic 6-inch retractable utility knives, each featuring in-handle blade storage and three extra blades. 

The 99E offers three blade positions, allowing users to choose how far out they’d like the blade to extend. While changing blades requires removing a screw and separating the two halves of the knife, the interlocking nose design holds them safely and securely together during use.

Get the Stanley tool to cut drywall at Amazon, Ace Hardware (1-pack), or The Home Depot.

DIY installers who want a pro-grade tool should consider this utility knife for cutting drywall​ from Lenox. It has a curved body that provides a comfortable grip and precise control for trimming sheets to length or width. It’s also made with a titanium nose that resists wear and spreading and comes with three shatterproof blades for long-term durability. 

This Lenox knife is also incredibly user-friendly, as it features a quick-blade-change design that releases the blade via a button on the handle. Pressing the button also allows the hinged body to split into halves, revealing the stored blades inside for easy replacement. Though this knife is a bit larger than typical and may feel a little heavy in your pocket, we think the quality and design are worth it.

Get the Lenox tool to cut drywall at Amazon.

Just because an electric drywall saw would likely be unnecessary for smaller or less frequent projects doesn’t mean those projects need to be slow or difficult. When it comes to cutting a quick hole for a new fixture, outlet, or access panel, the Klein Tools jab saw is a solid choice. It has sharp triple-ground teeth that cut on both push and pull strokes, allowing you to work faster and with less effort than many other jab saws. 

This drywall cutting tool features a soft rubber grip that makes cutting several holes more comfortable. The handle also has a flat bottom that you can hit with your palm to push the pointed tip through drywall quickly and accurately. The only downside to this pick is that it doesn’t come with a sheath, meaning you’ll want to be careful with storage.

Get the Klein Tools tool to cut drywall at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.

DeWalt’s 20-volt oscillating multi-tool kit is hard to beat for cutting holes in drywall for outlets or fixtures without worrying about a cord. It comes with a multi-tool, a 2-amp-hour (Ah) battery, and a charger, allowing you to get to work right away, even if you don’t already own any DeWalt batteries. The kit also includes several blades and sanding attachments, a quick-blade-change release lever, and an onboard LED work light. 

This cordless multi-tool has three speeds, allowing you to control dust output and battery use, plus a variable speed trigger for finer adjustments for precise cuts. While the kit does come with a universal accessory adapter that makes it compatible with most brands’ blades, it doesn’t include a multi-tool blade for drywall, so you may want to purchase one separately. 

Get the DeWalt tool to cut drywall at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.

Reciprocating saws aren’t always the easiest drywall cutting tools to use, but Bosch’s 12-volt model is ready for the task. This smaller reciprocating saw is easy to control with one hand, yet it has the power to cut quickly through drywall for applications like creating holes for outlets, fixtures, and windows or doors. 

Sold as a comprehensive kit, it includes a saw, charger, and battery. The saw offers toolless blade changes, a built-in battery gauge, and an onboard LED for lighting the way. One of its most important features, however, is the rubber wrap around the front of the saw, which prevents dust from collecting inside and shortening its lifespan. Just keep in mind that this kit doesn’t include blades, so you’ll want to plan for that additional purchase. 

Get the Bosch PS60-102 tool to cut drywall at Amazon, Tractor Supply Co., Ace Hardware, or Target. 

Folks who’d prefer a power tool that’s easy to control and flexible enough to use on other projects should consider the Bosch JS470EB jigsaw. This compact corded jigsaw has a barrel grip that helps you cut curves, electrical boxes, and other drywall holes with one hand. It also has a variable-speed trigger for more precise control over speed and dust output, as well as a dust blower that toggles off and on as needed. 

As feature-rich as this compact model is, the fact that it’s corded and weighs almost 6 pounds can make it a bit more of a hassle on a jobsite or when working overhead. However, the kit includes the saw, blade, plastic overshoe, anti-splinter insert, and bevel wrench, all of which store neatly in a carrying case, making it an excellent overall value. 

Get the Bosch JS470EB tool to cut drywall at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or The Home Depot.

Dremel’s rotary tool kit has a powerful 1.6-amp motor and adjustable variable speed to create smooth cuts in drywall for outlets, pipes, or repairs. It comes with numerous attachments and accessories, making it great for everything from cutting and sanding to cleaning, polishing, carving, engraving, grinding, and sharpening. The kit even includes a circle cutter for creating perfectly round cutouts as well as a carrying case to keep everything organized. 

Weighing just a pound and featuring a 360-degree ergonomic grip, this compact tool is ideal for working in tight spaces and comfortable for extended use. However, some users mention the tool tends to get hot during long projects, so you may need to take breaks to avoid overheating. 

Get the Dremel tool to cut drywall at Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Dremel.

The Hole Pro adjustable hole cutter may not come with a drill, but that’s about the only thing this hole saw doesn’t have. This kit includes two each of two types of cutting blades: Tungsten carbide for drywall, plaster, MDF, plywood, and fiberglass, plus HSS for plastic, wood, tongue and groove, rubber, and laminate. It also features both inch and metric markings, comes with a dust collection shield that doubles as a portable drill press, and stores neatly inside a sturdy carrying case.

Since this saw is made for professionals or serious DIYers, it’s a bit bulkier than a standard hole saw. It features a strong ½-inch cross bar, a heat-treated shaft, and a ½-inch shank. While it makes quick work of cutting holes as small as 1⅞ inches all the way up to 12 inches, this pick may be overkill unless you need to make quite a few perfect circles. If you do have a big job ahead, you can even purchase a vacuum adapter to connect to the dust collection cup. 

Get the Hole Pro tool to cut drywall at Amazon.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Chose the Best Tools to Cut Drywall

Putting together a list of the best tools to cut drywall was anything but cut-and-dried, after all, drywall cutters need to be far more precise than something like a demolition tool. We began by drawing upon our experience installing drywall to determine which types of tools are best for the task. Then we evaluated which features we consider most important for DIYers, such as user-friendliness, versatility, and durability. 

Next, we researched top products that met our criteria, comparing their features, accessories, and prices to ensure each one that made our list offered plenty of value. Those that didn’t were tossed aside, while those that did got awards based on their strengths. 

Types of Tools to Cut Drywall

Whether the job is cutting new sheets of drywall to size or cutting through existing drywall to remove drywall anchors or install a new fixture, there’s a tool for the job. The following tools generally produce the best results in terms of clean cuts, accuracy, and mess control.

Handheld Drywall Saw

A handheld drywall saw is a hand tool that features a serrated blade with a pointed tip attached to a rubber, plastic, or wood handle. Handheld saws are designed to be easy to push through drywall for plunge cuts, and their aggressive teeth cut quickly. They’re excellent for cutting holes in the field of drywall for electrical boxes or lights, but they take a long time to cut drywall to length or width.

You may be tempted to use one of your old hand saws for cutting boards to length or width, and that’s not a bad idea. While a standard handsaw isn’t the best way to cut drywall since the gypsum and fiberglass will dull the blade quickly, it will still do a good job of making a straight cut.

Utility Knife

A utility knife is a hand tool into which the user inserts a razor blade. After using a utility knife to score the drywall paper, the user can snap the board from the back side for a clean cut. Utility knives are most useful for cutting sheets of drywall to length or width, but they are inefficient for cutting holes or curved shapes, as each requires several deep passes.

Oscillating Multi-Tool

Oscillating multi-tools are power tools with flat or hooked replaceable blades that move back and forth in very small but very fast strokes. They’re very safe to use and can make extremely accurate plunge cuts for fixtures or electrical boxes. They can even cut sheets of drywall to length or width, but this will take a while and create more dust than necessary.

Reciprocating Saw

Reciprocating saws are power tools that use replaceable blades to cut a variety of materials. These types of saws are aggressive for drywall, so they’re best used with drywall blades or for making quick cuts around windows and doors, where you can clean the edges up later with a utility knife.

Jigsaw

DIYers comfortable with jigsaws may find them very helpful for drywall jobs. The blades are small and easily manipulated, allowing them to cut holes for outlets and fixtures with ease. They can create a lot of dust during use, however, so running this type of drywall cutter with a vacuum nearby is advised.

Rotary Tool

Rotary tools, rotary cutters, or spiral saws are small handheld power tools very similar to drills, and they use specially designed bits to cut holes, curves, and notches out of drywall. They’re easy to use and generally have guides that sit directly on the drywall surface. They’re a favorite tool among professional drywall installers because they work quickly, and their bits can ride along objects behind the drywall for an accurate cut.

Hole Saw

For round holes in drywall, such as those cut for recessed lighting, ductwork, or pipes, it’s hard to beat the accuracy of a hole saw kit. These tools secure in the chuck of a drill, and they have round blades with small teeth that quickly cut through drywall to leave behind a perfectly round hole. Other versions, known as hole cutters, feature two adjustable blades with a centered drill bit.

What to Consider When Choosing a Tool to Cut Drywall

With that background on the types of tools to cut drywall, it’s time for some of the most important factors to consider when choosing from the best tools to cut drywall, from the power source to performance. 

Cutting Performance 

For a tool for cutting drywall to be effective and perform well, the blade needs to be sharp. This is true of all tools, including utility knives, rotary tools, and oscillating multi-tools. If the blade isn’t sharp, the tool will not work well.

Also consider the application. A utility knife, despite its razor-sharp blade, will not perform well when cutting curves. Likewise, cutting straight lines with a rotary tool can be a pain. Use the correct tool for the job for the best performance. 

Power vs. Manual

There are a lot of reasons to choose power tools over manual tools and vice versa. Power tools are much faster, but they’re loud and can make an incredibly dusty mess. Manual tools are obviously quieter, but they take longer and require more effort from the user (drywall saws, specifically).

In most cases, it pays to have both tools on the job. Manual drywall tools are relatively inexpensive, and they’re handy for keeping in a tool belt or pocket. Power tools are heavy-duty and make short work of a long cut.

Corded vs. Cordless

When it comes to corded vs. cordless drywall tools, there is no clear winner, as both have their place on a project. Corded tools can be a hassle because their wires can be trip hazards, but they’re typically very powerful, and the user doesn’t have to worry about battery management. Cordless tools are incredibly portable, and today’s models are plenty powerful, but their batteries can die and slow a job’s progress.

Ultimately, the favor is probably in the cordless tool department, as modern batteries last longer, and brushless motors have plenty of power. And as long as the batteries are full, it doesn’t matter whether the outlets in the room are live—a challenge on many drywall projects.

FAQs

That’s a lot of information on the best tools to cut drywall, but there still might be some questions hanging around. The following are some of the most frequently asked questions about these tools as well as the corresponding answers.

Q. What is the easiest way to cut drywall?

The easiest way to cut drywall is to use a T-square and score across the surface of the drywall with a drywall knife. Once scored, strike the back of the board to snap the drywall and cut the back of the board. 

Q. How is drywall cut by hand?

Cutting drywall by hand is actually very easy, and the best tool to use is a utility knife. Simply score the sheet across its length or width before striking the back of the board to snap it. Be sure to cut as straight as possible for the cleanest cut. 

Q. How can a DIYer cut drywall like a professional?

Most drywall installers cut their drywall with utility knives. They score the paper and then snap the sheet from the back. Most pros use a drywall saw and rotary tool for cutting outlet holes as well.

Q. How do I smooth the edges of cut drywall?

For the answer to this question, we spoke with Thomas Borcherding, owner and lead designer at Homestar Design Remodel in St. Louis, Missouri. According to Borcherding, “A drywall rasp is the tool of choice when going to smooth the sides of drywall. Utilizing one also slightly bevels the edge, allowing tape and mud to adhere better.” 

Q. Which side of drywall do you cut?

Homestar Design Remodel owner, Thomas Borcherding says, “When cutting drywall, you want to be facing the finished side with the front paper layer. Doing so allows you to cut through the strongest part of the drywall sheet, allowing for a clean break once your cut has been made.”

Q. How do you reduce dust when cutting drywall?

Borcherding recommends cutting drywall by scoring and snapping it rather than sawing it to reduce dust. He also points out that “For those working with large amounts of drywall sheets, it may be worth investing in a powered drywall saw with an integrated vacuum.”

 

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