Trimming a Piece of Drywall

[George Bokros]

I need to trim 1 1/4" off two sides of the drywall panel that is the door to the attic area. I did not like how it was done when the house was built so I trimmed out the opening which made the opening 1 1/4" smaller (5/8" on each of the four sides). I thought I would just put in a new piece of 1/2" drywall which I had but came to the idealization the ceiling is 5/8 drywall. I know for a fact the walls are all 1/2" except the garage wall that is shared with the house which I believe has to be 5/8 to meet fire code.

I would like to use the 5/8 that was the door but am not certain how to trim 1 1/4 off two sides. The score and snap method for small trims like this has never worked for me.

Suggestions??

Thanks

[Scott Shepherd]

Sheet rock saw. They are cheap and they'll do what you want.

[George Bokros]

I have one of those but the edge produced is kind of ragged not crisp and clean. I am thinking about using a oscillating tool.

[Scott Shepherd]

Got a rotozip? That work well too.

[Bill McNiel]

Use your utility knife. After the initial score cut make a few additional freehand cuts going deeper each time, should only take 2 to 3 additional passes. Make sure to remove the gyp buildup from the blade after each pass.

[Jay Aubuchon]

Use your utility knife. After the initial score cut make a few additional freehand cuts going deeper each time, should only take 2 to 3 additional passes. Make sure to remove the gyp buildup from the blade after each pass.

+1 on this method

[Rich Engelhardt]

Use your utility knife. After the initial score cut make a few additional freehand cuts going deeper each time, should only take 2 to 3 additional passes. Make sure to remove the gyp buildup from the blade after each pass.

+2 - works like a champ.

Just make sure you use a good straight edge, make light passes (don't bear down hard on the knife), keep the knife as close to 90* as you can & use a new sharp blade.

4 or 5 passes and you should be good to go.

If you need some pieces I have a ton of cutoffs you're welcome to practice on. It's 1/2", but, it will work fine for practice.

[Dave Zellers]

Just score both sides, it will pop right off.

But an oscillating tool will give you a cleaner edge.

[Rick Potter]

Track Saw.

[Allan Speers]

I have one of those but the edge produced is kind of ragged not crisp and clean. I am thinking about using a oscillating tool.

Yes, an oscillating tool with a "half moon" shaped diamond blade work really well. - As long as you can lay down a guide 2X4. I use the Bosch OSC312DG. Love it.


I wouldn't use a tracksaw, because the saw itself is not meant to be exposed to that kind of dust. It might damage the motor or bearings.

[Jerome Stanek]

I have a drywall stripper tool that I have used all the time to take off small amounts of drywall

[Matt Day]

I wouldn't use a tracksaw, because the saw itself is not meant to be exposed to that kind of dust. It might damage the motor or bearings.

Ya think Allan? The smiley face usually means it was a joke. 😉

A utility blade would be my suggestion like above. An oscillating tool is going to generate a lot of dust by comparison and will take longer. It's drywall, so the cut doesn't have to be perfect. How are the edges finished? Do they slip into a track or something?

[George Bokros]

. How are the edges finished? Do they slip into a track or something?

It just sits on a piece of door stop nailed around the edge of the opening.

[Robert Engel]

Just score both sides 2 or 3 times and it will snap right off.
Any kind of rough rasp will smooth the edges.
Use a new blade and it will work fine.

My house has one made of plywood you might want to consider that.

Good luck.

[George Bokros]

My house has one made of plywood you might want to consider that.

Good luck.

I could use plywood or the 1/2 drywall I have a spare piece of but am wondering why they used 5/8 for the existing panel. I was thinking it was perhaps for fire code?