How to Cut Outlet and Switch Box Openings

Cut a clean rectangular hole in drywall that lands on an outlet or switch box, with the face paper intact. Cut before hanging when you can.

What you need

Have the circuit shut off, locked out and tested dead by a qualified person. Have the box fixed, open and its wires secured.
Photograph the open framing. Mark a floor reference and record the box from two surfaces the sheet will touch.
Measure the box from matching registration edges. Check the box against your drawn rectangle and mark the face. Transfer marks from the back if you marked there.
Lay the sheet face up on supports with open space under the waste and hands clear of the blade path.
Start the 09016 inside the waste so the starter hole stays in the plug. Saw one side at a time on the waste side of the line.
Give the opening a slight back-bevel behind the face, not past the line. Support the plug as the last side closes.
Offer the sheet to the wall without force. If it binds, find the witness mark and trim only that spot.
Vacuum the opening and dust. Have a qualified person check the box and wires before you close up.

Cut before hanging when a sheet has several boxes, the box is near an edge or the work is overhead.
Use the 09034 T-square to repeat the layout from a sheet edge. Its 2" blade equals the width of a standard outlet box.
Use a utility knife only to score face paper or pare a burr. It is not a probe.
Cut in place only if the box is rigid, the circuit stays off and its path is clear.

This is drywall work beside electrical, not electrical work. Locate utilities and kill and verify every affected circuit first.
Stop the cut at unexpected resistance, metallic contact, movement in the box or a tripped breaker.
Do not blow dust with compressed air. Wear eye protection.

Questions about the right tool for your job? Email cs@hydestore.com or call 508-916-6442.