How to Cut Drywall Around a Fan

The drywall around a fan may have to be cut for any number of reasons. The fan may serve as a source of ventilation that is no longer working and is being removed or replaced. The motor and wiring for the fan may have to be accessed in order to effect a repair, and the drywall may have to be cut to provide access. No matter what the reason for cutting the drywall around a fan, you can accomplish the task with a minimal amount of time and effort.

Pencil
Straightedge
Utility knife
Flat pry bar
Screwdriver

Instructions

- 1
  Determine how much of the drywall will have to be removed, and draw lines around it using a pencil and a straightedge. This will provide a guide for cutting as well as make it easier to replace the drywall.
- 2
  Score along the lines you drew with a utility knife. Hold the utility knife in your dominant hand and place your other hand on top of your dominant hand to provide more control of the knife. Do not try to cut all the way through on the first pass.
- 3
  Cut along the scored lines with the utility knife several times more until the drywall is able to be removed. Use a flat pry bar to remove drywall and nails stuck to studs, and use a screwdriver to remove screws if they were used to fasten the drywall.

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