How to Cut Drywall for Switches & Plugs

Hanging drywall on walls where there are no obstacles is fairly easy, but it becomes a lot more challenging when there are windows, outlets, switches or vents to deal with. Making sure you are cutting the hole in the exact spot is challenging, because being off as little as a half-inch can ruin that piece of drywall. While you could measure the location of the outlet or plug and then mark it on the drywall, it's much easier to use lipstick to mark the spot.

Drywall
Red lipstick
Keyhole saw, also commonly called a drywall saw
Utility knife

Instructions

- 1
  Coat the edges of the electrical box for the plug or switch with red lipstick. Put it on fairly thick to make sure it transfers to the back side of the drywall.
- 2
  Get the sheet of drywall in position up against the wall and firmly press the drywall up against the electrical box in the wall.
- 3
  Pul the drywall away from the wall and confirm the red lipstick has transferred to the back of the drywall. If it hasn't, coat the edge of the electrical box again and repeat the process.
- 4
  Use the keyhole saw to cut along the lipstick lines on the drywall. Take your time, to make sure the knife doesn't stray away from the intended path.
- 5
  Use a utility knife to trim off any excess paper on the front side of the drywall.
- 6
  Place the sheet of drywall up against the wall and secure it to the studs.

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