Cutting drywall gets a lot easier with the right tools in your hand. Clean edges, less dust, and faster cuts all start with smart tool choices.
The best options include multi-blade hand saws, folding jab saws, cordless 3-speed cut-out tools, and adjustable cutting guides for repeat straight cuts. Oscillating multi-tools from brands like Hammerhead and DEWALT bring extra precision in tight corners and detail work.
Knowing which tool pairs best with your drywall thickness and task can quickly upgrade any project.
| 8-in-1 Multi-Blade Hand Saw for Drywall |
| Most Versatile | Tool Type: 8‑in‑1 manual multi-blade hand saw | Power Source: Manual (no power) | Primary Blade/Bit Material: High-speed steel (HSS) blades | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Goldblatt Folding Drywall Jab Saw with Soft Grip |
| Best Folding Saw | Tool Type: Folding manual drywall jab saw | Power Source: Manual (no power) | Primary Blade/Bit Material: Bi-metal blade | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Cordless 3-Speed Drywall Cut-Out Rotary Saw (Bare) |
| Best Rotary Cutter | Tool Type: Cordless 3-speed rotary cut-out tool (bare) | Power Source: Battery powered (20V MAX, bare tool) | Primary Blade/Bit Material: High-speed steel bit/blade; stainless steel tool body | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Foldable Adjustable Drywall Cutting Tool for Gypsum Boards |
| Precision Panel Cutter | Tool Type: Foldable manual drywall cutting guide/tool | Power Source: Manual (no power) | Primary Blade/Bit Material: Steel rollers (uses replaceable blades not fully specified) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Hammerhead 2.2-Amp Oscillating Multi-Tool (HAMT022) |
| Compact Budget Multi-Tool | Tool Type: Corded oscillating multi-tool (2.2A) | Power Source: Corded electric (2.2A) | Primary Blade/Bit Material: Standard oscillating blades (material not specified) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| ENERTWIST Oscillating Multitool Kit (ET-OM-500) |
| Heavy-Duty Multi-Tool | Tool Type: Corded oscillating multitool kit (4.2A) | Power Source: Corded electric (4.2A) | Primary Blade/Bit Material: Mixed blades including bi-metal and other standard oscillating blades | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| DEWALT 20V MAX XR Oscillating Tool Kit |
| Pro Oscillating Pick | Tool Type: Cordless oscillating tool kit (20V) | Power Source: Battery powered (20V MAX, battery included) | Primary Blade/Bit Material: Compatible with most oscillating accessories (materials vary, not specified) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| DEWALT 20V MAX* XR Brushless Drywall Cut-Out Tool (Tool Only) (DCE555B) |
| Contractor-Grade Cut-Out | Tool Type: Cordless drywall cut-out tool (bare) | Power Source: Battery powered (20V MAX, bare tool) | Primary Blade/Bit Material: Accepts standard rotary cut-out bits (materials not specified) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Goldblatt 6-Inch Drywall Jab Saw with Bi-Metal Blade |
| Best Manual Jab Saw | Tool Type: Manual 6-inch drywall jab saw | Power Source: Manual (no power) | Primary Blade/Bit Material: 6-inch bi-metal blade (D6A+M2) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
8-in-1 Multi-Blade Hand Saw for Drywall
In case you’re a DIYer or pro who wants one compact tool instead of a cluttered toolbox, the 8‑in‑1 Multi-Blade Hand Saw for Drywall is built for you. You get eight high‑speed steel blades that tackle drywall, sheetrock, wood, metal, plastic, plywood, wallboard, and PVC with clean, controlled cuts.
You quickly swap blades using the lockback and quick‑change clamping mechanism, so you don’t waste time between tasks. The TPR non‑slip, ergonomic handle keeps your grip secure and reduces fatigue during overhead or long cuts. It’s a drywall cutter, hacksaw, jab saw, and long blade hand saw in one space‑saving tool.
- Tool Type:8‑in‑1 manual multi-blade hand saw
- Power Source:Manual (no power)
- Primary Blade/Bit Material:High-speed steel (HSS) blades
- Suitable Materials:Drywall, sheetrock, wood, metal, plastic, plywood, PVC
- Ergonomic / Grip Design:TPR non-slip ergonomic handle to reduce hand fatigue
- Key Safety / Control Features:Lockback mechanism to secure blades; quick-change clamping design
- Additional Feature:Eight interchangeable HSS blades
- Additional Feature:Lockback blade retention
- Additional Feature:Compact, toolbox-saving design
Goldblatt Folding Drywall Jab Saw with Soft Grip
Goldblatt’s Folding Drywall Jab Saw with Soft Grip suits you in case you want a compact, jobsite-ready hand tool that still cuts fast and clean. Its 5-inch, 8 TPI bi-metal blade with triple-ground teeth cuts on both push and pull strokes, so you move quickly through drywall, wallboard, plywood, plastic panels, and PVC. The sharpened tip lets you punch in cleanly for outlet boxes and cutouts.
You’ll like the anti-slip soft grip handle, which fits most hands and reduces fatigue by giving you a better cutting angle. The locking, foldable design enhances safety and makes it pocket friendly.
- Tool Type:Folding manual drywall jab saw
- Power Source:Manual (no power)
- Primary Blade/Bit Material:Bi-metal blade
- Suitable Materials:Drywall, wallboard, plywood, plastic panels, PVC
- Ergonomic / Grip Design:Anti-slip super grip handle designed for most hand sizes; reduces fatigue
- Key Safety / Control Features:Lock system to prevent accidental closure; red button for safe folding
- Additional Feature:Foldable, pocket-friendly design
- Additional Feature:Red-button blade release
- Additional Feature:Deep debris-clearing gullets
Cordless 3-Speed Drywall Cut-Out Rotary Saw (Bare)
Cordless flexibility and three speed settings make the YAWV 20V MAX–compatible Drywall Cut-Out Rotary Saw a smart pick in case you already own DeWalt 20V batteries and want a compact, jobsite-ready cutter. It’s a bare tool, so you’ll need existing DCB-series packs, but the brushless motor delivers up to 30,000 RPM with three settings from 20,000–30,000 RPM for clean, controlled drywall cuts.
You can use it as a spiral, undercut, or rotary saw. The included 1/8-inch bit plus 1/8- and 1/4-inch collets handle drywall, wood, plastic, and more. You’ll appreciate the LED light, tool-free bit changes, and built-in protections.
- Tool Type:Cordless 3-speed rotary cut-out tool (bare)
- Power Source:Battery powered (20V MAX, bare tool)
- Primary Blade/Bit Material:High-speed steel bit/blade; stainless steel tool body
- Suitable Materials:Wood, drywall, Sheetrock, plastic, and more
- Ergonomic / Grip Design:Compact ABS-bodied handle; designed for one-hand use
- Key Safety / Control Features:Overheating, overload, low-voltage protection; LED light for visibility
- Additional Feature:Three selectable speed ranges
- Additional Feature:Integrated overload protections
- Additional Feature:Quick bit chuck system
Foldable Adjustable Drywall Cutting Tool for Gypsum Boards
A foldable adjustable drywall cutting tool for gypsum boards suits you best in case you need fast, precise, and repeatable cuts on thinner drywall panels without constant measuring. You set the cutting width once, from 1.5 to 61 cm, then glide along the sheet. A laser‑engraved dual-scale ruler, with metric and imperial markings, won’t wear off, so measurements stay accurate.
Twelve steel rollers apply even pressure, helping you get smooth, clean edges on 9–11 mm boards (3/8″ or 1/4″). It’s foldable, sets up in seconds, and needs only a blade installed, so you’re productive immediately on precise gypsum cuts.
- Tool Type:Foldable manual drywall cutting guide/tool
- Power Source:Manual (no power)
- Primary Blade/Bit Material:Steel rollers (uses replaceable blades not fully specified)
- Suitable Materials:Gypsum drywall panels (3/8–1/4 inch; 9–11 mm)
- Ergonomic / Grip Design:Compact foldable body for easier handling and portability
- Key Safety / Control Features:Laser-engraved scales for accurate cuts; controlled roller pressure for clean edges
- Additional Feature:Laser-engraved dual scales
- Additional Feature:Twelve pressure steel rollers
- Additional Feature:Three-second fold/unfold setup
Hammerhead 2.2-Amp Oscillating Multi-Tool (HAMT022)
Hammerhead’s 2.2-Amp Oscillating Multi-Tool (HAMT022) stands out should you need one affordable, do-it-all tool for cutting drywall and handling other small remodel tasks. Its 2.2-amp motor delivers up to 20,000 OPM, giving you enough power for clean cuts in drywall, wood, and trim.
You’ll control speed with a variable dial, so you can slow down for delicate cuts around outlets or speed up for fast straight runs. The compact body and soft grip keep the tool steady in tight spots, while the LED light reveals layout lines. The universal collet accepts common blades, and the included flush-cut blade, semicircle saw blade, sanding pad, and papers get you working immediately.
- Tool Type:Corded oscillating multi-tool (2.2A)
- Power Source:Corded electric (2.2A)
- Primary Blade/Bit Material:Standard oscillating blades (material not specified)
- Suitable Materials:Wood, drywall, metal, plus general cutting, trimming, grinding, sanding
- Ergonomic / Grip Design:Ergonomic soft grip handle for control and comfort
- Key Safety / Control Features:Variable speed dial; LED light improves cutting visibility
- Additional Feature:Up to 20,000 OPM
- Additional Feature:Universal collet accessory fit
- Additional Feature:Included sanding and blades
ENERTWIST Oscillating Multitool Kit (ET-OM-500)
Should you need one tool that can cut drywall, trim door casings, handle plumbing cutouts, and even tackle metal or tile, the ENERTWIST Oscillating Multitool Kit (ET-OM-500) stands out as a versatile, budget-friendly choice. Its 4.2-amp pure copper motor and 5° oscillation angle give you noticeably faster, smoother cuts in drywall, wood, nails, and even bolts.
You can dial in six variable speeds from 8,000–16,000 OPM to match plastic, tile, or metal. The tool-less quick-change system and universal-fit interface let you swap blades quickly. You also get sanding pads, scraper, multiple blades, adapter, auxiliary handle, and a nylon bag.
- Tool Type:Corded oscillating multitool kit (4.2A)
- Power Source:Corded electric (4.2A)
- Primary Blade/Bit Material:Mixed blades including bi-metal and other standard oscillating blades
- Suitable Materials:Drywall, wood, metal, tile, nails, bolts, concrete, pipes, plastics, etc.
- Ergonomic / Grip Design:Main grip plus auxiliary handle for control and reduced fatigue
- Key Safety / Control Features:Variable speed (6 settings); tool-less quick-change system
- Additional Feature:5° high-efficiency oscillation
- Additional Feature:Tool-less accessory change knob
- Additional Feature:Extensive accessory kit included
DEWALT 20V MAX XR Oscillating Tool Kit
Serious DIYers and pros who want fast, controlled drywall cuts will value the DEWALT 20V MAX XR Oscillating Tool Kit for its powerful brushless motor and precise speed control. You’ll get up to 57% more runtime than brushed models, so you can cut longer between charges. The variable-speed dual-grip trigger and 3-speed selector let you dial in the exact speed you need, up to 20,000 OPM.
You can swap blades quickly with the Quick-Change system and still use your existing attachments via the universal accessory adapter. An LED light brightens dark areas, and the kit includes a battery, charger, and a 3-year limited warranty.
- Tool Type:Cordless oscillating tool kit (20V)
- Power Source:Battery powered (20V MAX, battery included)
- Primary Blade/Bit Material:Compatible with most oscillating accessories (materials vary, not specified)
- Suitable Materials:Wide range via accessories (commonly drywall, wood, metal, plastics)
- Ergonomic / Grip Design:Dual-grip trigger design for precise control and comfort
- Key Safety / Control Features:3-speed selector, variable-speed trigger; Quick-Change system; LED light
- Additional Feature:Dual-grip variable trigger
- Additional Feature:Three-speed selector switch
- Additional Feature:3-year limited warranty
DEWALT 20V MAX* XR Brushless Drywall Cut-Out Tool (Tool Only) (DCE555B)
You’ll appreciate the forward on-off button, especially during working overhead or on ladders. The tool-free bit change keeps you moving, while the LED light clarifies cut lines in dim spaces. It accepts 1/8, 5/32, and 1/4-inch bits, with a depth guide for consistent cuts. It’s also Tool Connect chip ready for smart asset tracking.
- Tool Type:Cordless drywall cut-out tool (bare)
- Power Source:Battery powered (20V MAX, bare tool)
- Primary Blade/Bit Material:Accepts standard rotary cut-out bits (materials not specified)
- Suitable Materials:Drywall, Sheetrock, similar panel materials
- Ergonomic / Grip Design:Compact, lightweight body to reduce user fatigue
- Key Safety / Control Features:Depth guide for controlled cutting; tool-free bit change; LED light
- Additional Feature:26,000 RPM brushless motor
- Additional Feature:Integrated depth guide
- Additional Feature:Tool Connect chip ready
Goldblatt 6-Inch Drywall Jab Saw with Bi-Metal Blade
Goldblatt’s 6-inch Drywall Jab Saw with a bi-metal blade stands out for DIYers and pros who need fast, clean cuts in tight spaces. Its D6A+M2 blade uses precision cross-ground teeth that cut on both push and pull strokes, while three cutting surfaces and inverted teeth enhance pulling force and speed—up to 50% faster than traditional teeth.
You’ll pierce plasterboard or plywood easily with the sharpened oblique tip, and deep gullets clear dust to prevent clogging. The lightweight, slip-resistant handle with a prominent guard keeps your grip secure, letting you tackle drywall, cement board, PVC, and more confidently.
- Tool Type:Manual 6-inch drywall jab saw
- Power Source:Manual (no power)
- Primary Blade/Bit Material:6-inch bi-metal blade (D6A+M2)
- Suitable Materials:Drywall, wallboard, plywood, cement board, thin paneling, PVC
- Ergonomic / Grip Design:Soft grip, slip-resistant ergonomic handle with guard
- Key Safety / Control Features:Handle guard for hand protection; precision teeth for controlled cutting
- Additional Feature:Inverted dual-side teeth
- Additional Feature:Three-surface cutting design
- Additional Feature:Prominent protective handle guard
Factors to Consider When Choosing Tools to Cut Drywalls
At the time of selecting tools to cut drywall, several practical factors guide the decision. The material thickness, type of cut required, preferred power source, and the balance between speed and precision all influence which tool is most suitable. Ergonomics and handling also play a key role, as they affect control, fatigue, and general cutting accuracy.
Drywall Material Thickness
How does drywall thickness influence the choice of cutting tools? Thickness determines both tool compatibility and cutting effort. Drywall sheets commonly come in 1/4 inch, 3/8 inch, 1/2 inch, and 5/8 inch options, each serving different structural and performance needs. Standard 1/2‑inch drywall in residential settings balances durability with manageable cutting, allowing effective use of basic knives and saws.
Thicker boards, such as 5/8 inch, are frequently installed where improved fire resistance or sound control is required, often demanding sturdier blades, more powerful saws, or multiple scoring passes. Some tools and accessories are engineered for specific ranges—typically around 9–11 mm—making them unsuitable for thicker panels. Accurate thickness measurement helps guarantee clean cuts, minimal edge damage, and efficient tool performance.
Type of Cut Needed
Beyond thickness, the specific type of cut required strongly influences drywall tool selection. Long, straight cuts across full sheets usually call for tools with long, straight blades or rotary cutting attachments that track accurately and leave even edges. Intricate or irregular openings—such as receptacles, switches, or fixture penetrations—are better handled with jab saws or rotary cut‑out tools that can pivot and change direction precisely.
Cut type also dictates blade geometry. Smooth or cross‑ground teeth enable faster, cleaner cutting on both push and pull strokes across different drywall cores. In cases where repeated widths or highly specific measurements are needed, foldable and adjustable tools help maintain consistency and minimize waste. Finally, desired edge quality might favor tools with multiple rollers or ergonomic handles to reduce chipping and edge breakage.
Power Source Preference
Ultimately, power source preference directs drywall tool selection as much as blade style or cut type. Manual options—such as hand saws and jab saws—require no electricity, making them highly portable, simple to maintain, and independent of batteries or outlets, though they typically cut more slowly than powered tools.
Corded electric tools suit users who value uninterrupted operation; they provide consistent power as long as an outlet is available but restrict movement to cord length and site wiring. Cordless drywall cutters offer the greatest mobility, relying on compatible lithium‑ion batteries that might be sold separately. Their high RPM capabilities can greatly increase cutting efficiency, but run time and performance depend on both battery capacity and motor efficiency.
Speed and Precision
While power source determines where and how long a drywall tool can operate, speed and precision dictate the quality and efficiency of each cut. Blade design plays a central role: high sharpness and precision-ground teeth let the tool move through gypsum rapidly while leaving a smoother edge that needs less finishing.
Bi-directional cutting teeth further increase efficiency through cutting on both the push and pull stroke, shortening cutting time and reducing user effort. For powered tools, adjustable speed settings are critical; they allow the operator to slow down for tight, detailed cuts or increase speed for long, straight rip cuts and varying drywall thicknesses. Integrated guide rulers and depth controls help keep cuts consistent, reducing errors and unnecessary material waste.
Ergonomics and Handling
Choosing drywall cutting tools with good ergonomics and handling directly influences cut quality, user safety, and long-term comfort. Ergonomic handles typically utilize non-slip materials like TPR or soft grips to reduce hand fatigue and maintain a secure hold, especially during extended cutting sessions. Contoured handle shapes that fit a wide range of hand sizes support neutral wrist positions and better control, which helps users guide blades accurately along lines.
Lightweight, well-balanced tools further reduce strain, allowing users to work longer without compromising precision. Features such as lockback mechanisms or secure blade assemblies stabilize the cutting edge, improving control through preventing unwanted blade movement. Foldable or compact designs also aid handling, making tools easier to carry, access, and stow on busy job sites.
Safety Features Included
Beyond comfort and control, drywall cutting tools must also incorporate safety features that limit exposure to sharp edges and prevent accidental blade movement. Blade lock mechanisms are especially crucial, securing the blade so it cannot unexpectedly release or close while in use.
Non-slip ergonomic handles with soft grips further support safe operation through improving control and reducing hand fatigue, which lowers the likelihood of slips. Foldable or retractable blade designs keep sharp edges covered during transport and storage, minimizing accidental contact. Tools fitted with safety buttons or guards add another layer of protection, preventing unintended engagement of the blade and shielding fingers during cutting. Integrated LED lights can also be regarded as a safety feature, improving visibility in dim spaces and helping avoid hazardous miscuts.
Blade Quality and Lifespan
Because drywall cutting quickly wears down inferior edges, blade quality and lifespan become central considerations when selecting these tools. High-quality blades are typically made from hardened high-speed steel or bi-metal, materials that resist deformation and edge wear under repeated scoring and plunge cuts.
Sharpened or triple-ground teeth reduce drag, allowing the blade to slice rather than tear through gypsum and paper, which slows dulling and improves control. Deep gullets between teeth clear gypsum dust efficiently, preventing clogging that would otherwise blunt the cutting action. Blades engineered to cut on both the push and pull stroke distribute mechanical stress more evenly, further extending life. For sustained performance and safety, ready access to compatible replacement blades remains essential during large projects.
