Cutting back boxes in plasterboard

[pc1966]

I find myself in the position of having to fit a few back boxes in to plasterboard. In the past for the odd one I just used a hand plasterboard saw to cut out a hole, but I wondered if anyone here has used something like the square/rectangular cutter adaptors you get for multi-tools to do this sort of thing. If so, how well did it work?

Suggestions for make/model?

TL;DR tips for cutting boxes in plasterboard

 

[pc1966]

Borrowed one of these once - 'Drywall cutout tool', found it really easy and 'quick' once got hang of it. More time consuming marking out the boxes.
View attachment 110220

Sort of a narrow-body jigsaw!

Not sure that price is justifiable though for the handful I need to do.

 

[pc1966]

Multi tool wide blade, decent green laser, and a template tool.

That looks a brilliant thing!

 

[brianmoooore]

The worst thing to discover having already cut into the plaster board is that there is a stud going horizontal/vertical in the way.

On the other hand, you can then fit a proper metal box, instead of one of those flimsy plastic things.

 

[ipf]

On the other hand, you can then fit a proper metal box, instead of one of those flimsy plastic things.

The Appleby ones with yellow lug pieces aren’t too bad. Only ones for me..when needed.

 

[nicebutdim]

The Appleby ones with yellow lug pieces aren’t too bad. Only ones for me..when needed.

Generally prefer them over other makes, but lugs only allow for fitment in single board. No chance they'll fit double boarded walls without cutting away at rear board, so on those occasions I prefer 'lesser' brands.

 

[loz2754]

Generally prefer them over other makes, but lugs only allow for fitment in single board. No chance they'll fit double boarded walls without cutting away at rear board, so on those occasions I prefer 'lesser' brands.

47mm deep boxes will.

 

[Mike Johnson]

Multi tool every time for me, but does not work on a solid flint wall with internal sand and cement render then its a carbide tip hole saw followed with a hammer and chisel.

 

[nicebutdim]

Multi tool every time for me, but does not work on a solid flint wall with internal sand and cement render then its a carbide tip hole saw followed with a hammer and chisel.

Never heard of anyone trying to cut stone walls with a multi tool. I guess there's a first time for everything.

 

[littlespark]

Never heard of anyone trying to cut stone walls with a multi tool. I guess there's a first time for everything.

It works.

Ok… only a certain blade on a certain type of block… but if you’re lucky in that respect…
You can basically scrape the hole flat with a bolster chisel. No hammer involved… and make rawlplug holes with a plumbers old screwdriver.

 

[mainline]

Never heard of anyone trying to cut stone walls with a multi tool. I guess there's a first time for everything.

I guess someone's got to try it first, electrical pioneers

 

[nicebutdim]

It works.

Ok… only a certain blade on a certain type of block… but if you’re lucky in that respect…
You can basically scrape the hole flat with a bolster chisel. No hammer involved… and make rawlplug holes with a plumbers old screwdriver.

What sort of stone are you going to spend time scraping with a bolster and why would you want to cut it with a multi tool, rather than stitch drill, chisel and scutch chisel?

It's possible to make fire by rubbing sticks together, but most people prefer to strike a match.

 

[littlespark]

has anyone seen the tongue-in-cheek emoji?

 

[nicebutdim]

has anyone seen the tongue-in-cheek emoji?

No, I'd been wanting to use it in that last comment.