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There's a Better Way: Drywall Cutting-Tool Protection Strips

An ingenious alternative use for paper-face metal drywall tape

by Charles Miller

Length: 2:22
Produced By: John Ross

Thanks to Greg Langdon and his father, Ralph, of Louisville, Ky., for a smart tip you can file under "Why didn't I think of that?" Rotary cutting tools, like the RotoZip used in the video, are great for making accurate cuts in drywall for outlet boxes and switch boxes, and for routing holes for recessed-light cans. But they aren't so great for making cuts adjacent to soft surfaces that you need to protect, such as finished or painted drywall. To avoid damaging the finished drywall when Greg needed to make a large cutout for a pass-through, his father suggested using a strip of paper-faced metal drywall tape as a bushing guide for the router's bit to ride against. The result was a clean edge for Greg and a useful tip for you.

Video by: John Ross

From Fine Homebuilding 200

November 13, 2008