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Cutting A Drywall Hole For A Junction Box

  
  
  

junction boxYou will need to cut a hole in your drywall if you are planning to add an outlet or switch. The key here is to accurately cut the drywall so that the opening isn’t too big. If the opening is too small, that’s okay as you can always cut it larger. But if the hole is too large, you sure don’t want to end up doing a drywall repair when you could have been more careful cutting it in the first place. Use a stud finder to locate the studs.

After I’ve picked out the location for the junction box, I will hold physically hold the box up to the wall and trace around it lightly with pencil. Be aware that the remodeling box is somewhat tapered. It is larger at the front than the back. So if you trace around the front of the box, you will need to cut inside the line by anywhere from ¼” –around ½”. Look behind the perimeter of the box and you will see indentations around it. You will also see the ears that pop out and hold the box to the drywall. Also make sure the box is level and the placement is consistent with other boxes.

Use a drywall knife and cut out the drywall. Use a shallow stroke to cut just in case there is a cable, or pipe in the wall.  You may have to fine tune your hole, but when done you can push the box into the wall and tighten the screws. The ears will pop out and clamp to the back of the drywall.

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