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ripping drywall boards

2K views 10 replies 7 participants last post by  AtlanticWBConst. 
#1 ·
what method of holding a knife to a tape measure to rip boards do you think is the easiest and most effective? Pushing the blade against the end of the tap and sliding them together or actually holding them together? Or other.
 
#3 ·
I know exactly what he means...as I started out in the trades doing Drywall & Taping (circa 1984).

Best method is to "hook" the tape end over the utility blade. It helps if you are using a "drywall" type utility knife (non-retracting knife) that has an inserted - extended blade.
 
#6 ·
i tought myself but i run the tape left handed from right side of rock going left when looking at it. I then line up the blade in my right hand to the mark, I cut with my thumb on top of the blade. So then I wrap my left thumb over my right while holding the tape in my left palm. This locks them together as Atlantic says. This works for me for short cuts say 24" or less. Otherwise I use the rock square or on occasion roofers square. Of, also a Fat Max worse best if your hand is big enough to hold it... wide enough to slide along and stay straight.
 
#10 ·
I think the most effective method is the one that is not going to require wasted time heading to the doctor for stiches:yes: Experienced drywallers of course use the extended tape/knife to make cuts all the time. Although it is not rocket science, it is an acquired knack to do it accurately and safely. I would just lay the boards flat and use a straightedge to guide the blade for the cut.
 
#11 · (Edited)
I think the most effective method is the one that is not going to require wasted time heading to the doctor for stiches:yes: Experienced drywallers of course use the extended tape/knife to make cuts all the time. Although it is not rocket science, it is an acquired knack to do it accurately and safely. I would just lay the boards flat and use a straightedge to guide the blade for the cut.
Not trying to start anything.....just an observation:

IMHO: The chances of getting cut are much higher when doing the typical sheetrock cutting with a T-square.

Example: Holding a T-square in place with one hand, while running the knife in long hard cutting strokes (blade inches away from that one stationary hand holding the T-square in position)....is much more dangerous than ripping (using two hands apart, moving smoothly and gently, in the same direction - with controlled & locked wrists)....

Never, ever cut myself doing rips, nor saw any of our hangers (or saw/heard of other hangers) do that at anytime while doing rips.

On the other hand, the only time I had knife accidents, or saw them happen, was while doing standard sheetrock cuts with a T-square and knife ....
 
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