I need to open up a fair bit of drywall for a remodeling project.

What would you consider the optimal power tool for this, and why?

Rotary Cutter (like a Rotozip)
Reciprocating Saw (like a Sawzall)
Compact Circular Saw (4.5" type)
Oscillating Tool

Or should I just do it old school with a prybar and demo hammer?

Sawsall is easiest. You can hug right up next to framing with it, but if you are cutting back and want to lap new rock up against it, the circular saw is the best for cutting centerline of framing, but your going to go through a few blades hitting screws. Was not as bad hitting nails, but them screws are tough.

For speed and large areas, that hammer and bar can't be beat.

Circular saw is fine for small and precise cuts, and a 7 1/4 saw is a bugger to do much before your arms start wiggling.

Rotozip is almost worthless for anything other than cutting out boxes, or the fine detail cuts for similar items.

I use an oscillating tool.

quote:

Originally posted by Aeteocles:
I need to open up a fair bit of drywall for a remodeling project.

Kinda comes down to what a "fair bit" is.

Rotozips are great for small intrusions, but soon become awkward for more than about a 4" cut. You didn't mention a jigsaw, but they don't do as much damage/make as much mess as their big brother the sawzall, and much easier to change directions while in the work. If you have to cut nails (e.g. between the back of the wall board and the studs, the sawzall will be your best buddy. I wouldn't think of using a circular saw, but with the right blade, it might be a decent option for up to single-sheet cut out sizes. The oscillating multitool is advertised as having this capability, but seems like it would be difficult to keep a straight line on a long cut.

Oscillating tool ++

Oscillating tool. Easier to keep it shallow. The blades about 1 1/2” wide go in about the perfect depth when held at a 45 degree angle.

I wouldn't use any power tool, as they all create drywall dust.
It's a big mess when cleaning up.

I recently had to open up a section of wall (drywall) for access to shower plumbing. (I needed a 4 foot by 1 foot opening in the wall)
I drew on the drywall with a carpenters pencil where I wanted to cut, then using a straight edge scored the outer surface with a utility knife, then made progressively deeper cuts with the utility knife.
Several "taps" with a hammer and the piece of drywall came right out.

I did my plumbing repairs, and when I was satisfied they were successful, I went to Lowe's and bought a nice mirror in a frame that was large enough to cover the hole in the wall.

For a teenage female's bathroom, another mirror is a good thing!

Oscillating tool hands down for me ... whether opening up a wall or splitting a sheet longways.

If you want a clean edge and you are cutting beyond multiple studs the Dremel saw max is my tool of choice. Easier to use then a circular saw and gives a better edge.

I'll use the straight claw on a 20 ounce Estwing. You punch it into the wall along the line, then yank the perforated piece out. Trim / square it up later with a blade. (Watch you do not cut yer fingers).

I had a $3,000 dollar plumbing repair this week.

The plumber used a hand held saw with a tapered point blade that he used to cut out the drywall. Jab Saw name? He was so good and his cut so well done that my general contractor handyman guy was able to reuse the same cut out pieces of drywall and thus make that a quick and easy repair, after the plumbing was fixed.

He made virtually no dust at all, just a little.

I've had handymen take hammers and bash in the drywall and make a huge mess, and then it's a lot more work to go back with new drywall.

The hand drywall saw he used was quick and easy, I don't know why he would use anything else.

Good luck to you, best wishes on your project.
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This message has been edited. Last edited by: OKCGene,

I took down a wall at the house that was put up by the prior owner.

Originally went at it with a utility knife, that was horrible.
Tried a hand saw & made decent progress, but it was dull to begin with
Finished it off with an oscillating tool & it made short, but quite noisy, work of it. Fair bit of dust, as mentioned above.

I used a hand drywall saw at my kids and here to replace the exterior faucets. Cut an 8”x8” squares. Was able to use the same piece when I closed them up.

In my old house the builder forgot to insulate the interior walls of the MBR(think quiet when sleeping) he showed up, popped two chalk lines about six inches from the ceiling line three inches apart, cut the line with a oscillating tool and removed the strip of drywall. Filled the walls with blown in insulation and closed it all up. Took four days of coming back and sanding smooth but you’d never know it was cut. We’re taking about 10’ & 15’ of linear drywall.

He knew he was gonna make a mess and put plastic down in the entire room. Vacuumed each day and replaced the plastic in the morning as we were already living in the home.

My go-to guy was here yesterday doing some work for us and used a jab saw with great results.

If you value either your health or your marriage you will not use a circular saw. (dust everywhere, and I mean EVERYWHERE).

Also keep in mind that if you are taking it out to where the cut is near an existing joint, wall corner, ceiling corner etc, just go ahead and rip the whole piece out. For a novice, it is much easier to make a good corner joint than to feather a good mid sheet joint. Especially if your existing wall has a texture finish on it.

Chainsaw

quote:

Originally posted by Excam_Man:
Chainsaw

Only one chainsaw?

A normal drywall saw will do the job however if your doing a large area your arms will hate you by the time your done. An oscillating saw works well and can be kept extremely tidy by using a shop vac right next to the blade.

A reciprocating saw will make quick work of the project but can make a mess. Like the oscillating a shop vac could be used if you have another person available to run the vac.

Under no circumstances would I recommend using a circular saw. You will make an absolute mess not only in your house but you will walk out completely covered in the crap.

Handsaw like PASig posted, Bosch Jigsaw, Milwaukee Sawzall, Rigid battery reciprocating saw. I like the hand saw and jigsaw best.