"John McGaw" wrote in message
...
Eigenvector wrote:
I've done this several times and this is something that just keeps
eluding me.

What is the trick to measuring accurate drywall cutout holes for outlet
boxes? The big issue that I seem to have is that the measurments need to
be accurate by 1/8" all around for the job to look professional and for
the outlet plate to sit firmly. But when I go to do it, no matter how
many times I measure, I'm always off by 1/8" which puts one side 1/4" off
and another snug against the box. I'm a firm believer in measure once
cut twice (or is that measure twice cut once...)

Are there better tools for measuring it? I'm using my tape measure which
is accurate but unwieldy and with that metal lip on the forward edge it
can be off by 1/4" if you get the tape bowed.

Measuring will get you there if you are absolutely consistent about it but
there are other ways to do it too. For example there are tools and
fixtures to allow you to do it more easily. This is one example of several
tools I've seen: http://www.handymark.net/instructions.html And if you
prefer power tools, one of the Roto-Zip tools will allow you to make the
cutout while following the edge of the box.

I have even done it with carbon paper (if you remember back that far) and
someone I worked with once told me that he had done the job by dabbing his
wife's lipstick around the box to mark the board.

--
John McGaw

Oh wow, I gotta get me one of those handymark tools. Thanks for the tip
man.