On Mar 17, 8:32 pm, "RicodJour" wrote:
On Mar 17, 7:06 pm, "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.

There are tons of tricks. Best one - buy a Rotozip (or approved
equal). Then all you have to do is poke a hole in the middle of the
outlet box and run the Rotozip around the perimeter. Messy and noisy,
but very effective. Sell it on eBay when you no longer need it.

These are also very useful:http://www.amazon.com/Johnson-Level-.../dp/B0007LE5T4

R

One tip I have is that when you are measuring for an outlet box near a
corner (or into the next sheet) , you will butt your tape into the
corner. But you usually but your tape harder than the sheet will
actually fit because of out of plumb/out of squareness , humps or bows
or whatever. So pull the tape back slightly to allow for a little
gappage in the corner. No need to measure in multiple places.

A Rotozip is a good idea. But you will screw up a number of outlets
before you get it figured out. You have to run it on the outside of
the box, and keeping the bit riding on the outlet can take a little
getting used to. If it is a small job, you won't have enough time to
really get the hang of it, so you will wind up botching it up just as
bad as if you cut them by hand.