Can a Drywall Saw Cut Metal?
Are you frustrated with having separate saws and blades for different materials? When it comes to projects that make use of wood, plastic, tile and metals, it’s hard to cut everything with the same saw. Read through our article to find out whether drywall saws can be used to cut metal or if you’ve got no choice but to use a circular saw with a metal cutting blade.
What Is a Drywall Saw?
A drywall saw is a handheld saw with sharp serrated teeth. You’d probably be familiar with its other names like plasterboard or jab saw. This tool has a curved blade, making it easy to saw through different materials with it, especially drywall. These saws usually have bi-ground and tri-ground teeth, making cutting through materials easier. They also come with a pointed tip that is perfect for stabbing into materials to find places to cut from.
Cutting Metal With a Drywall Saw
Since drywall saws are made from solid metal, they can be used to cut thin metal sheets. The unique serrated teeth of the saw, however, tend to rip metal which causes messy and uneven cuts. Thicker sheets cannot be cut with a drywall saw, and any attempt to do so may seriously damage the teeth of the blade.
Alternatives To Cut Through Metal
Thinking of cutting metal, but your drywall saw is of no use? Try these tested methods instead:
Grinding wheel
One option is to use a grinding wheel. A grinding wheel can quickly remove metal and is a good option if you need to make a clean, straight cut.
Plasma cutter
Another option is to use a plasma cutter. Plasma cutters use an electrical arc to cut through metal. They are a good option if you need to make intricate cuts or cuts in hard-to-reach places.
Welder
You can also use that to cut through metal if you have access to a welder. Welders use an electrical arc to heat and melt metal. This is a good option for making clean, straight cuts.
Metal-cutting saw blade
Maybe you have the right kind of miter or circular saw, but your blade is too weak. Try using a metal-cutting or all-purpose blade to cut through thick metal sheets. The carbide-tipped blade teeth won’t rip or drag your metal but will cut straight through it.
Metal torch
Finally, you can also use an oxy-acetylene torch to cut through metal. Oxy-acetylene torches use a combination of oxygen and acetylene gas to create a scorching flame. This is a good option for making intricate cuts or cuts in hard-to-reach places.
Precautions When Using a Drywall Saw
Since drywall saws have serrated teeth and a pointy tip, they can be dangerous, especially when making holes in drywall. Some of the main safety precautions to pay attention to are:
- Always wear safety goggles, as drywall splinters tend to break off when sawing through a wall.
- Make sure you do not trip or fall while holding the drywall saw in your hand, as you might stab yourself.
- Check the material you are looking to cut. If it gets caught in the teeth of the saw, you will not be able to make a clean cut without rips.
Overall, you’ve learned what you can and can’t do with a drywall saw, and we’ve also given you some alternatives for cutting metal. Now you’re good to go!