- 1). Locate the wall studs behind the drywall with a stud finder.
- 2). Hold the access panel's sleeve against the drywall, keeping its vertical edges between the wall studs. Set a bubble level on top of the frame and adjust the frame until it rests plumb against the drywall, using the bubble level as a guide.
- 3). Trace the outside of the access panel's sleeve on the drywall with a pencil.
- 4). Score the drywall along the pencil lines, using a utility knife. Cut through the paper on the drywall's surface with the knife's blade.
- 5). Place a drywall saw's blade against one of the scored lines on the drywall. Press the blade through the drywall.
- 6). Cut the drywall with the drywall saw, following the access panel's outline. Cut the drywall on the in-stroke, when the saw slides into the wall, release the blade's pressure against the drywall and pull the blade out. Cut all four sides of the access panel's outline, using the same cutting method. Cutting the drywall on the out-stroke often peels the drywall's outer layer from its gypsum core.
- 7). Pull the cut-out section of drywall from the wall. Test fit the access panel's frame in the hole. Trim the hole to size with the drywall saw, if needed.
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