Hanging a patch, cutting an outlet opening, or roughing in a basement bedroom all come down to the same hand tool. A drywall saw is small, cheap, and absolutely essential whenever a utility knife just will not finish the job. The right one saves your wrists, keeps the wall from crumbling, and tucks into a tool bag without drawing blood. Picking the wrong one means bent teeth and ragged cuts that fight you every inch. This list rounds up seven jab saws, folding saws, and multi-tool kits that cover everything from a single repair patch to full-room remodels, so you can match the tool to the work instead of forcing the work around the tool.
Your Options, Compared
Klein Tools 31737 Folding Jab Saw
TOOLAN 8-in-1 Multi Blades Hand Saw
Klein Tools Folding Jab Saw & Cut-Resistant Glove Bundle
DEWALT Jab Saw (DWHT20540)
IRWIN Tools ProTouch Drywall/Jab Saw
Klein Tools 31737 Folding Jab Saw & 11-in-1 Screwdriver Bundle
Goldblatt Folding Drywall Saw, 5-Inch
More On The Choices That Made The List
Remodelers who crawl through tight soffits and squeeze behind toilets know the value of a saw that disappears into a tool pouch. The Klein Tools 31737 Folding Jab Saw uses a carbon steel blade that pivots out and locks at a full 180 degrees, then folds back into the comfort-grip handle when the cut is done. The lockback also clicks into a 125-degree position, which is genuinely useful for awkward angles between studs.
For most homeowners patching a single hole or trimming around a window return, this saw handles drywall, plywood backer, and even thin PVC without complaint. Owners commonly report the blade feeling as rigid as a fixed jab saw once locked open, and the tether hole near the handle is a small but appreciated touch for ladder work.
What Earns Its Place
- Folding design protects your tool bag and your fingers in transit
- Dual lockback angles reach spots a straight saw cannot
- Carbon steel blade cuts drywall cleanly without wandering
- Tether hole supports fall-protection workflows on ladders and lifts
Points To Keep In Mind
- Lockback mechanism benefits from occasional debris clearing around the pivot
- Shorter blade than fixed jab saws, so long rip cuts require more strokes
Quick Technical Notes
Who It Suits Best
Service tradespeople and serious DIYers who carry a tool pouch daily and need a drywall saw that disappears between jobs.
Look Elsewhere When
You cut drywall in long, uninterrupted runs and would rather avoid the fold-and-unfold cycle; reach for the DEWALT DWHT20540 instead.
A weekend remodel rarely stays on one material. You start by scoring drywall, then realize a copper pipe stub needs trimming, and suddenly a single-purpose jab saw feels limiting. The TOOLAN 8-in-1 ships eight interchangeable blades that clamp into a TPR non-slip handle, turning one frame into a drywall saw, a hacksaw, a keyhole saw, and several wood-cutting profiles.
The clever clamping design accepts both large and small blade styles, so swapping between a coarse jab blade and a fine hacksaw blade takes seconds. The TPR handle reduces hand fatigue during longer trim sessions, which matters when you are cutting dozens of openings across a single room.
Noteworthy Benefits
- Eight blades cover drywall, wood, plastic, and metal in one kit
- Non-slip TPR handle stays comfortable during extended cuts
- Lockback clamp holds blades firmly so they do not drift mid-cut
- Saves the cost of buying separate drywall, hacksaw, and keyhole saws
Trade-Offs To Consider
- Modular design has more parts to track on a busy jobsite
- Not as rigid as a single-piece jab saw when pushing through thick wallboard
Feature Overview
Built With In Mind
Hobbyists and homeowners tackling mixed-material projects who would rather invest in one versatile kit than a drawer full of single-purpose saws.
Skip It When
You only ever cut drywall on a professional schedule and want a dedicated fixed-blade saw like the IRWIN ProTouch for maximum rigidity.
Anyone who has caught a palm on an exposed drywall saw point remembers the moment vividly. This Klein Tools bundle pairs the same 31737 folding jab saw with a pair of 60581 knit-dipped nitrile work gloves in large, so you get the cutting tool and the hand protection in one package. The gloves add a meaningful layer of confidence when you are feeling for hidden wires or sawing overhead.
The saw itself shares the carbon steel blade, dual lockback angles, and tethered handle from the standalone model, while the gloves include touchscreen-capable fingertips so you can operate a phone or tester without removing them. Together, they form a sensible starter kit for first-time remodelers.
What Makes Sense
- Bundle delivers hand protection matched to the saw’s cut profile
- Gloves work in dry, wet, and oily conditions without losing grip
- Touchscreen fingertips keep you connected without removing gear
- Folding saw design stays safe inside the bundled storage footprint
Honest Caveats
- Glove sizing runs specific, so verifying the large measurement matters before committing
- Bundle costs more than the saw alone, which only pays off if you actually need the gloves
Right Fit For
New homeowners and apprentices building a first drywall tool kit who want safety gear included instead of an afterthought.
Consider Something Else When
You already own well-fitted cut-resistant gloves and only need the saw, in which case the bare 31737 from item one is the smarter spend.
Contractors who burn through a drywall saw every few months want aggressive teeth and a stiff blade that does not flex mid-cut. The DEWALT DWHT20540 uses a sharpened tooth geometry that the brand claims cuts up to 50% faster than traditional jab saw profiles, paired with induction-hardened teeth designed to stay sharp through repeated jobsite abuse.
Where the Klein folding saw wins on portability, the DEWALT wins on raw cutting speed across long runs of wallboard, plastic panels, and even soft sheathing. The fixed blade also makes it easier to plunge into existing walls without worrying about a folding joint loosening over time.
Practical Advantages
- Aggressive tooth pattern slices through drywall quickly
- Hardened teeth resist dulling on abrasive wallboard paper
- Fixed blade offers maximum rigidity for clean plunge cuts
- Works across drywall, plastic, and assorted building materials
Worth Bearing In Mind
- Exposed fixed blade requires a sheath or guarded drawer for storage
- Lacks the dual lockback angles that make folding saws useful in tight pockets
Best Suited To
Professionals and heavy DIYers running room-after-room cuts who want speed and durability above portability.
Swap It Out When
You mostly work overhead or in cramped soffits where a folding saw like the Goldblatt 5-Inch tucks away more safely.
Long cutting sessions punish your hand faster than you expect, especially when you are roughing in dozens of electrical boxes. The IRWIN ProTouch Drywall/Jab Saw leans on a thick-body blade that resists flexing, paired with a rubberized ergonomic grip that absorbs vibration and stays planted even when your palms sweat. The tri-ground teeth are aggressive enough to start cuts without a pilot hole.
You will find it in the tool belts of HVAC installers, electricians, and plumbers for good reason. The combination of rigidity and comfort makes it a sensible choice for anyone cutting ceiling tile openings, plumbing penetrations, or box-outs day after day.
Standout Benefits
- Thick blade body improves cut control on long sweeps
- Rubberized ProTouch grip reduces hand fatigue over hours of use
- Tri-ground teeth start cuts cleanly without a starter pilot
- Versatile across drywall, ceiling tile, and plastic openings
Small Caveats
- Fixed blade design means you need a sheath for safe transport
- Aggressive teeth can leave rougher edges on finished drywall if you rush
Feature Snapshot
Who Should Grab It
Trade professionals cutting multiple openings per day who value comfort and rigidity over portability.
Where A Sibling Pick Shines
If you want a single tool that also drives screws for outlet boxes, the Klein Tools 11-in-1 bundle in item six pairs a folding jab saw with a ratcheting driver.
Cutting a drywall opening and mounting the cover plate often happen back to back, so juggling a saw and a screwdriver in your pouch gets old fast. The Klein Tools 31737 and 11-in-1 bundle pairs the familiar folding jab saw with a 32500HDRT ratcheting screwdriver and nut driver. The screwdriver side covers Phillips, slotted, and square bits, with quick-change ends that speed up bit swaps on the fly.
Both tools share a similar fit and finish, so the bundle feels like one coherent kit rather than a clearance mash-up. The impact-rated screwdriver adds a layer of confidence when you start driving into wood studs behind the wallboard.
What Works In Its Favor
- Bundle covers the full cut-and-fasten sequence in one purchase
- Quick-change screwdriver bits reduce fumbling at the outlet box
- Cushioned grip on the screwdriver stays comfortable over long drives
- Both tools fold or store compactly in a single tool pouch
Soft Spots
- Bundle price is higher than buying the saw alone
- 11-in-1 driver is bulkier than a single-bit stubby screwdriver in tight boxes
Whose Shelf It Belongs On
Finish carpenters and remodelers who would rather carry two coordinated tools than a mismatched set pulled from different brands.
Not Your Match When
You mainly do demolition cuts and rarely fasten anything, in which case the standalone DEWALT DWHT20540 is a leaner choice.
Smaller repair patches call for a smaller saw, and the Goldblatt Folding Drywall Saw answers with a compact 5-inch blade that folds into a 6-3/4-inch handle. The bi-metal construction uses 8 TPI triple-ground teeth, meaning the blade cuts in both directions and clears debris through deep gullets between each tooth. Total length lands around 11-3/4 inches unfolded, which is friendlier in tight closet spaces than full-size jab saws.
For a punch-list job like swapping an outlet, trimming a backsplash panel, or cutting a small access hole, this saw feels like a sensible middle ground. Owners commonly mention the bi-metal teeth staying sharp through drywall, plywood, and PVC without complaint.
Useful Strengths
- Bi-metal teeth cut on both push and pull strokes
- 5-inch blade fits easily inside closets and tight framing cavities
- Hardened blade rated HRC 66-68 for extended edge life
- Folding design protects the teeth in a tool drawer or pouch
Less Ideal Details
- Shorter blade means more strokes on long rip cuts across a full wall
- Smaller handle may feel cramped for users with larger hands
At A Glance
Who Will Love This
Apartment dwellers, repair-focused homeowners, and anyone who needs a small, storable saw for occasional patches.
Reach For A Different Pick When
You regularly cut full sheets of drywall and would benefit from the longer, more aggressive blade of the IRWIN ProTouch or DEWALT DWHT20540.
What To Weigh Before Picking Your Drywall Saw
Blade length and tooth design drive almost every drywall saw decision. Shorter blades (around 5 inches) reach into tight cavities and start cuts without a pilot hole, while longer blades (6 to 7 inches) cover more surface per stroke. Tooth geometry matters just as much: aggressive, triple-ground patterns cut faster but can leave rougher edges on finished drywall, so consider whether the saw will see finish-side work or only rough framing cuts.
Handle ergonomics become critical on jobs that run more than a dozen openings. A rubberized or TPR grip reduces blisters and absorbs vibration, especially on overhead work. Folding saws protect your tool bag but introduce a lockback mechanism that benefits from occasional cleaning. Fixed-blade saws offer maximum rigidity but require a sheath for safe storage.
Material compatibility is the last major filter. Pure drywall work lets any jab saw shine, but if you also trim PVC, plywood backer, or ceiling tile, look for bi-metal or induction-hardened teeth that hold an edge across mixed materials. Bundles that include gloves or screwdrivers make sense when you genuinely need the companion tool, but they are not a bargain if the second item just collects dust.
Key Considerations Across These Picks
Pitfalls Shoppers Hit
The most common drywall saw mistake is buying a fixed-blade model for pouch work and then either taping a homemade sheath around the teeth or risking a torn tool bag. Folding saws solve that for anyone who carries tools daily, and the lockback joint, when wiped clean occasionally, holds up well over years. Another frequent miss is choosing a fine-tooth wood saw for drywall. Soft wallboard wants aggressive, deep-gullet teeth, so a wood-focused blade will load up and bind.
What The Higher Tier Buys
Stepping up to a premium drywall saw usually delivers a longer-lasting edge, a more comfortable grip, and a folding mechanism that actually holds tolerance over time. Induction-hardened teeth on the DEWALT and bi-metal construction on the Goldblatt both extend the working life of the blade, which matters if you cut daily. Bundles that pair the saw with gloves or a screwdriver add genuine workflow value when you would buy those items anyway, but the premium is wasted if the second tool sits in a drawer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a drywall saw blade be?
For most patch jobs and outlet cutouts, a 5 to 6-inch blade handles the work comfortably. Longer blades cover more surface per stroke, which helps on full-room rough-in work, while shorter blades fit better in tight cavities and overhead pockets.
Can a drywall saw cut wood and PVC too?
Most jab saws cut through soft plywood, pine furring strips, and PVC trim without trouble, especially models with bi-metal or induction-hardened teeth. For harder hardwoods or thick metal, a dedicated wood saw or hacksaw is a better match.
What is the advantage of a folding drywall saw?
A folding blade tucks into the handle, which protects the teeth, your fingers, and the inside of your tool bag. The lockback joint also lets you angle the blade for awkward cuts between studs, something fixed saws cannot do.
How do you keep a drywall saw sharp?
Drywall dust is mildly abrasive but rarely dulls a quality blade on its own. Wipe the teeth clean after each job, avoid cutting into nails or screws, and store the saw folded or sheathed so the teeth do not knock against other tools.
Are bundle drywall saw kits worth the cost?
Bundles that include gloves or screwdrivers are worth it when you would buy those items separately anyway. Skip the bundle if you already own well-fitted safety gear, since the standalone saw often delivers the better value.
