Hanging a fresh sheet of drywall looks simple until the first cut goes sideways. A scored line that wanders, a hole saw that tears the paper face, or a utility knife that snaps mid-stroke can turn a Saturday project into a frustrating afternoon. The right blade, handle, and tooth geometry make every cut cleaner, faster, and easier on your hands. This roundup covers eight picks that suit a range of skills, from a first-time patch to a full basement remodel, and explains which situations each one handles best.
A Fast Comparison Of The Options
Klein Tools 31737 Folding Jab Saw (Lockback 180/125)
Home Planet Gear SK5 Utility Knife Blades (10 Pack)
Klein Tools 31737 Folding Jab Saw & 60581 Cut Resistant Gloves Bundle
IRWIN Tools ProTouch Drywall/Jab Saw (2014100)
Klein Tools 31737 Folding Jab Saw & 32500HDRT 11-in-1 Screwdriver Bundle
OYSSTA Square Drywall Outlet Cutter for Oscillating Tools (2 Pack)
OYSSTA Drywall Outlet Cutter Tool (Square Slot, Silver)
Goldblatt Folding Drywall Saw, 5-Inch Jab Saw
The Picks, Examined More Closely
Drywall cuts start with a jab and end with a clean exit, and the Klein Tools 31737 is built for both. A carbon steel blade folds into a comfort-grip handle, then locks at a full 180 degrees for straight runs and a 125-degree angle for awkward corners. For most remodelers and homeowners, the dual-angle lockback is the kind of feature you stop noticing only because it works so well.
The folding design means it slips into a tool pouch without a separate sheath. Compared to a fixed jab saw, the trade-off is a slightly heavier handle, but the trade is worth it for anyone tired of punctured tool bags. The 6-inch blade handles window cutouts, outlet rough openings, and quick score-and-snap work without complaint.
Advantages To Know
- Dual lockback positions (180 and 125 degrees) let you reach inside corners and tight framing where a straight saw hits the wall.
- Carbon steel blade stays rigid during push and pull strokes, so the cut line stays where you put it.
- Folding handle protects the blade during transport, which matters on crowded job sites and in a loaded truck.
- Tether hole near the handle base supports overhead work platforms where dropped tools are a real liability.
- Grip shape feels natural in a gloved hand, which you tend to notice after a long day of rough-ins.
Things To Consider
- Folding mechanism adds a little weight compared to a fixed-blade jab saw.
- Tooth pattern favors drywall and wood; masonry or cement board will dull the edge quickly.
Who It Suits Best
Remodelers, finish carpenters, and serious DIYers who want one saw that handles patching, rough openings, and tight framing without swapping tools.
Where Another Pick Suits Better
Homeowners doing a single small repair may prefer the Goldblatt Folding Drywall Saw for its smaller blade and lighter carry, since the Klein 31737 is more tool than a one-room patch really needs.
Every drywall job starts with a scored line, and a dull utility blade turns a clean snap into a torn mess. The Home Planet Gear SK5 ten pack is a refill, not a knife, so it slots into most standard utility knives already in your kit. SK5 is a high-carbon steel commonly used in cutting tools, and these blades are precision-honed for a consistent edge.
For anyone hanging sheets in a basement or garage, ten blades cover a full weekend of scoring, trimming, and the occasional mistake. The included storage box keeps the loose blades from rattling around in a drawer, which is the kind of small detail you appreciate the first time you reach in and pull a clean blade instead of a rusty one.
Strengths Worth Knowing
- SK5 carbon steel holds an edge across many score-and-snap passes, so you swap blades less often.
- Standard size fits most retractable utility knives and box cutters, including the Home Planet Gear cutter sold separately.
- Storage box keeps the remaining blades organized and the exposed edges from dulling against each other.
- Two-notch design provides extra break-off segments for fresh tips mid-job.
Points To Note
- This is a blade refill only; you supply the handle, which is fine for anyone who already owns a utility knife.
- Standard thickness means they will not retrofit onto snap-off industrial blades, so a heavier knife needs its own blade stock.
Made For
Anyone running an active score-and-snap routine who burns through blades faster than they want to keep buying them one at a time.
Consider Something Else When
Your cuts are mostly outlet openings and round penetrations; the OYSSTA Square Drywall Outlet Cutter is faster for repetitive electrical cutouts than a utility knife.
Drywall work is one of those jobs where the cut itself is rarely the dangerous part; the slice on a knuckle from a slipped utility knife is. The Klein 31737 saw paired with the 60581 cut resistant gloves solves both ends of that problem. The saw is the same folding lockback design covered in the first review, with the carbon steel blade and dual-angle lock.
The 60581 gloves use a nitrile coating over a nylon-spandex knit, which trades a little breathability for grip and cut resistance. A coated palm helps when the drywall dust makes everything slippery, and touchscreen-capable fingertips mean you can answer a call without yanking a glove off mid-cut. The bundle mostly removes the temptation to skip gloves because they are in the other room.
Everyday Wins
- Cut-resistant knit adds a real layer between your hand and a wandering blade, especially on score-and-snap passes.
- Nitrile-coated palm grips well in dusty conditions where bare hands slide on the paper face.
- Touchscreen fingertips keep you from stripping gloves off every time a phone buzzes.
- Bundled saw and gloves arrive together, so you get matched kit pieces instead of piecing protection separately.
Honest Caveats
- Glove sizing runs to Klein’s chart, so measure your hand before ordering if you are between sizes.
- Cut resistance helps, but these are not the same as impact-rated gloves for masonry or framing.
Feature Snapshot
Right Fit For
First-time drywallers and homeowners who want the saw and the safety gear in a single order, without assembling protection separately.
Look Elsewhere When
You already own high-quality cut-resistant gloves and just need the saw; the standalone Klein 31737 saves you the cost of a redundant pair.
When the cuts add up to a full basement or a long partition wall, hand fatigue separates the saws you finish the day with from the ones you regret at the second hour. The IRWIN ProTouch 2014100 is a fixed-blade jab saw built around a thick body that resists flex, paired with tri-ground teeth designed for both push and pull strokes.
The ProTouch rubberized grip absorbs some of the vibration that makes a thin-handled saw go numb over time. Where the folding saws in this list are about portability, this one is about cutting all day without your hand telling you to stop. The trade is a fixed 6-inch blade that lives in a tool belt sheath, not a folded handle.
Useful Touches
- Thick blade body stays straight during long cuts, so you do not have to muscle a flexing saw back on line.
- Tri-ground teeth cut on both push and pull, which roughly halves the time on rough-in openings.
- Rubberized grip reduces vibration transfer, helpful for anyone cutting dozens of outlet holes in a day.
- Hardened tip punches through drywall for plunge cuts without pre-drilling a starter hole.
Some Limits To Know
- Fixed blade needs a sheath or careful storage to avoid catching on other tools in a pouch.
- Heavier than folding saws, so it is less friendly for overhead ceiling cuts on a long day.
At A Glance
Best Suited To
Contractors and remodelers framing out rooms, where cuts stack up faster than folding-saw convenience matters.
Skip It When
You are working from a small pouch and need the saw to fold out of the way; the Klein 31737 keeps a slimmer profile on a crowded belt.
Cutting drywall is half the job; driving the screws that hold it is the other half. The Klein 31737 and 32500HDRT bundle pairs the folding jab saw from the first review with a Klein 11-in-1 ratcheting screwdriver/nut driver. The result is a two-tool kit that covers almost everything a single-room drywall project demands.
The 32500HDRT screwdriver is impact rated, which is a meaningful step up from a standard driver when you are sinking dozens of drywall screws. Quick-change bit ends speed up transitions between Phillips, square, and slotted tips without a separate chuck. Cushioned grip keeps the ratchet action from rattling your hand at the end of a long day.
Positive Points
- 11-in-1 driver covers Phillips, square, and slotted bits, so you stop hunting for the right tip mid-project.
- Impact-rated shaft handles high-torque driving, useful when a stubborn screw resists drywall mud or a stud.
- Quick-change bit ends let you swap tips without a separate chuck or adapter.
- Saw and driver come from the same maker, so the grips feel similar and the kit hangs together in a tool belt.
Worth Bearing In Mind
- Bundle price is higher than the saw alone, so it only makes sense if you actually need the driver.
- For a full drywall project, a cordless drill or impact driver will still be faster for the bulk of the screw work.
Who Will Love This
DIYers setting up a first drywall kit who want a matched cutting and fastening pair without shopping each tool separately.
Reach For A Different Pick When
You already own a good impact driver; the standalone Klein 31737 jab saw is the smarter buy than duplicating fastening tools.
Cutting one outlet opening with a jab saw is fine. Cutting a dozen in a day turns into a workout for your wrist and a guessing game for fit. The OYSSTA square outlet cutter is an oscillating multi-tool attachment designed to cut clean, square openings for electrical boxes with a single plunge.
The head works with most major oscillating multi-tools on the market, so you are not locked into a specific brand. A two-pack means you have a spare when the first blade eventually dulls on a remodel with many boxes. Compared to the jab saws earlier in this list, this attachment trades raw power for repeatable, clean edges that do not need cleanup before the cover plate goes on.
The Case For It
- Cuts square openings sized for standard electrical boxes without measuring four sides by hand.
- Universal fit covers most major oscillating tool brands, including DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita, and Ryobi.
- Two-pack supplies a backup blade so a full remodel does not stall when the first edge finally dulls.
- Plunge-cut design eliminates the need to pre-drill a starter hole for the saw.
Where It Is Less Suited
- Requires an oscillating multi-tool, which is a separate purchase if you do not already own one.
- Only useful for outlet and switch boxes; whole-sheet cuts still go back to a jab saw or utility knife.
Perfect Match For
Electricians and remodelers cutting multiple box openings per day who want consistent square holes without re-measuring.
Swap It Out When
You only need a couple of outlet cuts for a single-room patch; the IRWIN ProTouch 2014100 handles them with the saw you already have on the belt.
For old-work electrical boxes and switch cutouts, the OYSSTA square slot cutter offers a stainless steel body with reinforced ribs that resist flex. The slot design drops over an existing box edge or a marked line, and the head is built to take the daily grind of remodel work where the same tool might see dozens of plunge cuts in a week.
The trade versus the two-pack version is the same oscillating-tool requirement, just with a single head. If you are a one-and-done user, the single head saves you from buying a backup you do not need. If you are running a remodel, the two-pack above makes more sense for the spare blade.
Key Advantages
- Stainless steel construction with welded reinforcements holds up to repeated plunge cuts without bending.
- Square slot profile is well suited to standard old-work electrical boxes and switch cutouts.
- Single-head purchase keeps the cost down for a project that only needs one attachment.
Points To Keep In Mind
- Only one head in the package, so a damaged edge ends the workday.
- Still needs an oscillating multi-tool, which adds to the total kit cost if you do not own one.
Built With In Mind
Remodelers doing a few targeted old-work box cutouts who do not need a backup blade on hand.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
Anyone with a long punch list of electrical openings should pick the OYSSTA two-pack so a dulled edge does not stop the project.
Not every drywall job demands a full-tilt contractor saw. The Goldblatt Folding Drywall Saw uses a compact 5-inch bi-metal blade with 8 TPI (teeth per inch, which controls how aggressively the saw bites into the material) that handles drywall, plywood, and PVC. A bi-metal blade bonds two steels together, which keeps the teeth from snapping on a hard push.
At just under 12 inches overall, the saw folds down small enough to live in a kitchen drawer or a kitchen junk drawer, depending on how your household organizes tools. For homeowners patching a doorknob hole or trimming an outlet for a tile backsplash, that portability is more useful than the longer blades on the contractor picks above.
What Earns Its Place
- 5-inch blade is plenty for small patches and trim cuts, where a longer saw feels like overkill.
- Bi-metal construction resists tooth breakage on the occasional over-eager push.
- Folding profile makes it apartment-friendly and easy to stow in a closet rather than a shop drawer.
- Triple-ground teeth cut cleanly on both push and pull strokes for faster scoring.
Soft Spots
- Smaller blade is slower on long cuts, since each stroke removes less material.
- Handle and pivot are sized for occasional use rather than a full day of cutting.
Quick Facts
Whose Shelf It Belongs On
Apartment dwellers and homeowners who want a drywall saw on hand for the occasional patch without dedicating a full tool belt to it.
Where A Sibling Pick Shines
For a full day of cutting, the IRWIN ProTouch 2014100 stays comfortable longer and pushes through heavy workloads where the Goldblatt’s compact size becomes a limitation.
What To Weigh Before Picking Drywall Cutting Tools
Match The Tool To The Cut
A jab saw handles rough openings and small cuts. A utility knife scores long lines for a clean snap, which is the standard drywall technique for breaking sheets along a straight edge. For electrical boxes, an oscillating attachment produces a square opening that matches a cover plate. Buying a saw without thinking about the cuts you actually make is the most common miss. A patch kit and a full remodel want different tools.
Blade Geometry And Steel Matter
Tooth count and grind pattern change how a saw feels in use. TPI (teeth per inch) controls bite; lower TPI cuts faster, higher TPI leaves a cleaner edge. Triple-ground teeth cut on both push and pull, which roughly doubles efficiency on a long rough-in. Bi-metal blades, which fuse two steel types, resist tooth snapping when you push hard. Carbon steel holds an edge longer than generic steel, but it can rust if you leave it damp in a pouch.
Comfort, Grip, And Storage
A rubberized grip reduces vibration, which is the difference between finishing a project and stopping halfway with numb fingers. Folding saws protect the blade and your tool bag, which matters when you carry a loaded belt. Fixed-blade saws typically cut faster because there is no hinge flex, but they need a sheath and more belt space.
Real-World Use Scenarios
DIYers patching a doorknob hole want a folding saw and a sharp utility blade. Remodelers hanging full sheets benefit from a fixed jab saw and a stocked blade refill. Electricians cutting dozens of boxes per day gain real time from an oscillating attachment. Match the tool to the scale of the job, not the other way around.
What Sets These Picks Apart
Mistakes Worth Dodging
A common slip is buying a folding saw for a full-day job and a fixed saw for a one-room patch, which is the opposite of what each design does well. Another miss is grabbing the cheapest utility blades and expecting drywall snaps to stay clean; a low-grade blade tears the paper face and leaves a fuzzy edge. Confirm the saw works with your existing tools. An oscillating attachment that does not fit your multi-tool is a hanger, not a tool.
Where The Extra Money Goes
Higher-tier drywall saws typically upgrade the steel, the grind, and the grip. A bi-metal blade costs more but resists breakage on a hard push. A rubberized handle costs more but pays back across a long day. Bundles that pair a saw with gloves or a driver cost more upfront, but they also remove the temptation to skip safety gear or to borrow a mismatched driver. The upgrade is worth it when the tool sees regular use, less so for a one-time patch.
