Just found a faster way to cut outlet boxes after mudding

I was trimming out a whole basement remodel last week and spent 30 minutes cleaning mud out of every outlet hole. Then one of the old timers showed me to slice the paper with a utility knife before the mud dries, and tap the box with a hammer to pop it clean. Anyone else do something like this or got a better method?

2 comments

2 Comments

west.alice16d ago

Score right around the perimeter with a fresh blade before the mud sets. Then one good tap with the heel of your hand pops it clean out. I do this on every rough-in now and it barely takes any time at all.

jesse_barnes3716d ago

Happened across that trick a few years back from a guy who'd been trimming houses since the 80s. It works like a charm if you catch it before the mud fully sets. I'll take my knife and score a square around the box, then give it a couple taps with my hammer and the whole chunk pops right out clean. Saves me a ton of scraping and cussing. Your mileage may vary depending on how thick your mud is, but it's been a game changer for me on rough-in work.