how do i cut a wall in half with metal studs?

Answer 1

Go with the Wrangler. His answer is spot on.

I finished a similar job last year then re applied 11,000 sq. ft. of drywall. The sawzall/reciprocating saw, with long enough blades, will do the trick. They aren't light weight, so two hands should be used, as well as getting the line level or plumb. Also, as he states first check for load bearing, and importantly check for wiring or plumbing in the wall structure.

Rev. Steven

Answer 2

A "sawzall", or reciprocating saw, with a metal-cutting, or carbide blade, will cut the studs with no problem.

Some safety issues need to be addressed first tho --

You need to make certain that the wall is not a load bearing wall.
If it is, then you are going to have to do some re-structuring of the span.
You also need to make certain there are no electrical wires or plumbing running thru the area you intend to cut.

If the wall is not load bearing, then I would remove the wall covering (sheetrock?) from at least one side, to see if there are any plumbing or electrical runs in that section of wall.

If the wall IS a load bearing wall, then you need to install a header, and support beams to span the distance you intend to remove from the existing wall.

I'll provide a link to a "sawzall", and the kind of blade you need... most tool rental places have this type of saw on hand, and you should have no problem finding one. The trick is to keep the "nose" of the saw, against whatever you are cutting.... this helps brace the saw, and allows the blade to move back and forth...rather than the blade holding still, and shaking the saw (and you) back and forth, hehehhe.

By the way... the blades come in various lengths... from 4" to 10" or more, and the package will also mention the number of teeth per inch (TPI)... to cut metal, you want more teeth... say 18 or more... wood and sheetrock cut faster with fewer teeth, but you can cut them with the metal cutting blades too.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

In half vertically, or horizontally? A sawzall will work, but it can shake everything apart. The best way is to cut the drywall where you want the wall to stop, with a rote-zip, or jab saw. Remove the unwanted drywall, with a bar. Then cut the studs with a tin snip. After cutting the studs you will need to install a piece of stud track as a cap. This will work however when you cut down a studded wall it will become very wobbly, are you sure you want to do this.

Answer 4

How To Cut Metal Studs

Answer 5

saws all but make sure you locate the wires in the walls before hand and turn off the power to that set of outlets and then run a cord to the room to run the saw and then as you remove the wall s look for power lines

Answer 6

With a Sawzall. It will cut thru anything.