How to use a dry wall rasp?

29th February 2020

How to use a dry wall rasp

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		When you use a dry wall rasp to resize or smooth the cut edges of plasterboard, you must check the direction and what sort of blade is fitted to the rasp. You can tell which stroke direction is required for the blade to remove material by looking at the teeth: they will point in the cutting direction the blade is designed to cut.

		Three-file combination rasps have blades designed to be used in both directions, as do some rasps with coarse-toothed blades. However, most fine-toothed blades will only cut in one direction. This means the rasps will only remove material from the plasterboard on either the forward or backward stroke of the rasp.

		Some blades can be fitted to dry wall rasps in either direction, which allows you to alter the cutting direction to suit the needs of a job.

		What direction works best for different rasp types?
		Two-handled plane type rasps work best with the blade attached so it cuts on the forward or push stroke of the rasp, just as a wood plane would. Shaver type rasps work best with the blade fitted so they remove material on the backward or pull stroke of the rasp.

		Pocket dry wall rasps work equally well with the blade fitted in either direction.

		How to use a dry wall rasp
		Make sure you are using an appropriate type of dry wall rasp for the section of plasterboard you are working on, and holding it in the correct manner. Two-handled rasps work best on full-length sheets of plasterboard, while shaver and pocket rasps work better on smaller areas such as cut-outs around light switches or corners around windows and doors.

		Once you have determined what direction your dry wall rasp cuts in, place the rasp on the cut edge of the plasterboard. If your rasp has guide rails these should sit on either side of the plasterboard’s cut edge.

		Run the rasp backwards and forwards along the plasterboard, applying slight pressure when moving the rasp in the cutting direction and less pressure in the other direction.

		Whenever possible it is best to file the cut plasterboard edges lengthways along the plasterboard and not across it. This will not only be quicker, it gives a better finish to the cut edge of your plasterboard, and is less likely to tear the paper covering.

		This may not always be possible, though – especially when working around cut-out sections such as a plug socket. In these situations it is best to use a pocket or shaver rasp as their small size makes it easier to get into the cut-out area.

		When you have finished filing down a plasterboard edge, don’t forget to empty out the shaving and dust from within the rasp’s body. This not only keeps your work area clean and tidy but will reduce the likelihood of the teeth clogging.