You’re staring at a fresh sheet of 5/8-inch drywall. It’s heavy. It’s expensive. And you’ve got to cut out four outlet boxes and a circular hole for a recessed light without blowing the whole board apart. Most people reach for a manual drywall saw. Don't do that. Honestly, if you’re still hacking away with a hand saw, you’re basically inviting jagged edges and crooked lines into your life. The DeWalt cut out tool, specifically the 20V MAX brushless version (DCE555), has pretty much become the industry standard for a reason. It’s fast. It’s messy as heck, sure, but it’s fast.
There is a weird learning curve here. People buy these things and immediately snap three bits in ten minutes because they’re pushing too hard or spinning the motor the wrong direction around the outlet box. You have to let the tool do the work. It’s a high-RPM beast—spinning at 26,000 RPM—and if you try to manhandle it like a jigsaw, you’re going to have a bad time.
What the DeWalt Cut Out Tool Actually Does Better
The magic isn't just in the motor; it's in the depth guide. Most entry-level rotary tools feel like toys. This one feels like a piece of structural equipment. When you set that tool-free guard, you're ensuring that the bit only pokes through just enough to clear the drywall. Why does that matter? Because behind that drywall is a wire. Or a pipe. Or your favorite insulation. If you’re running a bit too deep, you’re not just cutting a hole; you’re looking at a $500 electrical repair bill.
The Brushless Advantage
We need to talk about the motor. For years, the corded DW660 was the king of the job site. It was loud and had a cord that always seemed to get caught on the scaffolding. When DeWalt moved to the brushless 20V MAX system, everything changed. Brushless motors are basically more efficient because they don't have the physical friction of carbon brushes rubbing against the commutator. This means less heat. It means more runtime. If you’re hanging a whole basement, you can usually get through the bulk of your cutouts on a single 5Ah battery.
One thing people get wrong: they think more power means you should move faster. No. The high RPM is there to provide a clean edge. If you move too fast, the bit "chatters." You'll see those little rhythmic bumps on the edge of your cut. Slow down. Let the 26,000 RPM scream. It’ll reward you with an edge that barely needs rasping before you tape.
The Bits and the "Left-Hand Rule"
If you’re using the DeWalt cut out tool, you’re likely using 1/8-inch or 1/4-inch bits. Most drywallers stick to the 1/8-inch because it's surgical. But here is the secret that most DIYers miss: the direction of the spin. The bit spins clockwise. This means if you are cutting out an electrical box, you should generally move in a counter-clockwise direction around the outside of the box.
Why?
It’s about "climb cutting." If you go the wrong way, the tool will want to "run" away from the edge of the box, leading to a wavy line. If you go the right way, the rotation of the bit actually pulls the tool toward the box, keeping your cut tight and professional. It’s the difference between a plate that covers the hole and a hole that shows through the edges of the outlet cover. Nobody wants to see the "ears" of the outlet box peeking through a gap in the drywall.
Reality Check: The Dust Problem
Let's be real. This tool is a localized dust storm. Because it’s spinning so fast, it pulverizes the gypsum into a fine white powder that hangs in the air for hours. DeWalt knows this. That’s why the newer models have a built-in LED and a slimmed-down body. But honestly, even with a vacuum attachment, you’re going to get dusty.
I’ve seen guys try to use these for wood. Can you? Sorta. If you’re doing thin paneling or maybe some soft cedar, it’ll zip through it. But try to cut 3/4-inch plywood with a drywall bit and you’ll smell smoke within seconds. The friction is just too high. If you must cut wood, you need the specific wood-cutting bits which have a different flute geometry designed to clear chips rather than just grinding material away.
Handling and Ergonomics
The slim handle design is probably the best part of the 20V version. The old corded ones felt like holding a fat rolling pin. The new ones are tapered. You can grip it like a giant pencil, which gives you way better control when you’re doing detailed work like cutting around a curved archway or a circular HVAC vent.
- Check your bit tightness. A loose bit at 26k RPM is a projectile.
- Set the depth guide 1/8-inch deeper than your material.
- Find the stud first.
- Start your plunge away from the edge, then slide over until you feel the box.
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Bits
The number one killer of bits is heat. People think they need to put their body weight into the tool. You don't. If the bit is glowing or turning blue, you're pushing too hard or the bit is dull. Throw it away. A dull bit doesn't cut; it rubs. Rubbing creates friction. Friction creates heat. Heat snaps the carbide.
Another thing: the collet. Keep it clean. Gypsum dust gets everywhere. If it gets inside the collet, the bit won't sit straight. A "wobbling" bit will vibrate your hand into numbness and leave a jagged cut that looks like a beaver chewed through the wall. Every few sheets, blow out the nose of the tool with some compressed air. It takes five seconds and saves your motor bearings.
Why Pros Don't Use the "Guide Point" Bit Correcty
Most DeWalt bit packs come with "guide point" bits. These have a smooth tip that isn't supposed to cut. The idea is that you plunge into the middle of where you think the outlet box is, move until you hit the side of the box, then hop the bit over the edge and trace the outside.
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The mistake?
Hitting the wires. Even with a guide point, if you shove that tool in like you're stabbing a villain in a movie, you're going to nick the Romex. You have to be gentle. Feel for the plastic or metal edge of the box. Once you find it, stay tight to it. The DeWalt cut out tool is an extension of your sense of touch. If you treat it like a blunt instrument, it’ll behave like one.
Technical Specs You Actually Care About
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| No Load Speed | 26,000 RPM |
| Collet Diameters | 1/8", 1/4" |
| Switch Type | Dust-sealed rocker |
| Light | Integrated LED |
Taking Your Drywall Game to the Next Level
To get the most out of this tool, stop buying the cheapest generic bits you find in bulk bins. Get the genuine DeWalt or RotoZip bits. The metallurgy actually matters when you're hitting 26,000 rotations per minute. Also, consider the battery weight. While a 5Ah battery gives you insane runtime, it makes the tool tail-heavy. If you're doing overhead ceiling cuts for canned lights, a smaller 2Ah PowerStack battery makes the tool much more balanced and easier on your wrists.
Actionable Maintenance Steps
- Vacuum the Vents: After every job, use a shop vac on the motor intake vents. Gypsum is abrasive and will eat the internals if left to sit.
- Check the Collet: Periodically remove the collet nut entirely and wipe it down. If you feel "grit" when tightening a bit, there's buildup inside.
- Bit Rotation: Change bits every 10–15 sheets of drywall. They are disposable. Your time and the quality of the finish are not.
- Listen to the Motor: If the pitch drops significantly, you’re feeding too fast. Back off and let the RPMs climb back up.
The transition from manual tools to the DeWalt cut out tool is usually the moment a DIYer starts looking like a pro. It’s about confidence. Once you realize you don't have to be afraid of the power, you'll start making cuts that are perfectly flush, making the taping and mudding process infinitely easier. Just remember: eye protection isn't optional with this one. That dust doesn't just fall; it's launched at your face at high velocity. Keep your eyes clear, your bits sharp, and your direction counter-clockwise.
If you’re ready to start, grab a scrap piece of drywall first. Practice finding the edge of a junction box three or four times before you commit to the real wall. You’ll find that the "feel" for the edge comes pretty quickly. Once you have that muscle memory down, you’ll never go back to a hand saw again.