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What Is a Spiral Saw?

A spiral saw is a special mechanical cutting tool that is used for making accurate cuts without the need for a pilot hole. Bob Kopras first developed the spiral saw. The spiral saw cuts holes in wallboard, plywood or any thin solid material. The spiral saw is also known as the RotoZip from the RotoZip Tool Corp. The Bosch Tool Corp in 2003 acquired the RotoZip Tool Corp from Bob Kopras.

  1. Spiral Saw

    • The spiral saw rotary tool is comprised of a single speed switch, a collet to hold the bit and a depth guide for using the saw in different drywall thicknesses. The depth guide also functions as the base, riding against the drywall as you go through the hole cut by the saw. Since the tip of the spiral saw does not have any cutting abilities, you need to plunge the bit while rocking it to cut the hole.

    Spiral Saw Accessories

    • Several spiral saw accessories are available. The circle guide, jigsaw base and the carbide bit are three such accessories. The circle guide is a basic cutout tool to cut perfect circles. The jigsaw base is another accessory used with a spiral saw, which allows the user to cut out intricate jigsaw designs. It can also be used to cut a hole for a sink in a laminate countertop. The carbide bit accessory is a special accessory that can be used to cut holes into tiles.

    Using the Saw on a Drywall

    • Cutting drywall is the primary application for the spiral saw. When cutting holes into the drywall for fixing electrical boxes and recessed light fixtures, there is no need for careful measuring or marking because the electrical box or the fixture itself can be used as a cutting template after the drywall sheet is tacked into place.

    Procedure

    • Start by loading a guide point bit on the spiral saw as directed by the manufacturer. The bit depth should be set so that the bit will extend about 1/4 inch beyond the other side of the drywall. Follow this by measuring the wall or ceiling to locate the approximate center of the electrical box. Transfer the measurements on the drywall sheet and mark the center for each cutout. Install the drywall sheet with screws or nails.

    Using the Spiral Saw

    • When you start the RotoZip spiral saw, you should carefully pivot the spinning bit through the drywall near the box center marking. Continue by moving the saw to the right, unless the bit touches the edge of the electrical box. When you have touched the edge, withdraw the bit, just adequate to clear the box edge and follow by plunging the bit back down on the outside of the electrical box. Use the saw in clockwise or counterclockwise direction to complete the cut.

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