International Builders' Show Product Preview: Blade Runner Drywall Cutter

Measuring, marking, and cutting drywall can be messy and labor intensive, but a new tool promises faster and cleaner results.

The Blade Runner consists of a two oval-shaped pieces held together by powerful magnets. According to the manufacturer, you insert the edge of a 1/2- or 5/8-inch-thick piece of drywall into the gap between the halves and then draw the tool along the desired cut line. A small tempered-steel blade extends from each half of the Blade Runner to score the paper covering of the drywall. Your precise tap then yields a clean break along the scored line. The Blade Runner can also handle moisture-resistant drywall but can't cut cement board (typically used in bathrooms and other damp environments) or some of the thicker sheets of drywall used to soundproof home theaters and other rooms.

If the tool works as designed, you should be able to avoid common drywall missteps, including torn paper and wandering cutlines, not to mention injuries. It should also eliminate the time wasted scoring both sides of a sheet of drywall and smoothing rough edges. The Blade Runner accepts the end of a tape measure (shown) so you can make straight cuts without marking them in advance.

The tool, made by Goldblatt Tools and CertainTeed, is expected to sell for $70, including a pair of blades rated to cut 3,700 linear feet before replacement. A three-pack of replacement blades cost $10.—Gian Trotta

Essential Information: If you're planning a project that requires hanging drywall, read our reports on cordless drills and tool kits and circular saws (handy for cutting the framing on which you'll hang drywall).