Measure,Cut and Fix

1. Level 1 Diploma in Plastering
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Measure, cut and fix plasterboards
Unit 123: Fixing sheet materials

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Assessment criteria
1.1 state how to use specifications and schedules to fix
plasterboards
1.2 state the importance of accurate measurements
1.3 identify different types of fixings used for plasterboards
1.4 state the reasons for staggering joints when fixing
plasterboards
2.3 fix sheet materials in place
2.4 apply safe working procedures for cutting and fixing
plasterboards

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Cutting plasterboards
1. Mark out timber studs
on the floor and
ceiling.
2. This will help locate
the studs once the
boards are in place.

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1. Gyproc boards must
be fixed with the
printing facing the
studs.
2. Each board has two
bound and two
unbound edges. The
bound edge must
span the studs.
Cutting plasterboards: rules to remember

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Cutting plasterboards … continued
• Prepare a cutting area.
• Measure the length
required (remember to
measure to the centre of
the stud).
When measuring
plasterboards, it is
essential that correct
measurements are taken.
This will reduce the
amount of wastage.
Waste = loss of profits!

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Cutting plasterboards … continued
1. Lay the board down flat
with printing facing
downwards.
2. Mark off the
measurements required
on the face of the board
and place a straight
edge up to these marks.
3. Using the board knife,
score the board two or
three times along the
straight edge.

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Cutting plasterboards … continued
4. Now turn the board right over so
that the printing is facing
upwards. Whilst holding the board
up slightly, with one hand tap
along the reverse of the cut and
snap the core.
5. With the core of the board now
broken, the paper lining needs to
be cut to separate the two pieces.
• Any rough edges can be
smoothed with a surform.
• Care should be taken not to
tear the paper from the face of
the board, as this will cause a
defect.

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Cutting plasterboards … continued

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Waste
• Most building materials,
including plasterboards, can
be recycled.
• This helps to reduce the
amount of waste in landfills
www.siniat.co.uk/sustainability/
www.british-gypsum.com/sustainable.aspx

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Fixings
Plasterboards can be fixed with:
• Galvanised nails
(clout nails)
• Drywall screws
• Collated screws (countersunk phillips)
Nails should be
galvanised and screws
should be zinc plated or
coated. This will prevent
the heads from ‘rusting’
through.

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Fixing plasterboards
Due to the different thickness of boards and the need to
make them secure, different lengths of screws and nails
must be used.
Size of board in mm Size of screw in mm
9.5 32
12.5 38
15 38
19 41

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Fixing plasterboards … continued
• Screws should be
spaced 300mm apart.
• Nails should be spaced
150mm apart.
• Fixings should be a
minimum of 13mm from
the edges.

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Fixing plasterboards … continued
• Screws provide a more secure fixing than nails.
• Screws can easily be removed compared to nails.
• BUT power of some form is needed to make it easier to
use screws.

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Fixing plasterboards … continued
Staggering boards:
• adds strength
• distributes the weight
• means they are less
likely to crack.
Joints should be covered
in scrim tape.

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Fixing plasterboards … continued
• Heads must grip the
paper but not
puncture the core.
• The boards should be
pulled tight to the
studs.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARka0CKOqxM

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Openings
• When fixing to walls with
door openings, certain
aspects must be taken
into consideration.
• Movement can occur on
the wall from the door
and cause cracking.

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Openings
In order to combat this
problem, it is advisable
to cut the boards so that
they are not running in
line with the frame

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Switches and sockets
• Switches and
sockets should be
measured out and cut
prior to fixing.
• There are many
‘tricks of the trade’
that your tutor can
show you

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Switches and sockets
• A good method is to
measure out the required
opening.
• Draw it out on the board.
• Drill the four corners.
• The holes can now be
joined by scoring with a
knife and small straight
edge.
• A pad saw can now be
used to cut out the
opening.

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Any questions?