How To Cut A Pegboard Like a Pro: Detailed Tutorial

Pegboards organize your tools to prevent your garages or workbenches from getting messy. They may look old-fashioned, but they are durable and versatile solutions to disorganized workstations.

The best way to cut pegboard is by using a jigsaw. It’s a good DIY project to save you the time and money of hiring a professional, and there are different methods you can choose from. Read on to learn more.

What Is A Pegboard?

A pegboard, normally made of wood, is a wall panel that comprises holes used to hold several pegs. Typically, you use pegboards to store pans and pots in kitchens or use them to organize your tools used in different household repairs and gardening.

It provides you with an efficient way to organize your tools without affecting your access to them. Pegboards take up little space, making them economical ways of storage while maintaining the neatness of your work areas.

5 Ways To Cut A Pegboard

Cutting pegboards can be done in different ways. Choosing the best method depends on what your materials are. Let’s look at each of these ways and how they’re done.

Cutting Pegboard Using a Jigsaw

According to most professionals, using a jigsaw is the best method to cut a pegboard.

For this method, you’ll need the following materials:

Measuring tape
Pencil
Jigsaw with sharp blades
Razorblade

The following are the steps to follow when using a jigsaw.

You need to get the right measurements of the pegboard. Use a measuring tape and measure your ideal pegboard's correct width and length. Mark these measurements using a pencil.
Place the pegboard on a cutting surface or your workbench.
Next, get your jigsaw and ensure that its blade is of the correct size. Your blade should also have sharp fine teeth.
From the finished edge, cut the pegboard using the direction of your blade’s teeth as a reference.
Get your razor blade, score the pegboard in the back and front, and then pinch it. Remember that the cutting edges may appear jagged. Using the razor blade, gently remove the object.

Cutting Pegboard Using a Knife

You can also cut pegboards by using a utility knife. This is the best type of knife to cut pegboards straight.

The following materials are what you will need for this method:

Measuring tape
Pencil
Ruler
Large cardboard sheet
Razorblade

Follow the step-by-step guide below when using a utility knife to cut pegboards:

Use a measuring tape to measure your pegboards, and mark them using a pencil and ruler. The straight edge should be aligned with the cut line created. Press the pegboard down with your hand and foot.
Place the pegboard flat on an unfinished surface, then lightly glide your razorblade along the cut line.
Cover your utility knife by laying a cardboard sheet on top.
Using the utility knife, cut along the line you created. After the first cut, score along the line you drew. To maintain the cut in a smooth and steady movement, you can exert light pressure. Doing this also helps keep the blade pressed.
Repeat the cut with four to five more passes using the knife.

Cutting Pegboard Using a Box Cutter

You can also use a box cutter to cut pegboards, producing a smooth and steady finish along the edges.

The following are the materials you’ll need for this method:

Pencil
Ruler
Box cutter

The process of using a box cutter to cut pegboards is simple.

Align the pegboard’s score mark with its edge and exert light pressure while pressing it down.
Ensure that the scoreline is straight by using a ruler or a straightedge for holding.
Using your box cutter, gently brush the groove on the pegboard and continue to deepen it until you produce a smooth cut.
Repeat the procedure when you want more depth.

Cutting Pegboard Using a Band Saw

Some prefer band saws because of their smooth and refined edges when cutting pegboards. However, band saws require more safety precautions you must follow to prevent any hazards or accidents.

The following are the materials you will need:

Measuring tape
Pencil
Band saw
Blade guard

Follow the step-by-step procedure listed below when using a band saw in cutting pegboards.

The most important step is to ensure that your bandsaw is clean of chemicals and dust that can affect how you cut the pegboard.
Ensure that the bandsaw is set to its proper height by adjusting the blade tension based on your measurements.
A perfect cutting of pegboards requires that the blade guides are close to the blade of your bandsaw. Blade guides are smallholders that keep the blade at a proper level.
As you begin to cut the pegboard, the blade guard should be as tight to the sheet as possible.
Unplug your bandsaw after a smooth and refined cut.

Cutting Pegboard Using a Dremel

Purchasing a Dremel to cut pegboards comes with a cutting kit that includes all you will need for the smooth perfect cut.

Ensure that you have the following materials:

Measuring tape
Pencil
Clamps
Dremel

Follow the helpful guide below when using a Dremel tool to cut through pegboards.

Mark the area with the right measurements you want to cut. Then, clamp the pegboard to a flat surface.
Get the Dremel tool and shift it in the direction of the arrow on the attachment’s side.
Swap out the bits of your Dremel tool to allow you to control cutting speeds.
Ensure that your Dremel tool does not clog residues and dust from the pegboard.
Control the cutting speed and keep it low to allow the cutting edges to be smooth and clean.

The Best Cutting Tool For Pegboard

Most DIYers prefer the best cutting tool is a jigsaw or a circular saw. Jigsaws are powerful and efficient power tools that can cut smooth curves even with pegboards with different thicknesses and densities.

When jigsaws are used with the right blade, they can smoothly cut pegboards, creating refined edges. To ensure that you are using the right blade size, the length and thickness of the section of the pegboard you want to cut are essential.