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Patch Large Holes in Drywall

DIY Home Projects

Patch Large Holes in Drywall

  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated time: 1 hour
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BLACK+DECKER B+D Contributor 193 Projects

Patching holes and concealing popped nails are common drywall repairs. Small holes can be filled directly, but larger patches must be supported with some kind of backing, such as  plywood. To repair holes left by nails or screws, dimple the hole slightly with the handle of a utility knife or taping knife and fill it with spackle or joint compound. Use joint tape anywhere the drywall’s face paper or joint tape has torn or peeled away. always cut away any loose drywall material, face paper or joint tape from the damaged area, trimming back to solid drywall material. All drywall repairs require three coats of joint compound, just as in new installations. lightly sand your repairs before painting or adding texture.

How to Patch Large Holes in Drywall

  1. RN668 D03A

    Outline the damaged area using a framing square. (Cutting four right angles makes it easier to measure and cut the patch.) Use a drywall saw to cut along the outline.

  2. RN668 D03B

    Cut plywood or lumber backer strips a few inches longer than the height of the cutout. Fasten the strips to the back side of the drywall using 11⁄4" drywall screws.

  3. RN668 D03B

    Cut a drywall patch 1⁄8" smaller than the cutout dimensions and fasten it to the backer strips with screws. Apply mesh joint tape over the seams. Finish the seams with three coats of compound.

  4. HI0511_215D

    Center one repair clip on each edge of the hole. Using the provided drywall screws, drive one screw through the wall and into the clips; position the screws 3⁄4" from the edge and centered between the clip’s tabs.

  5. HI0511_215E

    Fasten the patch to the clips, placing drywall screws adjacent to the previous screw locations and 3⁄4" from the edge. Remove the tabs from the clips, then finish the joints with tape and three coats of compound.

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What You'll Need

Tools

Black and Decker - 15 Amp 714 in Circular Saw - CS1015 15 Amp 7-1/4 in. Circular Saw Black and Decker - 20V MAX Lithium 2Speed DrillDriver - LDX220C 20V MAX* Lithium 2-Speed Drill/Driver Black and Decker - Adjustable Temple Safety Glasses - BD220 Adjustable Temple Safety Glasses