How to Repair a Hole in Drywall

Learn how to repair drywall by cutting around and patching the damaged area instead of using drywall tape.

Materials and Tools:

dust mask
pencil
terry cloth rag
Phillips-head screwdriver
bucket
utility knife
mud knife
mud bucket
5-in-1 painters' tool
drywall saw
drywall plane
hammer
wet-sand sponge
square
scrap piece of drywall 
sheetrock repair kit (quick-drying mud, drywall screws, clips)
texture spray

Steps:

1. Mark the center of the damaged area with a pencil, then use the square to outline where you'll need to cut. Before cutting, check behind the wall and make sure there is no electrical wiring in the way. Also lay down a drop cloth to keep the floor clean.

2. Put on a dust mask and use the drywall saw to cut out the hole. Place the piece of drywall on a sheet of replacement drywall and mark a border that leaves two inches around each side of the damaged piece.

3. Cut out the replacement piece by scoring the backside with a utility knife, then cutting the paper surface on the other side.

4. Using the painters' tool, carefully remove the gypsum from the two-inch border, leaving paper overhang.

5. Smooth the wall texture before inserting the patch piece into the wall. Mount four drywall repair clips to help hold the patch in place.

6. Spread a thin layer of drywall mud around the edge of the hole, carefully place the patch in place and press to seal the paper border to the drywall mud. Cover the entire patch with drywall mud and smooth mud out to blend into wall.

7. Wet-sand the patch and use spray texture to blend with surrounding wall if necessary.