Fixing Drywall Easily

Fixing drywall is a necessary skill to have if you’ve got cracks, water damage, tape bubbles, or holes in your wall. With a drywall compound you can repair just about any small problem you might run into. Follow the steps below and you’ll be fixing drywall cracks and holes in no time.

Fixing Drywall: A Small Hole

    What you’ll need:

  • Tin can lid (at least 1.5 inches larger in diameter than the drywall hole)
  • Awl
  • 12-inch wire or string
  • Stick or small piece of wood
  • Drywall patching compound
  • Primer
  • Paint


1.Cut out a two horizontal slits in the wall using the keyhole saw. These slits should be narrow, and to the left and the right of the hole. Together, the diameter of the hole, and the length of the slit, should be about equal to the tin can’s diameter.

2.Punch two holes near the lid’s center using the awl. Put the 12-inch string or wire through these holes.

3.Slide the lid through the slit, but keep a hold on both ends of the string or wire. Pull the lid in your direction until it is laying flat against the inside of the wall. Hold the lid in place by tying the stick to the wire or string. Tie it tight enough so the can lid will be held against the wall.

4.Apply the drywall patching compound over the hole, following the instructions provided on the patching packet. Note: You don’t want to use a spackling compound, which will shrink when it is dry. You should let the compound dry for at least a day before cutting the string and removing the stick from your wall.

5.Complete your repair by applying more of the compound and allowing it to dry. Add primer and matching paint to make the repair seamless.

Fixing Drywall: A Large Hole

    What you’ll need:
  • Piece of scrap drywall (or a store bought drywall patch)
  • Utility Knife
  • Small board (6 inches longer than the diameter of the hole)
  • 2 Flathead screws
  • 2 Countersink screws
  • Spackling compound
  • Sandpaper
  • Primer
  • Paint


1.Cut the scrap drywall into a square or rectangular shape that is a little larger than the hole you’ll be filling. This will create your drywall patch.

2.You keep the drywall patch in place by using a small board. First, place the board in the hole, and center it vertically. It should be held against the wallboard. You will need to attach the wood to the drywall patch. Do so by fastening the board’s ends with flathead screws, by driving the screws through the drywall at either end of the hole. Countersink the screws beneath the drywall surface.

3.Apply spackling compound to keep the drywall patch in place. Spread the compound on the backside and edges of the patch. Allow to dry overnight.

4.Put spackling over the exposed screw heads. Sand the area until smooth. Apply primer to the patch, and paint with a matching color.

Once you repair these holes you should be set. Fixing drywall is an easy do-it-your-self project, as long as the hole isn’t too big. Additionally, you can look online for video that shows how experts do it if you can't.