How to Fix Holes in Drywall Between Studs

It happens. A door swings open and the knob goes through the sheetrock wall. Simply spackling over drywall is seldom enough to repair a hole that size. If it's between wall studs, a patch made of sheetrock won't work without some sort of backer board. So how do you fix it quickly and easily? Use a professional carpentry trick that even a layperson can do.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• joint compound
• putty knife
• thin cardboard
• string
• scissors
• utility knife

1. 
    
   Square the hole in drywall

   Use a utility knife to cut the rough edge of the hole. Square it off if possible.

2. 
    
   cut sheetrock patch

   Cut a piece of thin cardboard slightly larger than the hole in the sheetrock wall. Poke two holes in the center of the cardboard about a half inch apart. Thread the string through the holes and tie. Leave one end longer than the other.

3. 
    
   Insert sheetrock patch

   Slightly bend it until you can insert it into the hole while holding the string in one hand. Be sure there is nothing immediately behind the sheetrock such as insulation or torn drywall backing paper.

4. 
    
   Pull string taut

   Pull the string taut as you use the putty knife to apply joint compound in the hole. Apply a thin coat and allow to dry. Continue to add coats of joint compound until the hole is flush with the wall surface. It may be necessary to tape the string to the wall itself to prevent the cardboard from slipping back into the hole as it dries.

5. 
    
   Cut string after drying

   Cut the excess string once the joint compound is dry and even with the wall. Wet or dry sand the drywall for a smooth finish.

Tips & Warnings

• Using the backer piece keeps the joint compound from forming a sink hole in the drywall. It also serves as a tougher barrier.
• To avoid having it happen again, use a doorstop to keep the knob from puncturing the sheetrock and ruining the wall.

[look4writing]

on 11/6/2009 great tip, probably would have cost 50. to get that fixed. look4writing

[veryirie]

on 8/9/2009 This is a different approach that looks doable and practical too. Well done!

[40skydiver]

on 8/9/2009 Great steps with photos!