How to Repair a Nail or Screw Pop in Your Sheetrocked Wall

It's not uncommon for a nail or screw to pop through the drywall compound on your wall. If it's a screw, it might have been too short or had too fine of a thread in the first place. If it's happening all over the wall, you might have a more serious problem that needs investigation. But if it's just one or two, it's a very easy fix.

Things You'll Need

• Hammer or screwdriver
• Joint or spackling compound
• Putty knife
• Sandpaper

Instructions

1. Remove the nail or screw using the hammer claw or screwdriver. Use care to not damage the wall.

2. Replace the nail or screw with drywall screws. Do not use the old hole, but screw one in about an inch above and below the old screw hole, being sure it goes into the stud behind. Set the screw just slightly below the drywall surface, but don't tear the paper.

3. Fill the old hole and cover the new screw with a joint or spackling compound. Use a putty knife to push the compound into the hole. It should be slightly raised from the surface if applied correctly. Allow it to dry.

4. Sand the compound with a fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out the surface.

Tips & Warnings

• You may need to prime and paint the repaired area.

• For 1/2-inch-thick drywall, use a 1 1/4-inch coarse-thread screw.

References

• This Old House: How to Fix Screw Pops in Drywall
• Family Handyman: How to Repair Holes in Drywall