How to Fix a Hole in Drywall | 10 Different Ways!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Subscribe to my channel: bit.ly/SubscribeToTheFixer Thanks for watching! 😃

[@angiepeyton9852]

I feel like you’re speaking to me haha. Thanks to you I’ve now replaced my first window, rotted frame and caved in drywall (I was mentally prepared for worse case) heading to fix drywall, now that I know how! I’m trying to think ahead so I can order via links to show my thanks. Sorry if I don’t bc I live over 30mins from bigger box store. RP lumber is 15min if you can also use them 😜. Thanks so much!

[@martichernandez]

Wow,Thank you...they all looked good but after you lightly hammered the repairs, it was an eye opener & a difference...so glad I watched till the end, it was so worth the time... Thank You Be Bless!!!

[@geoffbooker2965]

I think this is the first video of yours I've seen. I was just browsing diy, shortcuts, pro tips, etc. and I'm always curious how others tackle common projects. The fact that you compared so many, side by side, was perfect for me. This is the style all fixer-upper type videos should be formatted. Real work, showing real results!!! Thank you, gef

[@RCLapCar]

The "winged" one you did is typically called a California patch (no idea why). The nice thing is that the paper on the drywall is thinner than drywall tape so you don't need to feather out the mud as much and get less of a bump. You want to generally pull the mud from middle out so you avoid the wrinkles and rips on the paper. In addition to putting mud on the outside of the wall like you did I also put some on the inside edge of the wall so when you insert the patch it fills in the void between the two sheets of drywall and gives it more strength than just the paper itself.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

A few comments have said a California patch so i'm guessing that is the most common name. Thanks for the comment!

[@wayneswonderarium]

Probably made popular in California. I wonder if it meets fire code - you did mention the wood block doesn't

[@robertvien5693]

I agree. You need to "butter" the edges. Even rasping a bevel on the wall and the patch opening toward the inside of the wall. Also, it seems like every construction trick or "cheat" is called "California"

[@robertvien5693]

Also....I worked in southern California. I did framing. There were a lot of migrant workers behind us drywalling. They were so fast and talented. I watched them do those winged patches on, say, a miscut outlet or hammer hole in seconds, simply using a drywall hatchet. They would leave a whole house ready for tapers, including a few patches in a few hours. The tapers knew what to do with the wings. They used the hatchet for drawing lines, cutting sheets, beveling, rasping, etc. They were amazing

[@shanestamball1886]

DIG IT! what kind of drywaller never did the California? We always run a bit of prefill then slap it with a runny 15min hot with a tad of tight bond added. Butter money😂

[@PatMcFadyenGrowingGradeByGrade]

This is one of the best videos you've done - but they're all good! The way you prepped a wall and methodically went through 10 mini-lessons warmed this teacher's heart. I learned so much! Thank you!

[@annewithrow826]

Wow, this is such useful content for me. ❤

[@BigHermAZ]

The "disappointment" in your face shown due to the fact of the sprayfoam patch's effectiveness was worth every 1:17:44 of this video masterpiece! Seriously, very informative and I enjoyed it all.👍

[@cdipierro]

Haha, I noticed that also!

[@AndyField-g2f]

After 30yrs of being a landlord and owning a L.L.C. construction company, I love watching other peoples ideas. I have used most of these methods over the decades {except the store bought kits}. LOVE THIS VIDEO Makes me want to show it to my employees. Also liked the look on your face when you did the foam repair. We use foam guns all day long and love them. Bad spots on rock can get filled easy, then cut flat with a oscillating saw.. Again loved this, keep up the good work.

[@nicholasvangorden2866]

A variation on the "winged" (California) patch that I've used in the past is to use a hole saw. 1. You cut completely through the wall leaving a hole. 2. Cut an oversized square or round patch. 3. Using the same hole saw bit, punch through the back side of the paper, leaving the front as the wing. Its essentially the same, but with circles and no guess work in measuring out the hole/patch since you're using the hole saw to enlarge and then cut an exact match in the drywall. Cheers!

[@JamesLeatherman]

Ah, these bloopers were your finest so far. Bravo!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

😂 Thanks!

[@vaniavss]

I felt myself in a university class! Thanks!

[@TheOne610]

I really respect the time and money you put into making this video! Do you have any plans to finish/work on the basement?

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Working on the basement is on the list, just don't know how high or low it is on the list.

[@TheOne610]

@@TheFixerHomeRepair awesome!

[@conigrl1]

Thanks!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thank YOU! 😃

[@laetitiawebb6065]

Best DIY video yet!! Do grateful for your advice and for showing so clearly all the methods and their strength. Hubby was a fan of foam, I refused to do it, this video was all I needed to convince him too 😃

[@John-dp3ln]

Almost best video yet. Very informative.

[@annewilliams2333]

Thanks

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thank YOU! 😃

[@mahmoudomara5421]

Thanks so much for making the video. I watched it all in one go and can tell it took you some time to finish patching all those holes and make that video. Really appreciate your efforts and hope you and your family all the best. Your little boy in the outtakes is adorable BTW.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thanks for watching! 😃

[@MariaGonzalez-yw7eh]

Thank you for this educational video on patching wholes. Have a wonderful weekend.

[@T.E.P..]

awesome man .... this is epic and never seen someone do it just like this. Hope you and your new family have a perfect weekend. Thanks again for your channel. It's been a blast watching the channel grow. Don't forget about us little guys that were watching in the early years. Bravo!!!!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thanks for the support, I appreciate it!

[@dmpeacefrog38]

Great video as always. I always enjoy learning from a regular guy, and thoroughly enjoy the outtakes. Thanks for sharing!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thanks, I appreciate it! 😃

[@wayneswonderarium]

I love that you did as much as you could with what you had on the DAP kit

[@cantgetright742]

"Butter" the edges on the winged method. That helps join the patch in with the old and helps attach it.

[@marymorrison2484]

Such a great tutorial. Some may want to "fix" a hole and others may need to "hide" a hole. That would effect my patching decision for sure.

[@DutchCreekRanch1]

Great info! Thanks for taking the time to demonstrate all of these. I’ve done some hole repair, some new sheet rock mud and tape, but am about to renovate a 120-yr-old victorian my daughter bought. That will include knocking down 7 or 8 walls and reskinning the lath. We could use a video on removal and replacement of old plaster walls. 😊

[@Heroboomers4evr]

Nice examples. I enjoyed your efforts. Several years ago discovered 3m's high strength hole patch. I only use it for blemishes and nail and screw holes. Nick named it " creamy dreamy'. Its hard to beat for those issues. That, as well as all of the others do require a couple coats of tinted primer b4 final painting. Or they will flash. Also, as the hole pathes in this video, if you are careful and don't mind getting liquid nails on your fingers , spreading that behind wall and applying paper is tough to beat. ( This is for a 2- 3 day large project where several are going at once. ). Then cutting edges to be patched cleanly as well as the patch, shooting those edges with kilz original, drying and applying easy sand 5 illuminlates the need for taping finnish side of wall. I had to retire to care for my better half. But I had painted thousands of appartments as well as several homes, new and repaints. Now. Just this video makes me tired. Nice going. Nice work.

[@katsprojects]

This was amazing! So informative and helpful. I absolutely loved your anger at the spray foam working and then your "SEE" when it failed 😂😂

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

😂

[@originalpanda5000]

I loved the entire video, especially the out takes 😂 I'm going to be trying the tapeless (winged) one in my house. I've also heard this one referred to as a California patch I believe 🤔 not sure tho. As always thanks for your help!

[@M00NM0NEY]

Haha! Great vid and I watched all of it👍. For the Dealer's Choice, I've seen everything from Colgate toothpaste, newspaper with caulking, to spray foam with bouillon cubes stuck to it. They might as well use Ramen noodles too!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Spray foam and Bouillon cubes 😂

[@gloriajackson2021]

What a great video! I have several holes in my walls and didn't even know where to start to fix them. I love your channel!

[@ktmkilljoy]

a few things to add to the winged method. 1st i like to load up the back of the plug side around the edges so it bonds with the inside of the wall better. 2nd round over or 45 the paper corners so they dont tear as easily. and last i like to use a hole saw without the bit to cut the drywall and the patch, its a little trickier for the patch side but you could make a jig to keep the hole saw from walking. i think it fits together better with room for mud that way but thats a preference (its nice to if your doing recessed lights and screw up) square cut is faster and just as good. thanks for taking the time to make this vid!

[@stever.9925]

Lots of fun. Thanks. I truly enjoyed the mini adventures. Typically, once I repair a wall, I will again need to drill or nail into it for whatever reason. Therefore, strength is a necessity for me. You've made my opinions clear going forward. Great job. Thank you.

[@sdsrfr831]

Your reaction when the spray foam patch turned out nice was hilarious as were the different things that you can use to stuff a hole. Great job!

[@lcook0825]

A great informative video from start to finish. Thanks Matt.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thanks!

[@rwcah]

Great video great information. You put a lot of work into this video and it’s greatly appreciated by many. I use the blocks for larger holes. The winged tape free for 2”-4”patch and the thin metal for smaller holes. I think I would have to pass on the rest.

[@markraisner9000]

Great video, nice seeing all the new products.

[@BrookeSimmons]

You had an entire story arc with the spray foam on this one and I'm so glad to have witnessed your eventual vindication. Fantastic!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

🤣 it was quite the roller coaster ride. Happy you were able to witness it. 😁

[@coburn_karma]

Thank you so much buddy. I did the Fibatape and the all in one kit as well as #10. But I've the knowledge to tackle it on a higher level thanks to you. Bravo.

[@robertkerby2581]

I really liked these ten different ways to patch a hole in drywall! Your advice was solid and right on point! Well done!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thanks!!

[@falinost]

Just the info i needed for my next home repair project

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Good luck with the repair!

[@sergiosilva5103]

Great video its always nice to see someone else try different methods. I personally like the board and the wing is a favorite. Thanks for taking the time to make this video. Also i hate that messy sticky crap spray foam!😂 Waste of money! Thanks again.

[@mannyfran8024]

Neat video. Only the first 3 will take the hanging of a picture. The others are only good when u dont have to worry about any contact. Like on a ceiling or high up on a wall. Some are just garbage. For doorknob holes, it's best to put a stud right behind the hole and drywall overtop. Will help prevent blowouts from most impacts. The rest won't last 1 or 2 hits. The Californian is my go-to for most repairs on the job that i know won't have anything hanging on it, i.e., towel bar or toilet paper dispenser ❤. Keep up the good content. Also, it is best to use a mask when sanding old paint or working with stucco. Lead in old paint, asbestos in old pre 1980 stucco

[@deaconblooze1]

That pink Dap in a squeeze tube is great for filling nail holes in trim. I can't imagine trying to use it to patch drywall.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

I agree that it is better for filling in nail holes not a patch. Thanks for watching! 😃

[@JustLost1030]

Great video! I didn't know that "Just Tape" was a patch. I used that when I was fixing up my house and aside from leaving it looking a little rough and unsanded, it worked great. I used mesh tape and ended up filling the cavity full of mud. Not sure if it's the patch I would WANT to use, but I made due with what I had on hand.

[@richardcooper]

A long one but enjoyable and full on information, thanks for your time on this one, it was worth it :) I've used a few of these methods over the years.

[@jenniferbassett3001]

You did a great job Matt! Totally enjoyed the bloopers at the end 😂😂

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thank you!! 😁

[@jody2873]

I had to do a hack job on an old apartment so they could rent it out ASAP...ran out of tape, so used a piece of sandpaper and mudded over- worked just fine, but wouldn't use it in a high quality job if I didn't have to😁. Toilet paper works good and loading up a piece of tape 1/4" thick with hot mud then smashing it in the hole and knifing all the extra out becomes a perfect piece of drywall in the exact shape and dries in no time. 2 drywall coats over, paint and primer - done. Thanks for the vid love the ending

[@LuminairPrime]

Subscribing because you released a 1 hour video about drywall holes, which is crazy, and I love it! The FibaTape patch is the no-brainer here -- Adfors is a high-end drywall product company, and they know exactly how much material needs to go into that patch so it's as thin as possible. It's expensive for the amount of material in it, but you're paying for the precision and expertise. The DAP kit with the paper patch, for comparison, is a good idea but a few too many generations of technology behind. The 3M products are always great, but a low density spackle will never have strength. I say make your own kit, buy the right parts at the store yourself, and store them in a bucket for the next patch!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Hey! I agree, I think having your own kit is the best way to go. I have an entire bag dedicated to drywall and it makes every job easier. Thanks for the comment and watching the video!

[@luckyduckie2000]

Winged has always been my go to repair choice. Its easy for me and always looks nice when complete.

[@jodifinnegan4453]

Thanks so much for this video. I think you saved a lot of people from wasting time on experiments (me included😂) Big bonus at the end, a handsome baby boy!!!! 😍

[@lv9178]

I wish I had found this video before, it’s amazing. Thank you!

[@snoozieq4584]

I was taught how to mud by my dad. I was 10, I think. He turned the old detached garage into his workshop for his upholstery business. He didn't want us to be "Latchkey Kids" after mom died. The metal patch kit is great for door knob holes. The Dap kit with the color changing spackle is better used for filling in nail holes than patches. The plastic putty knife they give you is garbage and you are better off using a metal one. The 3M kit looked great, until you did the tap test. I'm guessing that it was because of the lack of adhesion to the drywall. You and spray foam, seriously? What a joke. Not surprised it failed. I loved seeing baby fixer in the bloopers. He needed daddy time. Thanks for a really fun video. See you in the next one!

[@FooMoon_55]

You almost convinced me with the spray foam method. Too bad it didn’t hold up. Thank you for all this information. Im going to patch a hole in the ceiling and this will be my first time doing anything like this.

[@cdipierro]

Good video to demonstrate that all these "quick fix" products they sell at the hardware store are no better and mostly inferior to the tried and true, simple methods that pros use everyday. I'm not a pro, but I have done a lot of patches and drywall renovation as a homeowner. And I have met many experienced people who told me that its easier for them to cut out a larger piece they can attach to studs, because screwing on a piece of board and taping it is something they can do without even thinking and not have to fuss with tiny spaces. It seems like more work but its actually the same or less because its simpler, and the results are perfect. Plus, the materials are cheap and you can even get by with a set of crappy plastic taping knives and pan if you're not looking for anything fancy. Also, I would never use spackle. Always use either hot mud (Easy Sand) or all-purpose mud.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Hey! Thanks for the comment. Tons of options but I do like my FibaFuse and hot mud.

[@CarlosRamirez-kv7sl]

Thank you. Great video

[@shereeholliday7463]

Thank you for keeping it real. I appreciate that, bcuz I think it's important for people that's doing research to learn the facts, about whatever it is they're seeking knowledge of. Caulking is budget friendly. Learn something new every day. Thanks again 😊👍💯

[@jengillard8196]

Super helpful and thorough! Thank you!

[@svsoleil3255]

U r a master..!..what a great video...learned so much..thanks for sharing ur knowledge..

[@luckehandyman]

#1 is the best, I am a Handyman and this by far is the best. Good watch Thank you Ray

[@davidsmith2562]

Great video! The best part is the last 2 minutes! 😂 had me laughing so hard!

[@ncironhorse8367]

I've skim coated a large section of wall where the paper had peeled off from a huge sticker (4' x 3') with the DAP pink stuff. I used a real 8" taping knife. It turned out great!

[@briansegall1084]

I like the plot twists with the spray foam patch. And sticking random things into the hole at the end, LOL...

[@Kirstalyn272]

I truly enjoyed this! You make home repair seem easy and fun. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@vickigreen2981]

I loved this video! I have used several of these approaches and loved the overview

[@Rhonda4560]

Thank you for video. I had my house lifted (piers/beams)recently and they damaged all of my walls with cracks. What should l buy for a large project of taping and floating cracks? Thank you!

[@eddierobles2137]

Excellent tutorial . Thank you so much

[@agray8109]

That was oddly satisfying: wish i had known this for dorm wall repair back in the day. 😂 Have you done in the past (or will you do a future vid) for best methods for ceiling cracks along the seams? Love the outtakes; more vids of your kiddos/helpers.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

I don't have that video but it's on the list. Thanks for watching!! 😃

[@MrNathaneasterling]

Hey, so I am pretty sure I'm the guy you got the spray foam "technique" from 😂. Absolutely fantastic video and thanks for posting it! So I want to defend my spray foam patch here, most people see my short and don't see my full video on it. My favorite technique is the butterfly/winged patch and I would have done that if I only a few patches, but I had like 150 to do because I insulated by drilling holes in the drywall and sprayed in cellulose insulation. I filmed that video on a whim before I even posted any content on KZbin so all of my dialogue was two years old when I decided to edit the video. What I didn't say (that I should have) was that all of my drywall holes were about 4" from the ceiling except for under a few windows and what you pointed out is exactly the issue with the patch but all of mine are pretty much higher than anyone can even reach and I also wanted access to them if the insulation ever settled in the walls (spoiler it's now been 3 years and it hasn't🙄). Anyway just wanted to drop a comment and say it was awesome to see somebody else try it out. And again awesome content and you gained a subscriber from me 😁👍

[@mauricelee7299]

Thanks for this video. Very informative and just knowing the different acceptable options was a big help.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Happy to help! Thanks for watching! I know it was a long one.

[@mauricelee7299]

​@TheFixerHomeRepair it was but it was needed. Didn't seem long either.

[@gocciadimagma]

The last one 🔝🤣🏆

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thanks for watching.. especially to the end! 😂

[@bandedefous99]

You are very generous of your time do such a presentation. Great teacher, great help!! Thank you !!

[@peaches1220]

Hmmmm loved the video, it is very informative and helpful! I like the first two the best; they're much better than the tape one i watched yesterday. Ill let you know how it goes lol. Adorable little baby! ❤

[@jlm4855]

Nice video. The spray may harden better in a few days. That one actually shocked me.

[@silver4072]

Thank you for your extensive choice. I am renovating my bedroom and made a mess out of the ceiling . Nearly cried. Now i will wait for Christmas to pass and will have a go and patch my ceiling. Unfortunately my holes are enormous compared to yours but I kind of het the gesture.

[@crinkle2649]

😂😂😂😂 I love the outtakes

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thanks! 😂

[@nigelmiller5860]

Great video, lots of techniques . Thanks.

[@Gord19]

Great info thanks so much for posting. Greetings from Vancouver Canada.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thanks for watching!

[@jsaysyay]

seeing this and finally wanting to fix a slightly messed up spot a friend felt "compelled to fix" lol. also the time and effort to wait for each to be done before moving onto the next? iconic

[@BookieTech]

Thumbnail of all thumbnails. Bravo 👏

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thanks!

[@chrisnaples2838]

Fantastic vid. I recently came across some outlets that weren't attached to a stud ,I didn't do the demo so dont know how they were in the wall . Any idea's?

[@jwbr2]

GREAT video, saw a lot a didn't know. Keep up the good work! Greetings from Holland.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thanks for watching!

[@RashauadBarry]

you just showed me alot thanks everbody beggining should come here i definitley subscribed and will be tunned in for more

[@JMgiarritta]

Really good demo, all thise gimmick s that are sold can't beat the tried and true drywall board your first patch.

[@pepegramirez9338]

what a great video! thank you!

[@pamelaramos7777]

Awesome video! Thanks

[@karencox3235]

Thanks so much for this informative video! I always wondered whether or not those store patches would work well...now I know. You're the man, Matt!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thanks for watching!

[@bobicard2503]

Great video! I have a 3-4 inch hole where there is/was a toilet paper holder fastened. I've got to refasten the toilet paper holder after the hole is repaired, but how do I know that after drilling and fastening the holder in, the screws aren't going to pull out. What would be the best method for this problem?

[@1ELiMusic]

Yo neighbor! I was crackin up at the end result when you tried #8. It sunk! 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 outtakes were hilarious

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

I hate spray foam so I was happy to see it didn't work! 😂

[@paulpeligri6186]

This video was awesome until it got to the outtakes at the end. Then it got super awesome!!!! Very informative. As a pretty decent DIYer, I’ve done a few of those repairs but it was quite interesting to see all the different choices. Another great video, Matt.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thanks!! 😃

[@mythoughts613]

Great video!

[@armandoreyes6253]

Great video, thanks

[@nickbush2300]

I thought I knew it all about drywall until I watched your video. Then I realized - I did.

[@beapm6521]

Master class, man!! 👏👏👏

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thanks!

[@julianscott4682]

Thank you for Sharing knowledge.

[@MikeTerry1969]

This was great, thanks!

[@27photogger]

great video! I have a piece of drywall broken just above a double outlet, any different tricks on that challenge ?

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

If it is near trim, I would just do the top part. But if it was in the middle of a wall, I would replace around the entire outlet. Hope this helps!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Remember to be safe around electrical outlets!

[@elizete2776]

Fantastic!!!!! Thanks

[@valerielucille3204]

Very informative!

[@mariscaanelson]

so helpful - thank you

[@lynnew5619]

You are a very good instructor. Very interesting. I think being able to ice cakes will help with 1-3! 😂👏

[@emiller7040]

Great video, thanks!