Today I will show you how to patch drywall. It is simple work and only requires a few tools. You will need a level, construction blade, stud finder and a pencil. First, use a level and lay it flush against the drywall. Draw a square around the hole large enough so you can see both ends of the frame. This is where you will place the new drywall sheet. The new piece will be screwed onto the center of the frame. Rule of thumb is that the frame should be 16″ inch spaced apart from each other. However, this will depend on the State the home is in as each has different construction rule. In the State of California the space is 16″. The age of the home is also important. If the house is well over 100 years old, you will not expect both ends to be 16″ apart.
I am using a construction measuring tape to estimate the size I am about to cut. I’m in California so I know I have to cut at least 16″ of drywall to get to the frame.
To find the center of the frame, Use the wooden part of the hammer and tap slightly against the wall. A hollow part of the wall would make a hollow sound and hitting the frame would make a solid sound almost like a knock. There are equipments to help locate the nails and screws on the frame. It is called a stud finder. Place the stud finder against the wall, a bar will appear on the lcd screen. As soon as the bar increase, the stud has been located. Move the equipment left and right until the bar is even in the center.
Once the frame has been located, use a carpentry pencil or Use a fine point marker. Once you have your square marked around the hole,use a blade and cut around the drywall. Make sure you slowly press the knife into the drywall to get a starting point. Once the starting point is set, you can start cutting the square and remove the piece from the wall.
Most standard drywall are 5/8″ thick. Measure the size of the square and cut a copy of it on a new piece of drywall. Once you have your new piece ready. Go ahead and place it where the square piece was cut out, it should fit perfectly. Use some shims and place it beneath the new piece. You can use drywall screw or nails to put in the new piece. Use an electric drill, it will make the job much easier. There is also a special magnetic tool that can help secure the screw in place. Once you have your new drywall set in. You are done for patching for the day and it is ready for mudding.