You will need:
- Keyhole saw or other small-bladed saw
- Utility knife with sharp blade
- Small piece of drywall
- Drywall screws (1 1/4-inch)
- Screwdriver
- Drywall tape
- Joint compound
- Sandpaper
- Primer and paint
What to do:
- Using the saw and utility knife, cut out the damaged part of the drywall all the way back to the framing. Expose half (that is, 3/4 inch) of the framing on each side.
- Cut a piece of drywall to fit the hole. Attach the drywall to the framing with drywall screws.
- Check that all screw heads are driven just below the surface of the drywall. Then finish the repair with tape and joint compound as explained here.
- Once the final coat of compound has been sanded, the repair is ready to be primed and painted.
Photo © Jeff Beneke
