Patching and Repairing Drywall
FriendsWithTools.io earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. We do not test these tools ourselves — all claims are sourced from manufacturer specifications, retailer listings, and aggregated user reviews, each linked inline. Prices and ratings were verified on May 2026 and may have changed.
Drywall repair ranges from filling a nail hole (5 minutes) to patching a fist-sized hole (2 hours). The tools scale with the damage. Small repairs need a putty knife and spackle. Larger patches need a drywall saw, patch material, and joint compound. The skill is in the finishing, not the patching.
Cost Breakdown
Small Repairs (nail holes, small dents)
Fill holes with spackle and scrape flush. A flexible 2" knife is the most versatile size.
120-grit to smooth patched areas before painting.
Medium Repairs (fist-sized holes)
Cut a clean rectangle around the damage. A keyhole saw also works.
Feather joint compound over the patch. The wider knife makes smoother transitions.
Needed for ceiling repairs. Sands compound flat without a ladder.
Consumables and Supplies
These get used up during the project. Always buy these new.
- Lightweight spackle For small holes and dents
- Setting-type joint compound For larger patches (sets by chemical reaction, not just drying)
- Self-adhesive drywall patch For holes up to 6"
- Drywall scraps and furring strips For California patches (larger holes)
- Sandpaper (120 and 220 grit) Rough sand then fine sand
- Primer Patched areas absorb paint differently. Primer prevents flashing.
Safety Gear
- Dust mask (sanding compound creates fine dust)
- Safety glasses
Before You Buy Anything
Check if your neighbors already have the tools you need. Borrowing saves money, saves storage space, and keeps tools in use instead of collecting dust.
See how FriendsWithTools worksCommon Questions
Spackle vs joint compound: what's the difference?
Spackle is for small holes (nail holes, screw holes). It dries fast and sands easily but shrinks on larger patches. Joint compound is for anything bigger than a quarter. It shrinks less and feathers out smoother, but takes longer to dry between coats.
How many coats of compound do I need?
Three coats minimum for a patch: first coat fills, second coat feathers, third coat smooths. Let each coat dry completely before sanding and applying the next. Rushing this step is the most common mistake.