How get scrap drywall?
Question:I want to repair a hole in drywall and I need a small scrap of drywall. Are there small pieces I can buy or do I have to buy a whole sheet?
Answers:
Fixing a Small Drywall Hole
Tough as it is, drywall can withstand only limited abuse. A door flung open with too much force can produce a doorknob-size hole in the wall. This kind of damage looks bad, but even large holes are easy to fix. The easiest way is to purchase a drywall repair kit. Measure the hole, and visit your local hardware store or home improvement center for a kit. There are various sizes and types for different applications. For example, a drywall patch for a ceiling is thicker than one for a wall. Before you use the kit, remove any loose paper or plaster around the edges of the hole. Then apply drywall patch, following the manufacturer's instructions.
In this article, we'll tell you how to fix both a small and a large drywall hole. We'll start with a small hole.
Fixing a Small Drywall Hole
To make a repair to a small drywall hole without a kit, follow these directions:
Step 1: Prepare tin can lid that is at least 11/2 inches more in diameter than hole in drywall for backing piece. Use keyhole saw to cut out narrow horizontal slit in wall on each side of hole. Measurement of hole plus both narrow slits should equal diameter of lid so you can insert lid sideways into hole.
Step 2: Use awl to punch two holes in center of lid. Thread 12-inch piece of wire or string through holes.
Step 3: Holding ends of wire, slide lid through slit. Still holding wire, pull lid toward you until it's flat against inside of wall. To hold in place, set stick of scrap wood over hole on outside of wall and twist wire tightly over stick. Can lid should be held firmly against inside of wall.
Step 4: Use putty knife to apply premixed drywall patching compound over patch following manufacturer's instructions. (Don't use spackling compound because it shrinks as it dries.) You can also mix plaster of paris with water to make thick paste. Pack compound or plaster into hole against backing and behind stick. Keep compound inside hole, cover backing, and fill slits, but don't spread it on wall surface. Leave patch slightly low, and don't try to level it. Let patch dry until it turns bright white, typically at least 24 hours. When dry, cut string or wire and remove stick.
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Step 5: To finish patch, fill it completely with more plaster of paris or drywall patching compound to make patch level with wall surface. Let dry, lightly sand area, prime, and paint.
Try asking at a home improvement store (sometime things get damaged). You could also look on something like Craigslist, but you're much more likely to get a piece at a home improvement or hardware store.
Get to the local building center.. Lumber yard. They are the friendliest group especially if you need help and are willing to ask. I have been fortunate to find screen material, window glass and even some construction grade lumber for planter liners. Try 'em out and be willing to ask!
Go to any home improvement store and you'll notice they have thin strips of drywall used as spacers between large stacks of drywall sheets. There will always be a few of the strips lying around loose. Pick up two or three and take them to an employee. Tell him/her that you only need a small amount, and offer to pay for them. But you won't have to part with any cash - the store will just give the pieces to you. Thank the employee for being so kind and leave with your free drywall scraps. Works every time.
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