How to Fix a Wall - Electrical Box Patch - Drywall Repair- Part 1 of 2

This is video #1 of a 2-part series. The videos are:

Part 1 of 2 = http://youtu.be/rWotCikWipY?hd=1
Part 2 of 2 = http://youtu.be/r1YybgiSviA?hd=1

To watch the Electrical Box Patch Playlist = http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=E0AF2C218F51BEA5
http://www.homeownerseries.com
ELECTRICAL BOX PATCH

Overview:

An electrical box patch is used when an electrical box does not fit right because the hole was either cut too large to begin with, or somehow or another the wall around the electrical box has become damaged.

In order to fix the damaged area, the damage will need to be cut to the shape of a rectangle, a lath strip will be placed behind the hole, and then a patch will be placed into the hole and properly mudded and textured.

To make an electrical box patch there are several materials and tools that will be needed.

Materials Needed:

The materials needed are: a lath strip, 1½-inch drywall screws, a piece of drywall that will fit the area that is to be patched, and 45-minute drywall mud.

Tools Needed:

The tools needed are: a 1½-inch taping knife, a drywall saw, a pencil, a wet rag, an electric screwdriver, and a drywall utility knife.

The Repair:

First, take a lath strip and place it next to the electrical box, covering the damaged area. Draw a line along the outside of the lath strip indicating how large the hole will need to be cut in order for the patch to be made. It is important that the lath strip extends several inches longer than the hole in both directions so that it can be screwed into the wall correctly.

Next, take the drywall saw and cut the hole into a rectangle. Then take a drywall screw and screw it into the middle of the lath strip so it can be used as a handle while screwing the lath strip into the wall. While holding onto the screw, place the lath strip inside the hole, and insert a screw at the top and bottom of the lath strip, at least one inch higher and lower than the edges of the hole in the wall. Once this is done, the screw that was used as a handle can be removed.

Next, take a piece of drywall and cut it so that it fits into the hole. In order to do this, the hole will need to be roughly drawn onto the patch. This can also be done before the lath strip is placed into the wall, using the strip as a guide for the width of the patch. Now take the patch and set it aside.

Видео How to Fix a Wall - Electrical Box Patch - Drywall Repair- Part 1 of 2 канала HomeownerSeries