How to Repair Drywall Damage From Molly Screws

When there isn't a stud where you would like to hang an item on the wall, you can fasten an anchor such as a molly screw to the drywall. Drywall is made of fragile gypsum that cannot hold heavy items on its own. Anchors like molly screws spread out to hook onto the back of the drywall, strengthening the drywall's holding ability. If a molly screw is pulled out improperly, it can take a chunk of the fragile drywall with it, leaving a hole. Repairing damage caused by molly screws is a relatively simple project.

• 1

  Cut the damaged area out with a drywall saw to form a square around the hole. Brush away drywall dust with a clean rag.

• 2

  Slip two pieces of scrap wood behind the hole horizontally at the bottom and top of the hole. Screw the wood to the drywall with screws and a drill.

• 3

  Cut a patch out of scrap drywall to a bit smaller than the hole with a rotary tool or a drywall saw.

• 4

  Set the drywall patch into the hole and screw the patch to the wood with four screws and a drill. Tape the edges with a self-adhering fiberglass mesh tape.

• 5

  Spread three layers of a fast-setting joint compound on top of the fiberglass mesh tape and patch with a trowel. Let the compound dry and sand with fine-grit sandpaper until the patched area is flush with the existing drywall. Brush on a primer and paint if desired.