Drywall Help - The Orange Mane

Rascal · 05-21-2005, 01:55 PM

Alright I've got a problem and I have zero experience with drywall repair. Installation I have some experience with to know it sucks.

Anyway. We bought our house about 9 months ago and yesterday the towel rod in the bathroom came off. Each end was connected by 2 metal drywall screws. On one side the screws came completely out and now there are two holes. On the other side they are still there but they are loose.

So how do I remove them without making a huge hole (I don't think it's possible) and how do I fill in the holes to be sturdy enough to put up a new towel rod in a similar location.

Thanks guys.

I know if the hole was big enough I would put a board behind it but these holes are about 1/4"-3/8" diameter each.

Bronx33 · 05-21-2005, 02:03 PM

I had that same problem a while back, but like you i have limited drywall skills but to my luck i went to home depot and found a towel rack that had a large back base that allowed me to move the new screws up down or sideways and cover up the damage.Depending on how large the damage is you can get toggle bolts (come in all sizes) that go through the hole and open up on the other side to give the screw something to grab onto, now that all depends on if your towel rack will cover up the damaged area? if not maybe a new rack is in order, as far as repairing the area i'am no good at that.

watermock · 05-21-2005, 02:24 PM

Sheesh, when I saw the thread I figured you put your fist thru the wall. Rule #1 when putting your fist thru a wall is to accurately measure where the studs are first.

OK. What you need is an expandable thingy. Unless the hole is too big, you can insert a plastic nub, it has to fit tight. then you screw into that, and the plastic sleve will expand into the hole nice and tight.

If the hole is too big, you will have to spackle, repair and move the rod. At any rate, never just screw into drywall. You need to insert that plug, then screw into that.

Pendejo · 05-21-2005, 02:46 PM

I believe the "plug" that Mock is talking about is called a Molly Bolt. That's what you'd look for at the hardware store. It's the easiest fix. Should work for you.

Sassy · 05-21-2005, 02:50 PM

What would I do to fix a hole in a bathroom countertop (the side of it). I took the toilet roll holder out and there's a big hole...which of course, is a different size that the new holder I bought.

watermock · 05-21-2005, 02:51 PM

A plastic one should work.

You can get them in metal, but that's more for into mortar and brick.

It's just a teeny plastic plug you push in with your thumb. Drill the hole out to the proper size, push the plug in flush, and you should be good to go, unless, the hole is allready too big. They you will have to spackle, paint, dry, then drill a hole, insert plug ect. It's not rocket science.

watermock · 05-21-2005, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sassy

What would I do to fix a hole in a bathroom countertop (the side of it). I took the toilet roll holder out and there's a big hole...which of course, is a different size that the new holder I bought.

Same thing sassy. get one of those plastic plugs, and unless the existing hole is too big to accomodate. (if the hole is too big, your screw won't fit thru your holder). You might even need to slightly drill out your new holder to use a bigger screw.

If the hole is too big, put in one of those plastic thingys. That should decrease the area of the hole, and it should screw right in. Maybe I should just come up there and perform a service for you? I'd be more than happy to insert a screw an steal the GTO.

watermock · 05-21-2005, 02:57 PM

BTW, did the Caddy sell Sassy?

Rock Chalk · 05-21-2005, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pendejo

I believe the "plug" that Mock is talking about is called a Molly Bolt. That's what you'd look for at the hardware store. It's the easiest fix. Should work for you.

Molly bolt will work if the hole isnt that big. The large back base towel rack is a good option and easy fix, but if you want it "fixed" properly, its a little more work, though not too difficult.

Why the hell was the towel rack screwed into the drywall and not a stud anyway?

Sassy · 05-21-2005, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by watermock

Same thing sassy. get one of those plastic plugs, and unless the existing hole is too big to accomodate. (if the hole is too big, your screw won't fit thru your holder). You might even need to slightly drill out your new holder to use a bigger screw.

If the hole is too big, put in one of those plastic thingys. That should decrease the area of the hole, and it should screw right in. Maybe I should just come up there and perform a service for you? I'd be more than happy to insert a screw an steal the GTO.

That's not going to match the woodwork...the holes are too big ....

anyway, the GTO isn't here...

Sassy · 05-21-2005, 03:00 PM

The GTO is cool...but I like this one better!

watermock · 05-21-2005, 03:15 PM

The bird is certainly more feminine. The Goat is road kill. Both are extremely cool.

Anyway, the plug should be covered when you install the plate for the paper roll? There should be a faceplate that will cover it all.

SJ Bronco · 05-21-2005, 03:59 PM

go back to home depot, get a drywall repair patch kit. I looks like a screen from your patio door. They come in difrent sizes, but they work. Cover them in a thin coat of drywall patch, or if you want to be ghetto just use spackle to cover, but it won't hold well. I'd relocate the towel rack to a stud of possible, but if you cant, drill a hole about 5/8, buy drywall anchor bolts, hammer in gently and twist to expand. Any other questions, drop me a PM. IM not sure what info your looking for but I know I can help.

Bronx33 · 05-21-2005, 04:01 PM

or ask SJ.................

Rascal · 05-22-2005, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlecRaenos

Molly bolt will work if the hole isnt that big. The large back base towel rack is a good option and easy fix, but if you want it "fixed" properly, its a little more work, though not too difficult.

Why the hell was the towel rack screwed into the drywall and not a stud anyway?

Hell if I know I moved in nine months ago and the house is barely 10 years old. Probably some cheap ass construction company trying to get done fast.

Rascal · 05-22-2005, 07:27 PM

Rep to all those that helped. I'll go by home depot tomorrow and see if that is what I'm looking for.

Unfortunately I don't think relocating to a stud is an option. It is a narrow wall section where the towel rack is at and it would be weird to have it on a stud (off centered).

Nuggets4 · 05-22-2005, 08:10 PM

Since this is about home improvement...............anyone know anything about installing recessed lighting? I'm looking at doing it at my place, but don't have access from above and am wondering if I'd just be better off hiring someone else to do it.

PatsWin2002 · 05-22-2005, 08:19 PM

Rascal, depending on how big the holes are now you may want to try these.

I know they have them at Home Depot and I think they're called Zip anchors.

I use these ever time those plastic ones fail (that Mock was talking about) as long as they're still hidden.

It's a sleeve that grabs the sides of the hole with its auger-like exterior. It has a philips head so you can drive in with a screwdriver or power drill.

It goes all the way flush with the wall. Then all you do is put the accompanying screw right in the center.

They come in plastic or metal and the screws come with them.

It should work unless the hole is already too big or if it's old horsehair plaster that crumbles when you drive the sleeve.

I scoured the internet for a picture......this is a sleeve.

baja · 05-22-2005, 08:24 PM

Dude, spackle paint and spring loaded mollys, get a grip.

Needa Pass Rush · 05-22-2005, 08:53 PM

Go to home depot and tell them to hook you up with toggle bolts. They act like a butterfly and expand BEHIND the drywall. It will likely hold your towel rack in place the next time you decide to do chin ups on it.

SJ Bronco · 05-23-2005, 05:20 PM

This one works better in my opinion....just me

I only know carpentry really, you'll have to ask an electrician about lighting questions, sorry. I know a little, but not enough for that question

watermock · 05-23-2005, 05:26 PM

No need to get sexual. The problem with that gizmo is it's not mated to whatever your hanging.

If you want to really hang something, there are things much stronger.

Raider Bill · 05-23-2005, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nuggets4

Since this is about home improvement...............anyone know anything about installing recessed lighting? I'm looking at doing it at my place, but don't have access from above and am wondering if I'd just be better off hiring someone else to do it.

Are there already lights where you want to put the recessed cans? Getting the "feed" for the power is going to be a mutha in an existing ceiling.

Raider Bill · 05-23-2005, 05:30 PM

I like these things too, but a towel bar should be catchin' a stud at least on one end IMO.

watermock · 05-23-2005, 05:31 PM

Just push in another circut breaker if there is room in the box, run coax to the lighting.

Good Lord.

05-21-2005, 03:00 PM	#11
Sassy Ring of Famer Join Date: May 2001 Location: ND Posts: 37,952 Adopt-a-Bronco: Eddie Royal	The GTO is cool...but I like this one better! Attached Images

05-22-2005, 07:27 PM	#16
Rascal RIP Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 16,581 Adopt-a-Bronco: Turf	Rep to all those that helped. I'll go by home depot tomorrow and see if that is what I'm looking for. Unfortunately I don't think relocating to a stud is an option. It is a narrow wall section where the towel rack is at and it would be weird to have it on a stud (off centered). Last edited by Rascal; 05-22-2005 at 07:29 PM..

05-23-2005, 05:26 PM	#22
watermock "Hoodie Jr" "Hug me!" Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Hot Springs, Ouachitah Posts: 77,090	No need to get sexual. The problem with that gizmo is it's not mated to whatever your hanging. If you want to really hang something, there are things much stronger. Last edited by watermock; 05-23-2005 at 05:29 PM..

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05-21-2005, 01:55 PM	#1
Rascal RIP Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 16,581 Adopt-a-Bronco: Turf	Drywall Help Alright I've got a problem and I have zero experience with drywall repair. Installation I have some experience with to know it sucks. Anyway. We bought our house about 9 months ago and yesterday the towel rod in the bathroom came off. Each end was connected by 2 metal drywall screws. On one side the screws came completely out and now there are two holes. On the other side they are still there but they are loose. So how do I remove them without making a huge hole (I don't think it's possible) and how do I fill in the holes to be sturdy enough to put up a new towel rod in a similar location. Thanks guys. I know if the hole was big enough I would put a board behind it but these holes are about 1/4"-3/8" diameter each.

05-21-2005, 02:03 PM	#2
Bronx33 lets go partner Rumpson Rocks Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Lakewood,Colo Posts: 41,221 Adopt-a-Bronco: Woodyard	I had that same problem a while back, but like you i have limited drywall skills but to my luck i went to home depot and found a towel rack that had a large back base that allowed me to move the new screws up down or sideways and cover up the damage.Depending on how large the damage is you can get toggle bolts (come in all sizes) that go through the hole and open up on the other side to give the screw something to grab onto, now that all depends on if your towel rack will cover up the damaged area? if not maybe a new rack is in order, as far as repairing the area i'am no good at that.

05-21-2005, 02:24 PM	#3
watermock "Hoodie Jr" "Hug me!" Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Hot Springs, Ouachitah Posts: 77,090	Sheesh, when I saw the thread I figured you put your fist thru the wall. Rule #1 when putting your fist thru a wall is to accurately measure where the studs are first. OK. What you need is an expandable thingy. Unless the hole is too big, you can insert a plastic nub, it has to fit tight. then you screw into that, and the plastic sleve will expand into the hole nice and tight. If the hole is too big, you will have to spackle, repair and move the rod. At any rate, never just screw into drywall. You need to insert that plug, then screw into that.

05-21-2005, 02:46 PM	#4
Pendejo The off-season. Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 2,945 Adopt-a-Bronco: "The Greek"	I believe the "plug" that Mock is talking about is called a Molly Bolt. That's what you'd look for at the hardware store. It's the easiest fix. Should work for you.

05-21-2005, 02:50 PM	#5
Sassy Ring of Famer Join Date: May 2001 Location: ND Posts: 37,952 Adopt-a-Bronco: Eddie Royal	What would I do to fix a hole in a bathroom countertop (the side of it). I took the toilet roll holder out and there's a big hole...which of course, is a different size that the new holder I bought.

05-21-2005, 02:51 PM	#6
watermock "Hoodie Jr" "Hug me!" Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Hot Springs, Ouachitah Posts: 77,090	A plastic one should work. You can get them in metal, but that's more for into mortar and brick. It's just a teeny plastic plug you push in with your thumb. Drill the hole out to the proper size, push the plug in flush, and you should be good to go, unless, the hole is allready too big. They you will have to spackle, paint, dry, then drill a hole, insert plug ect. It's not rocket science.

05-21-2005, 02:57 PM	#8
watermock "Hoodie Jr" "Hug me!" Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Hot Springs, Ouachitah Posts: 77,090	BTW, did the Caddy sell Sassy?

05-21-2005, 03:15 PM	#12
watermock "Hoodie Jr" "Hug me!" Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Hot Springs, Ouachitah Posts: 77,090	The bird is certainly more feminine. The Goat is road kill. Both are extremely cool. Anyway, the plug should be covered when you install the plate for the paper roll? There should be a faceplate that will cover it all.

05-21-2005, 03:59 PM	#13
SJ Bronco Ring of Famer Real Tree, No Seeds Join Date: May 2001 Location: San Jose Ca Posts: 9,798 Adopt-a-Bronco: John Elway	go back to home depot, get a drywall repair patch kit. I looks like a screen from your patio door. They come in difrent sizes, but they work. Cover them in a thin coat of drywall patch, or if you want to be ghetto just use spackle to cover, but it won't hold well. I'd relocate the towel rack to a stud of possible, but if you cant, drill a hole about 5/8, buy drywall anchor bolts, hammer in gently and twist to expand. Any other questions, drop me a PM. IM not sure what info your looking for but I know I can help.

05-21-2005, 04:01 PM	#14
Bronx33 lets go partner Rumpson Rocks Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Lakewood,Colo Posts: 41,221 Adopt-a-Bronco: Woodyard	or ask SJ.................

05-22-2005, 08:10 PM	#17
Nuggets4 Requisite Nugs Die-Hard Buffaloes, Buffaloes, Go C-U! Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 4,360 Adopt-a-Bronco: Allen Iverson	Since this is about home improvement...............anyone know anything about installing recessed lighting? I'm looking at doing it at my place, but don't have access from above and am wondering if I'd just be better off hiring someone else to do it.

05-22-2005, 08:19 PM	#18
PatsWin2002 Giggity Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: South of Boston Posts: 6,270	Rascal, depending on how big the holes are now you may want to try these. I know they have them at Home Depot and I think they're called Zip anchors. I use these ever time those plastic ones fail (that Mock was talking about) as long as they're still hidden. It's a sleeve that grabs the sides of the hole with its auger-like exterior. It has a philips head so you can drive in with a screwdriver or power drill. It goes all the way flush with the wall. Then all you do is put the accompanying screw right in the center. They come in plastic or metal and the screws come with them. It should work unless the hole is already too big or if it's old horsehair plaster that crumbles when you drive the sleeve. I scoured the internet for a picture......this is a sleeve.

05-22-2005, 08:24 PM	#19
baja It is what it Is. Pay attention. Join Date: Apr 2001 Posts: 53,771 Adopt-a-Bronco: Buy My Book	Dude, spackle paint and spring loaded mollys, get a grip.

05-22-2005, 08:53 PM	#20
Needa Pass Rush Never say Always Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 5,211	Go to home depot and tell them to hook you up with toggle bolts. They act like a butterfly and expand BEHIND the drywall. It will likely hold your towel rack in place the next time you decide to do chin ups on it.

05-23-2005, 05:20 PM	#21
SJ Bronco Ring of Famer Real Tree, No Seeds Join Date: May 2001 Location: San Jose Ca Posts: 9,798 Adopt-a-Bronco: John Elway	This one works better in my opinion....just me I only know carpentry really, you'll have to ask an electrician about lighting questions, sorry. I know a little, but not enough for that question

05-23-2005, 05:30 PM	#24
Raider Bill ........ Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Southern New Joisey Posts: 4,194	I like these things too, but a towel bar should be catchin' a stud at least on one end IMO.

05-23-2005, 05:31 PM	#25
watermock "Hoodie Jr" "Hug me!" Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Hot Springs, Ouachitah Posts: 77,090	Just push in another circut breaker if there is room in the box, run coax to the lighting. Good Lord.