Fixing a Hole in a Wall

Instruction for Fixing a Hole in a Wall

Documentation

Kathleen M. Rey

IT 510

Design Project Checkpoint #3

Southern IllinoisUniversity at Edwardsville

December 9, 2008

Goal Analysis:

Topic

This unit is designed to give direction on how to fix a hole in a wall that is built out of drywall. It will take the learner through all of the procedural steps which include to: 1) Identify and Collect Tools of the Project; 2) Discuss Safety of Tool Usage; 3) Cut the Hole in the Wall; 4) Cut the Inlay; 5) Secure Anchor inside the Wall; 6) Insert Inlay into the Hole; 7) Mud and Tape; 8) Texture the Wall

Problem Identification

Having a home in need of repair can cause problems for the homeowner. Specifically, having a hole in the wall can lead to energy loss and, depending on the location of the hole, it can be an invitation for pests to enter the home. Also, having undesirable aesthetics inside or outside of the home will lower property value.

The current state of our economy is requiring that Americans cut corners and find more cost-effective ways to live. A side-effect of the faltering economy is a poor housing market. In this buyer’s market, the seller must pay extra attention to detail. Anything that will take away from the perfection of the home can lead a potential buyer to look elsewhere. Another downfall is the rising energy costs. Having a hole in a wall leads to increase in need for heat and a/c as a direct result of the hole. This in turn, would mean that more energy is used and a higher utility bill. Still another issue in this economy is less disposableincome. Fixing repairs in the home is one way to avoid spending money needlessly. Repairpersons of any field will charge labor and inflated cost of parts. “Do-it-yourselfers” will find that money will not be spent needlessly.

I met with the SME for this project in early September. Numan “Pete” Posey has personally built four of his own homes, from the ground up. He has been building and repairing homes most of his life. He has assisted in maintaining churches he has been a member as well as many family and friends’ home. Pete has a reputation in the Waterloo, IL and surrounding area as someone to call upon for assistance in home repair.

In our initial meeting, we evaluated a real hole in a wall that needed repair. The SME brought tools and materials to the site of the hole and we discussed what would need to be done. It was the first overview and verbal summary of the task analysis. Every week, I met with the SME to further complete the task analysis. Following each session, the task analysis was evaluated for accuracy. The project was completed a second time on a mock wall to take more pictures and test for accuracy.

This instructional unit is designed for an individual, with little or no experience in home repair, to effectively repair a hole in a wall made of drywall. It was created and designed with the learner in mind. The learner should be able to complete the step-by-step task without seeking assistance from another source.

Set Goals

Learner will know how to fix a hole in a wall.

Refined Goals

Learner will know how to fix a hole in a wall.

Learner will know about tools used for the project.

Rank Goals:
A.Learner will know about tools used for the project.

B. Learner will know how to fix a hole in a wall.

Objectives for Refined Goals

Goal Statement:A:Learner will know about the tools used for the project.

Objective #1: Given all the tools of this task, the learner will identify each tool and list its purpose with 100% accuracy.

Objective #2: Given all the tools for this task, the learner will select tools which require extra attention to safety and why, with 100% accuracy.Fact/Recall

Goal Statement: B: Learner will know how to fix a hole in the wall.

Objective #1: Given a pencil, square, and measuring tape, the learner will draw a rectangular shape around the hole in the wall so that no part of the rectangular shape being drawn exceeds the perimeter of the hole in the wall by more than ½ inch.

Objective #2: Given a pencil, square, measuring tape, and handsaw, the learner will cut a rectangular shaped hole larger than the original hole in the wall, so that no part of the drywall being trimmed will be more than ½ inch from the outlying perimeter of the original hole in the wall.

Objective #3: Given a drywall scrap, pencil, square, and measuring tape, the learner will draw the inlay so that the inlay has the exact same perimeter measurements as the hole in the wall.

Objective #4: Given the drywall scrap with the inlay outline drawn on it, a hand saw, and cutting surface, the learner will cut the inlay so that the inlay will fit in the hole with less than a 1/16 inch gap around the perimeter.

Objective #5: Given a 1x2 piece of wood, measuring tape and pencil, the learner will measure, mark and cut the wood so that its length is 4 inches longer than the measurement of the height of the rectangular hole in the wall.

Objective #6: Given the 1x2 piece of wood that is cut 4 inches longer than the height of the hole in the wall, drywall screws and a screwdriver, the learner will secure the anchor to the inside of the wall vertically so that the anchor does not move.

Objective #7: Given the inlay, drywall screws and screwdriver, the learner will secure the inlay into the hole in the wall so that the inlay fits as a puzzle piece and will not move when touched.

Objective #8: Given drywall mud, 4 pieces of drywall tape (2 measuring the same as the vertical sides of the hole and 2 measuring the same as the horizontal sides of the hole)and the putty knife, the learner will position and attach the tape to the wall along the perimeter of the hole/inlay with the mud so that the tape remains in place and the mud is smooth on the wall.

Objective #9: After the mud has dried and given the sand block and sandpaper the learner will sand the dry mud on the wall so that the surface where the mud was placed and the surface of the wall are smooth.

Objective #10: Given a can of wall texture the learner will spray the texture on the location of the former hole in the wall so that it matches the entire wall.

Learner Analysis

General Characteristics:

Male or female homeowner

At least 18 years of age

High School Diploma or above

No experience in home repair

Specific Characteristics:

Sixth grade reading level

Ability to perform basic math concerning measuring

Ability use simple, man-powered tools

General knowledge of home repair tools and their usage

Able to work independently

Ability to stand

Have good manual dexterity; has use of both hands

Have fine-motor skills; ability to manipulate tiny objects with fingertips

Task Analysis

IDENTIFY TOOLS/MATERIALS AND FOR WHAT EACH IS USED

Square: Tool used to make a straight line or perfect corners.

Pencil: Writing instrument with lead; can be erased using eraser.

Drywall Saw: Saw specifically used for cutting drywall. Has a point on the tip to puncture drywall. Can come in different sizes but any sizes will do.

Measuring Tape: Tool used for measuring length.

Hand Saw: Saw about 2 ½ feet long designed for cutting with only human power.

Saw Horse: Tool used in this design for cutting at hip height. Used to secure wood and allow room for the hand saw to have freedom to work.

Piece of Wood: Scrap wood long measuring 4 inches longer than the vertical measurement of the rectangular inlay, when cut. Rule of thumb: since these instructions are for a hole measuring a foot or smaller, have a scrap that is at least 16 inches long.

Sheetrock Screws Measuring 2 inches: Screws specifically used for securing drywall (also known as sheetrock) to wood braces inside a wall.

Screwdriver: Hand tool used to turn in screws.

Dry Wall Scrap (Larger than the Hole): Dry wall is the material that most walls are made of. It comes in sheets 4 feet by 8 feet and is ½ inch wide. Ask for help at the hardware store that you buy it from. You will only need a piece large enough to fit the hole.

Dry Wall Inlay: The piece of drywall that is cut from the drywall scrap. It is cut within ¼ of an inch smaller both vertically and horizontally compared to the size of the hole in the wall. It is a “puzzle piece” that will fill the hole in the wall.

Scissors: Tool with two crossed pivoting blades and a handle.

Dry Wall Tape: Material used to connect seams in drywall.

Dry Wall Mud: Mud-like compound used to fuse drywall together as well as covering the drywall tape to make the surface of the hole blend with the rest of the wall.

Putty Knife: Handheld tool with a dull edge resembling the edge of a knife. Used to spread drywall mud evenly to the surface of the wall.

400 Grit Sandpaper: Strips of rough-surfaced paper used to take the rough edges off of the wall that are left by the drywall mud after it dries.

Sandblock: Tool that holds sandpaper.

Texturizer: Spray used to blend the surface of the hole with the surface of the rest of the wall.

ATTENTION: You will need to do your best to match this the first time. Before buying this at the hardware store, look at your wall surface. Is it smooth? Does it resemble the surface of an orange? Does it look like sand? You will need a mental picture when seeking help at the store to find the right texture for your project.

DISCUSS SAFETY OF TOOL USAGE

Square: Keep corners and edges away from you and others.

Do not run while carrying.

Drywall Saw: Always be sure to hold the saws in a manner that the jagged edges of the cutting edges are held away from you or anyone else.

Measuring Tape: Be careful not to allow the tape to retract into the case on its own, it may snap back, causing injury. Always retract it manually.

Hand Saw: Keep the cutting edge positioned away from you and others.

Do not run while carrying.

Saw Horse: Use caution when putting materials onto the saw horse. Balancing materials so they don’t fall is important so the saw horses don’t fall, causing materials and tools on the cutting surface to fall.

Two Inch Sheet Rock Screws: Make sure screws are in a container when not using so that they don’t fall on the ground so you or others step on them.

Screwdriver: Always be sure to hold the screwdriver in a manner so that the end opposite the handle is held away from you or anyone else.

Scissors: Keep the tip positioned away from you and others. Hold the scissors closed when carrying. Don’t run while carrying.

Dry Wall Mud: Poisonous. Do not ingest.

Putty Knife: Keep edge positioned away from you and others.Do not run while carrying.

400 Grit Sandpaper: Handle carefully; keep rough surface away from you and others.

Texturizer: Avoid ingestion and inhaling; use in vented area.

CUTTING THE HOLE

Drawing an Outline to Cut:

The best shape of hole to work with is a rectangular-shaped hole. Since it is easier to measure a rectangle than a random-shaped hole, you will be first measuring and cutting a rectangular-shaped hole around the existing hole. Then you will cut an inlay that will fit inside of it.

You will first use a square, measuring tape and pencil to draw the outline of the hole that you will cut.
Eyeball the perimeter of the hole. Vertically and horizontally, identify the points on top, bottom, left, and right which are the furthest from the center of the hole.
Position the measuring tape ½ inch out at each of these points. Make a pencil mark.
VISUAL CUE: You will need to have a corner of the wall to use as a guide for the next step. Choose whichever is closest: the top of the wall or a corner of the wall. Do not choose the floor, as this will not be level so you will not have a perfect rectangle when finished with this step. For the purposes of this manual, we will use the “corner” of the wall as our guide.
Measure from the corner of the wall to each mark made on each side horizontally on the outside of the hole. Make a note of the measurements. Move the tape measure up or down from the original marks. Make two more marks on the wall at the same measurements from the corner.
You will now be drawing vertical lines on the wall be connecting the marks that you have made.
With your non-dominant hand, place the square vertically, connecting one pair of marks. With your dominant hand, draw a line. Repeat with the other pair of marks.
Align the square with the line on the left and the mark on the top of the hole.
VISUAL CUE: Make sure that you don’t cover your pencil marks. You should have the mark next to the square, but not covered.
With your non-dominant hand, hold the square securely, so that it doesn’t move. With your dominant hand, draw a line above the hole. Repeat this procedure for the bottom line, connecting the marks you made above.
Check your work. You should have a rectangle drawn on your wall which is slightly larger than the hole in the wall. This is the outline of the hole that you will cut.

Cutting the Hole:

The following procedure will be repeated for all four sides of the outline you just drew around the hole. You will end up with a new hole in the wall, which will be a rectangular shape.

Place the drywall saw in your dominant hand.
Place the saw so that the tip of the saw it pointing at a corner of the rectangle.
Push the tip of the drywall saw through the wall with just enough pressure to go through the wall. The saw will be aligned with an edge of the rectangular outline on the wall and pointing toward another corner on the outline.
Angle the saw slightly (so that a45º angle is created with the saw blade and the wall) Begin to move the saw back and forth, cutting away drywall. It is more important to move back and forth and let the saw do the work, than it is to apply a lot of pressure.
Visual Cue: Use the pencil markings as a guide. You want to cut the hole so that the pencil markings stay visible on the wall. This will make sure that the cut you are making is straight and when you make the inlay (below), your measurements will be consistent with the hole.
Continue to put pressure on the saw and move it back and forth, cutting the drywall until the saw reaches the next corner of the outline on the wall. Then, stop.
Remove the saw by gently pulling it out of the wall. You may need to gently rock it back and forth while pulling it out.
Keeping the saw at the corner where you removed it, turn it 90º and face it toward the next corner in the pattern.
Push the tip of the drywall saw into the wall, facing it toward the next corner.
Repeat the steps until there is a rectangular hole in the wall.

MAKE A DRYWALL INLAY

Draw the Inlay:

Using the measurements from the hole, you will draw an inlay on the dry wall scrap that is the same size as the hole. When it is cut, it will be snug, but fit inside the hole. For consistency, the example in this manual will be a rectangle that measures 6 ¾ inches vertically by 5 ¾ inches horizontally.

Place the square on the drywall scrap and place the measuring tape over the edge of the square. Make two markings next to the edge of the square that measure 6 ¾ inches apart. Remove the measuring tape and using the edge of the square, draw a straight line by “connecting the dots” drawn on the scrap.
Make sure the line is drawn straight.
Pick up the square and turn it to create a 90º angle with the first side, made above.
VISUAL CUE: You need to line up the edge of the square with the end of the line you drew.
Hold it firmly on the drywall. You will be making the second side (horizontal side) of the rectangle.
Using the end of the first side of the rectangle, place the measuring tape against the square and measure the distance of the horizontal edge of the hole. For our example, we will be using 5 ¾ inches. Make a marking.
Remove the measuring tape but leave the square on the drywall.
Visual Cue: Make sure that one side of the square is flush with the first line you drew, and the other side of the square is correctly lined up with the marking made in the step above.
Draw the second side (horizontal side) of the rectangular inlay.
Pick up the square and turn it to create a 90º angle with the second side of the rectangle. Hold it firmly on the drywall. You will be making the third side (vertical side) of the rectangle.
Using the end of the second side of the rectangle, place the measuring tape against the square and make a mark at 6 ¾ inches.
Remove the measuring tape but leave the square on the drywall.
Making sure that one side of the square is flush with the second line you drew, and the other side of the square is correctly lined up with the marking made in the
Checkpoint: You are now going to draw the last side of the rectangular inlay. First measure to see if the two lines that are not yet connected are the correct distance apart. When the distance is measured for our example, it should be 5 ¾ inches.
Turn the square so that it makes a 90º with the third side of the inlay. Line up the edge of the square that is pointing toward the 1st side of the rectangle and is touching the edge of that side. Hold the square firmly on the drywall and draw the final side of the rectangle inlay.
Checkpoint: Remeasure the sides of the inlay. Make sure they are the same as the hole in the wall.

Cutting the Inlay: