How to Fix Small Holes in Walls: Patch Nail, Screw & Tiny Drywall Holes Fast
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- How to fix small holes in walls
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If you’ve ever taken a picture off the wall and thought, *“I’ll deal with that later,”* you’re not alone. Nail holes, screw holes, and little drywall dings show up fast—and once you notice them, they’re hard to ignore. The good news? Most small holes in walls are easy to fix. You don’t need fancy tools, and you don’t need to be a pro. And if you’d rather not deal with it at all, that’s where Handyman Home Doctor comes in. Let’s walk through how to fix small holes in walls the simple, no-stress way.
First Things First: What Kind of Hole Is It?
Before you start filling anything, take a quick look at the hole. The fix depends on how big it is.
Tiny nail holes from pictures or décor
Screw holes where something heavier was mounted
Small drywall holes from door handles or minor bumps
Once you know what you’re dealing with, the repair is pretty straightforward.
What You Actually Need (No Overkill)
You don’t need a garage full of tools. Most small wall repairs can be done with:
- Spackle or drywall filler
- Joint compound (for slightly bigger holes)
- A putty knife
- Fine sandpaper
- A damp rag
- A little leftover paint
That’s it. If someone tells you it’s more complicated than that, they’re overthinking it.
Fixing Small Nail Holes (The Easy Win)
Nail holes are the easiest and fastest to fix.
- Wipe the area clean so dust doesn’t get in the way.
- Press a small amount of spackle into the hole.
- Smooth it out so it’s level with the wall.
- Let it dry (usually not long).
- Lightly sand and touch up with paint.
Once it’s painted, you won’t even remember where the hole was.
How to Fix Screw Holes Without It Looking Obvious
Screw holes are a little bigger and sometimes a bit rough around the edges. Start by scraping off any loose drywall paper.
Then push drywall filler into the hole and smooth it out with your putty knife. If the hole is deep, don’t rush it—two thin layers are better than one thick one.
After it dries, sand it lightly. When you run your hand over it, and it feels flat, you’re good to paint. This is the trick to fixing screw holes without seeing a “bump” later.
Patching Tiny Drywall Holes
For holes a bit bigger than a screw head, joint compound works best. Press it into the hole, smooth it out, and let it dry fully.
You may need a second thin coat to get it perfectly flat. Once it’s dry, sand lightly and paint. The key here is patience. Rushing drywall repair is how you end up fixing the same spot twice.
A Quick Word About Sanding
Sanding drywall repair doesn’t need to be aggressive. In fact, most people sand too hard. Use light pressure. Check your work often.
If it feels smooth when you close your eyes and run your hand over it, it’ll look smooth once it’s painted. Wipe away dust before painting—this one step makes a bigger difference than people realize.
Common Mistakes We See All the Time
After years of handyman work, here are the biggest mistakes homeowners make:
- Using too much filler and skipping sanding
- Painting before the patch is fully dry
- Forgetting to clean the area first
- Trying to fix multiple holes in a rush
Slow down just a bit, and the repair will blend right in.
When It’s Easier to Call a Handyman to Fix Small Holes in Walls
Sometimes fixing small holes isn’t about skill—it’s about time. If you’ve got holes all over the house, walls that need repainting, or you’re getting ready to move or sell, calling a handyman saves a lot of hassle.
Handyman Home Doctor takes care of small wall damage fixes quickly and cleanly, so you don’t have to worry about uneven patches or touch-up paint that doesn’t match.
Let Handyman Home Doctor Fix Small Holes in Walls
Small holes might not seem like a big deal, but they can make a room feel unfinished. Whether it’s one nail hole or a dozen drywall patches, Handyman Home Doctor gets it done right—no mess, no stress.
If you’d rather spend your time doing something else, give us a call. We’ll take care of the holes so you don’t have to think about them again – contact us now.

