[miamicuse]

I am deprecating a set of four ceiling recessed lights. The fixtures have already been removed and I just need to patch the 4 holes.


Ceiling is 5/8" sheetrock.


If this is a wall I would normally cut a square hole, attach two wood furring strips behind the hole and fill in a piece of square sheet rock, tape and mud.


With it being a round hole, I can cut four round pieces to patch. However, how would you tape a circular gap? Do you just make say 8 short pieces in an octagonal pattern? I could square cut it but I just really hate cutting upside down with the gypsum dust raining down.

 

[Nealtw]

Yes you can just use short pieces of paper or use pieces side by side with the center one going right across the middle

 

[mark sr]

They also make a wider mesh tape for repairs. Mesh tape should always be locked down with a coat of setting compound. it might be easier to cut the hole square and then cut out square patch pieces than to cut the right size round piece.

 

[ZTMAN]

I find it easier to cut the patch larger than the hole I am patching, trace the patch on the cieling and then cut the hole bigger to match the patch.

In this case, I would not try to cut a circle. I would cut a square.

As far as the dust raining down, I have my wife hold the shop vac while I am cutting. Sucks up most of the particles. Most of the times she assists me she even gets the benefit of learning some new words.

 

[ront02769]

Really simple to turn a circular cutout into a square with a utility knife without making too much of a mess.....and you really only need the firring on two sides.

 

[mark sr]

I make those types of patches often but would suspect one that large to pull away from the ceiling with just mud to hold it. You could still use that method if you placed a strip of wood inside the hole to attach the patch piece to and hold it while the mud sets.

 

[Nealtw]

If you have the right size hole saw making the patch is easy.

 

[miamicuse]

Yes the reason I prefer to do the circular patch is because I have the hole saw to quickly make the circular cut.


So it comes down to really two choices - do I want to square cut looking up and deal with the dust, or do I want to use a hole saw outdoors to drill out the circles to patch.


I think the hole saw cut is easier. Plus I have to do it four times if I square cut chances are I will end up with slightly different squares for each.

 

[Nealtw]

Yes the reason I prefer to do the circular patch is because I have the hole saw to quickly make the circular cut.


So it comes down to really two choices - do I want to square cut looking up and deal with the dust, or do I want to use a hole saw outdoors to drill out the circles to patch.


I think the hole saw cut is easier. Plus I have to do it four times if I square cut chances are I will end up with slightly different squares for each.

Trim the hair around the edge of the patch and hole that the saw makes. I just use one screw in the center hole.

 

[laouskelr]

thanks for this will surley try this