How to Fix Drywall Around a Light Socket

Hold the electronic stud finder along the wall on either side of the socket, noting when the finder's light turns a solid red.

Mark the approximate center spot of the stud to the left of the socket and the stud to the right of the socket, using the pencil. The stud behind the wall measures a couple inches thick, so the stud finder will remain lit for the same width. Mark the center of this width because that spot indicates the location of the edge of your replacement drywall.

Cut the drywall along the top and bottom of the socket in a straight line, using the metal ruler and the carpenter's knife. Make sure to cut all the way from the center of the left stud to the center of the right stud.

Unscrew the outer facing of the electric socket, using the screwdriver.

Remove the section of drywall from around the electric socket.

Measure the distance from the center of the left stud to the outer left edge of the electric socket, using the metal ruler. Make sure to mark the distance on the replacement drywall, using the pencil.

Measure the distance from the center of the right stud to the outer right edge of the electric socket, using the metal ruler. Make sure to mark the distance on the replacement drywall, using the pencil.

Draw cut marks on the drywall to match your measurements.

Cut a rectangular hole in the replacement drywall, using the pencil marks as guidelines.

Patch the hole with the replacement drywall.

Nail the replacement drywall into place using the drywall hammer and the drywall nails.

Apply drywall mud along the seam around the replacement drywall, using the putty knife.

Cover the mud with a single strip of drywall tape, smoothening it using the edge of the putty knife. Allow the mud to dry for 24 hours.

Screw the casing over the electric socket, using the screwdriver.