Filling Holes - Best Spackle Choice? Or, Joint Compound?

[rharman]

I have a number of holes to fill in drywall. Towel bars, etc.

There is a chance that the new mounting holes might partially overlap the filled holes so I want a good strong fill.

Looking for recommendations for the best spackle to use.

Or... I do have a fair amount of joint compound available. I know it takes longer to dry but that's not an issue. Is there a good reason to use (or, not use) joint compound in lieu of a good spackle?

Thanks.

 

[billconner]

I'd use joint compound but the setting kind, like Easysand 90 or faster. (If buying for your project, Easysand 20, but I usually have 90)

 

[Prospecter]

Joint compound is very workable, and easy to sand. Tap down the edges of holes so they are below the surface.

 

[Davefr]

I have a number of holes to fill in drywall. Towel bars, etc.

There is a chance that the new mounting holes might partially overlap the filled holes so I want a good strong fill.

Looking for recommendations for the best spackle to use.

Or... I do have a fair amount of joint compound available. I know it takes longer to dry but that's not an issue. Is there a good reason to use (or, not use) joint compound in lieu of a good spackle?

Thanks.

If you're expecting mounting strength from the filler forget it. Either use toggle bolts, jack nuts, self drilling metal anchors and/or stagger the mounting. Towel bars get abusing and there's not enough strength even when using ordinary plastic anchors.

For general hole patching, setting compound with a top layer of topping or joint compound tends to work best. Vancouver carpenters you tube channel on drywall is excellent.

 

[Zeke]

Plus one on once a hole is drilled. another fastener won't go there. The fill will be a hard rock.

Light weight spackle up to 1/4", maybe more. Pre mix mud shrinks, hot mud shouldn't.

 

[Criss]

I'd use joint compound but the setting kind, like Easysand 90 or faster. (If buying for your project, Easysand 20, but I usually have 90)

hot mud, easysand 20 gives a nice work time. I personally like the 5 minute but you have to work fast. A little trick mix in a little carpenters glue.

 

[Shiftless]

hot mud, easysand 20 gives a nice work time. I personally like the 5 minute but you have to work fast. A little trick mix in a little carpenters glue.

The secret is out. I thought just a few of us knew about mixing white glue in with the water that you use to mix with the “hot” drywall compound. I’m not very fast anymore so I stay away from the 5 minute mud.

 

[xjfish]

I have recently used spackle to fill 1000+ small ceiling tile nail holes. Mudded many other imperfections. I've mixed and matched both. Have also been confused on best applications...

 

[nadogail]

It depends on what I have available and the size of the opening, a little caulk has filled a lot of holes.

 

[rharman]

If you're expecting mounting strength from the filler forget it. Either use toggle bolts, jack nuts, self drilling metal anchors and/or stagger the mounting. Towel bars get abusing and there's not enough strength even when using ordinary plastic anchors.

For general hole patching, setting compound with a top layer of topping or joint compound tends to work best. Vancouver carpenters you tube channel on drywall is excellent.

I don't expect a ton of strength from the filler. Just something more than you'd get from the typical lightweight spackle. Turns out the holes won't overlap after all.

I was pleasantly surprised the new towel bars came with something better than the normal cheesy round tension anchors.

I have some better anchors - Cobra, I think. Need to dig them out and see how they might work.

 

[royalegaragedoors]

Joint compound is good for tapping and finishing drywall, whereas a spackle is a better option for filling holes. You can choose a 3M patch plus primer or DAP DryDex spackling.

 

[Mandres]

I like drydex for filling holes. It's easy to work with, no mixing no buckets no cleanup. Use the handle of your knife to dent each hole so it fills up instead of sitting proud of the surrounding sheetrock

 

[rharman]

Just to close this out...

The smallest EasySand I could find would have lasted me about 20 lifetimes!

So, I settled on this. I liked that it was labeled "High Strength" as opposed to "Lightweight".
I have to say that I'm really happy with it. It goes on easily and fills well.
It definitely dries harder but sands very well. I had to do a second skim coat on just a few locations.
Easily 75% finished fine with one application.
The color change is a nice feature. Saves a lot of time waiting to ensure it's dry.