Should You Tape or Not Tape? How to Fix Holes in Drywall the Right Way

Not Every Drywall Repair Needs Tape — But Some Absolutely Do

If you have a hole, crack, or dent in your wall, your first question might be: Do I need drywall tape for this?
The truth is, sometimes tape is essential for a lasting repair and other times it’s overkill.
Knowing the difference saves you time, money, and prevents doing the same repair twice.

This guide gives you an instant answer for every common drywall damage scenario, plus the tools, materials, and techniques to get a pro-level finish.

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Drywall Repair Cheat Sheet

Type of Damage	Tape Needed?	Why	Quick Fix Link
Large hole (2″+)	Yes	Prevents seam cracks where patch meets wall	Drywall Patching Guide
Long seam crack	Yes	Reinforces joint	Drywall Patching Guide
Tiny anchor hole	No	Compound fills fine without tape	What Size Wall Anchors to Use
Nail or screw pop	No	Fix comes from securing the fastener, not taping	How to Patch Nail Pops
Small dent or ding	No	Surface-level repair only	—
Hairline crack away from seam	No*	Tape if it comes back	—

When You Should Use Drywall Tape

1. Large Holes That Require a Patch

Holes bigger than 2 inches almost always need a patch and tape. Without tape, the joint between the patch and the existing drywall will crack over time.

How to do it:

Cut a piece of drywall to fit the hole snugly.
Secure with drywall screws or adhesive.
Apply fiberglass mesh tape over all seams before coating with joint compound.

Pro tip: A kit like the DAP Wall Repair Patch Kit has everything in one package.

Learn more: Full step-by-step in our Drywall Patching Guide.

2. Long Cracks or Corner Cracks

Cracks along seams or corners mean the original tape failed or the wall shifted. Retaping adds strength and prevents repeat cracks.

How to do it:

Remove loose compound and old tape.
Apply fresh compound, embed new paper drywall tape, and smooth it out.
Let dry fully before sanding.

For corners, preformed corner tape STRAIT-FLEX Original makes it easier to get crisp, straight lines.

When You Can Skip Drywall Tape

1. Tiny Anchor Holes

Small holes from screws or wall anchors can be filled without tape.

Best products:

3M High Strength Small Hole Repair — easy for beginners.
Flexible putty knife for a smooth finish.

Tip: If you are replacing the anchor, read our What Size Wall Anchors to Use to avoid making an oversized hole.

2. Nail Pops and Screw Pops

Patching over these without addressing the fastener will cause them to return, but tape is not the solution. The key is securing the drywall before patching.

How to do it:

Drive the nail or screw slightly below the surface.
Add a new screw 1–2 inches away for stability.
Cover both spots with lightweight joint compound.
Sand smooth, prime, and paint.

See our How to Patch Nail Pops and Drywall Cracks for a complete walkthrough.

3. Minor Dents and Surface Dings

Light impacts from furniture or daily wear only need compound and sanding.

Steps:

Fill dent with lightweight joint compound.
Sand smooth with a fine-grit sanding sponge.
Prime and paint to match.

4. Small Isolated Cracks Away from Seams

Hairline cracks in the middle of a wall are usually surface-level. Fill with compound and repaint.
If the crack returns, treat it as a seam crack and retape.

Step-by-Step for a Lasting Repair

Tape-Required Repair

Clean and prep the area.
Secure patch or joint.
Apply tape over seams.
Coat with joint compound in thin layers.
Sand between coats.
Prime and paint.

No-Tape Repair

Clean and slightly bevel edges of hole or dent.
Fill with compound or spackle.
Let dry and sand smooth.
Prime and paint.

Drywall Repair Kit Essentials

QILIMA Self-Adhesive Fiberglass Drywall Joint Mesh Tape, Fiber Mesh Crack Patch Wall Repair Fabric,2 Inch by 148 Feet White

$6.99