There are several ways to fill holes in walls, depending on the size of the hole. Here are some methods:

• Tiny nail and screw holes: Use a putty knife to fill them with spackling or wall joint compound. Allow the area to dry, then sand lightly.

• Small holes between 1/2 and 11/2 in. diameter: Bridge the gap with a piece of adhesive-backed fiberglass mesh. Cut a piece of fiberglass mesh to overlap the hole by at least 1 in. on all sides. Peel off the paper backing and press the mesh to the wall. Apply a thin layer of joint compound over the mesh, feathering the edges. Allow the area to dry, then sand lightly.

• Holes ranging from 11/2 to 6 in. diameter: Bridge the gap with a drywall patch. Cut a piece of drywall slightly larger than the hole. Hold the patch over the hole and trace around it with a pencil. Cut along the traced lines with a drywall saw. Insert the patch into the hole and secure it with screws. Apply a thin layer of joint compound over the patch, feathering the edges. Allow the area to dry, then sand lightly.

• Drywall screw holes: Use joint compound to fill the hole. Apply a small amount of joint compound to the hole with a putty knife, then use the knife to smooth the surface. Allow the area to dry, then sand lightly.

• Other types of holes: For other types of holes, such as those caused by larger objects or damage to the drywall, the repair process may be more involved. This may involve cutting out the affected area and covering the hole with a drywall patch.