It doesn’t matter if you’re Bob Vila or Bob the Builder — drilling into drywall creates a major mess. Those tiny specks of dust and debris can easily scatter around the room and are a nightmare to clean up. But there is a surprisingly simple way to keep the mess contained, and all you’ll need…
Grab a Post-It, Posthaste
Post-it notes are more than just a convenient way to jot down a quick note at work; they’re also very useful for catching the mess when you’re drilling into drywall. Here’s how it works: Take a single Post-it note and stick it onto the drywall about an inch below where you plan to drill. Then, fold the bottom half of the note up and away from the wall, creasing it in the middle to create a tiny folded shelf that hangs on the wall.
As you drill, the Post-it note should catch all of the tiny shavings before they ever hit the ground. Once you’re done, carefully unstick the note and throw it all in the trash — it’s that simple.
Other Sticky Solutions
If you don’t have a Post-it note handy, there are a few other options you can try. For instance, you can use painter’s tape, which sticks to the drywall without causing damage. Take a 6-inch piece of tape and fold it in half lengthwise so it forms a “V” shape. Then, press the folded edge of the “V” against the wall, just under your drilling spot. The bottom strip of sticky tape will hold it in place, while the top strip sticks out to create a little shelf that catches falling drywall dust.
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Alternatively, you can use a standard envelope. Grab a piece of masking tape or painter’s tape and affix the envelope to the wall so the open pouch will catch all the drywall shavings. All three of these methods follow the same logic, and it simply comes down to what sticky material you have around the house. If you’re not convinced, just think of all the time you’ll save on cleanup afterward. Now, get to drilling.
