Do you know anything about working with drywall and plaster? Basically the best way to shrink that hole is to remove any framework around the edge of the hole, I think I would then create the framework I want for the new access hole first to be sure it is of the correct size then just add in wall framing to support that frame. For your purposes probably two lengths of 2 by 4, one up each side of the new panel frame joined by lengths across top and bottom of the panel frame. If there is more than 16 inches space between this structure and the existing wall framing you might want another vertical. You might then scab a length of strapping to bring out the edge of the existing framing member to give you something to attach the drywall patch to at the edges and depending on what is at the bottom edge of the existing drywall, slide a length of strapping half way behind it and fix with screws through the drywall. Now you have something to fix a patch to all around the outer edge.
Cut and fit a patch of drywall to fill the hole, you might want to cut out the new panel opening but you could do that with a drywall saw after the patch is installed or even with one of those new spin saw router sort of tools. Screw the patch into place and get busy with tape and mud and mud and mud and sanding and dust and paint and trim out the hole and you are done. Dale Leavens, Cochrane Ontario Canada [EMAIL PROTECTED] Skype DaleLeavens Come and meet Aurora, Nakita and Nanook at our polar bear habitat. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Scott Howell" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, April 17, 2007 6:11 PM Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] replacing water supply valves > Sorry, its a drywall hole with a pannel covering it. Yes, the meter > etc. is on an exterior wall and its got some insulation backing it > up. The meter is now one that is read via radio, but it still has an > analog meter. Oddly enough, I had to loosen the meter setup and flip > it over so when I go to close the wall, I can then put a pannel back > over the hole. The town hired a contractor to install the meters and > he didn't pay attention to how much would hang out and prevent me > from putting a cover on it. I made them come out and correct the > problem, but they couldn't So, the town sent the engineer and he > wouldn't do much since he really couldn't cut pipe straps etc. So, > after he told me off the record I could do this and adjust things and > restrap, I did and problem solved. > So, the end result is to reduce the hole so you can easily reach the > valves, but not have this big hole, just a small access pannel deal. > > > Scott > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > > > To listen to the show archives go to link > http://acbradio.org/handyman.html > or > ftp://ftp.acbradio.org/acbradio-archives/handyman/ > > The Pod Cast address for the Blind Handy Man Show is. > http://www.acbradio.org/news/xml/podcast.php?pgm=saturday > > The Pod Cast address for the Cooking In The Dark Show is. > http://www.gcast.com/u/cookingindark/main.xml > > Visit The Blind Handy Man Files Page To Review Contributions From Various > List Members At The Following address: > http://www.jaws-users.com/handyman/ > > Visit the new archives page at the following address > http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ > For a complete list of email commands pertaining to the Blind Handy Man > list just send a blank message to: > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Yahoo! Groups Links > > > > To listen to the show archives go to link http://acbradio.org/handyman.html or ftp://ftp.acbradio.org/acbradio-archives/handyman/ The Pod Cast address for the Blind Handy Man Show is. http://www.acbradio.org/news/xml/podcast.php?pgm=saturday The Pod Cast address for the Cooking In The Dark Show is. http://www.gcast.com/u/cookingindark/main.xml Visit The Blind Handy Man Files Page To Review Contributions From Various List Members At The Following address: http://www.jaws-users.com/handyman/ Visit the new archives page at the following address http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ For a complete list of email commands pertaining to the Blind Handy Man list just send a blank message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/blindhandyman/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/blindhandyman/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
