Removing drywall anchors can seem like a tricky task, especially if you don’t want to damage your walls. Whether you’re rearranging wall hangings or upgrading hardware, getting those anchors out is essential for a clean, professional finish. If you’ve ever found yourself staring at an unsightly hole left behind by an anchor, you’re not alone. Luckily, there are tried-and-true methods to remove drywall anchors like a pro, ensuring your walls remain in great shape with minimal damage.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down various methods to remove different types of drywall anchors and offer expert advice on repairing and patching your walls afterward. By following these steps, you’ll learn the best practices for drywall anchor removal, leaving your walls ready for whatever comes next.
Tools You’ll Need for Drywall Anchor Removal
To remove drywall anchors like a pro, you’ll need a few essential tools. These tools can help ensure that you can extract the anchor cleanly without causing unnecessary damage to the surrounding drywall.
Basic Tools:
- Screwdriver (flathead or Phillips, depending on the anchor type)
- Needle-nose pliers or regular pliers
- Utility knife
- Putty knife
- Drywall spackle or joint compound
- Sandpaper (fine-grit, around 120-150 grit)
- Touch-up paint (to match your wall color)
- Drill (optional, depending on the method)
Having these tools on hand will make the anchor removal process smoother and ensure that your repair work looks flawless.
Remove Different Types of Drywall Anchors Like a Pro
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for removing drywall anchors because each type of anchor may require a different technique. Below, we’ll go over the most common methods based on the type of drywall anchor you’re dealing with.
Removing Plastic Expansion Anchors
Plastic expansion anchors are the most common type used in drywall. They expand inside the drywall when a screw is inserted, providing a secure hold.
Step-by-Step Method:
- Unscrew the Screw: If the anchor still has a screw in it, use a screwdriver to remove it. This will free up space around the anchor.
- Pry It Out with a Screwdriver: Insert the tip of a flathead screwdriver under the lip of the anchor. Gently pry it out by twisting the screwdriver.
- Use Needle-Nose Pliers: If the anchor doesn’t come out easily, switch to needle-nose pliers. Grip the anchor tightly and pull it straight out. Be patient and avoid twisting, as this can damage the drywall.
- Smooth the Hole: After removing the anchor, use a utility knife or sandpaper to clean up the rough edges around the hole.
Removing Molly Bolts
Molly bolts are metal anchors that expand behind the drywall, making them very strong. Removing them can be trickier than plastic anchors, but with the right method, it’s manageable.
Step-by-Step Method:
- Unscrew the Bolt: Use a screwdriver to remove the bolt from the anchor.
- Push the Anchor In: Unlike other anchors, molly bolts can’t always be pulled out cleanly. The best method is to tap the anchor head lightly with a hammer to push it through the drywall. Once inside, it will fall behind the drywall.
- Patch the Hole: Use drywall spackle or joint compound to fill the hole left by the molly bolt. Once it’s dry, sand the surface smooth and apply touch-up paint.
Removing Toggle Bolts
Toggle bolts use a set of metal wings that expand behind the drywall. These are generally used for heavier loads and require a different approach for removal.
Step-by-Step Method:
- Unscrew the Bolt: First, remove the screw from the toggle. The wings behind the wall will fall loose once the screw is removed.
- Push the Toggle Inside: You can’t pull toggle bolts back through the wall due to the wings. Instead, push the rest of the toggle bolt into the wall cavity.
- Patch the Hole: Toggle bolts leave a larger hole than most other anchors. After pushing the toggle into the wall, patch the hole using drywall spackle. You may need to apply multiple layers to cover the hole fully.
Removing Threaded Drywall Anchors
Threaded anchors, also known as self-drilling anchors, screw directly into the drywall. They provide a strong hold and are easier to remove than some other types of anchors.
Step-by-Step Method:
- Unscrew the Anchor: In many cases, you can simply use a screwdriver to reverse the anchor out of the wall, much like unscrewing a regular screw.
- Pry It Out: If the anchor doesn’t easily unscrew, use a flathead screwdriver to pry it out gently, or use needle-nose pliers to pull it out.
- Repair the Hole: As always, smooth the hole with a utility knife, apply spackle, and sand down the patch once it’s dry.
Patching and Repairing the Drywall After Anchor Removal
After you’ve successfully removed the drywall anchors, you’ll likely be left with holes or minor damage to the drywall. Proper patching is crucial to restore the appearance of your walls, especially if you plan to paint or install new fixtures.
Steps to Patch the Hole:
Step 1: Clean the Hole
After removing the anchor, use a utility knife to trim any loose drywall or rough edges around the hole.
Step 2: Apply Drywall Spackle
Using a putty knife, apply drywall spackle or joint compound over the hole. For larger holes, you may need to apply several layers. Allow each layer to dry fully before adding another.
Step 3: Sand Smooth
Once the spackle is completely dry, use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth the surface. Make sure it’s flush with the surrounding drywall to ensure an even finish.
Step 4: Paint
Once the patch is smooth, touch up the area with paint to match your wall color. For best results, apply two coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry before adding the next.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Removing Drywall Anchors
Knowing how to remove drywall anchors like a pro means not only understanding the right techniques but also avoiding common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Rushing the Job: Take your time when removing anchors. Rushing can lead to excessive damage to the drywall, making more patching necessary.
- Twisting the Anchor: Don’t twist anchors when pulling them out, as this can cause the hole to enlarge or tear the drywall paper.
- Not Using the Right Tools: Using improper tools, like a dull knife or incorrect screwdriver size, can make the job harder and damage the wall.
- Skipping the Patch: Always patch the holes left by drywall anchors. Leaving holes open can weaken the structure of the wall and create unsightly blemishes.
Conclusion: Mastering Drywall Anchor Removal
Learning how to remove drywall anchors like a pro is an essential skill for anyone working with drywall, whether you’re a DIYer or a professional contractor. By following the methods outlined above and using the proper tools, you can easily remove anchors from drywall with minimal damage and ensure your walls are ready for their next use.
The key to successful anchor removal lies in being patient, using the correct method for the type of anchor, and patching and repairing the drywall afterward. With these expert tips, you’ll be able to handle any drywall anchor removal job confidently and professionally.