Remove Drywall Anchors Like a Pro! (Easy Step-by-Step)

Removing Drywall Anchors Like a Pro! (Easy Step-by-Step)

This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions on successfully removing drywall anchors without damaging your walls. We’ll cover various types of anchors and the specific techniques for removing drywall anchors of each.

Understanding Drywall Anchors

Before diving into the removal process, it’s important to understand what drywall anchors are and why they’re used.

• Purpose: Drywall anchors provide support for screws in drywall, which is a relatively weak material. They distribute the weight of an object, preventing the screw from pulling directly through the drywall.

• Types: Several types of drywall anchors exist, each with its own removal method. Common types include:

  • Plastic Anchors: These are simple, inexpensive anchors usually used for lighter items.
  • Self-Drilling Anchors (also known as Self-Tapping): These anchors have a sharp point for easy insertion directly into the drywall.
  • Molly Bolts: These anchors expand behind the drywall, providing a strong hold for heavier objects.
  • Toggle Bolts: These anchors use a butterfly-like "toggle" that springs open behind the drywall, offering significant holding power.
  • Snap Toggles: A hybrid between a toggle bolt and a traditional anchor that offers both strength and ease of installation.

Essential Tools for Removing Drywall Anchors

Having the right tools will make the process of removing drywall anchors significantly easier and prevent unnecessary damage.

• Flathead Screwdriver: For prying and levering.
• Phillips Head Screwdriver: For removing screws from anchors.
• Utility Knife: For scoring around the anchor.
• Pliers: For gripping and pulling.
• Hammer: For gently tapping.
• Putty Knife: For applying patching compound.
• Drywall Patching Compound: For filling the hole after removing the anchor.
• Sandpaper: For smoothing the patched area.
• Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes from debris.

Step-by-Step Guide: Removing Different Types of Drywall Anchors

The method for removing drywall anchors varies depending on the anchor type. Follow the instructions below for each kind:

Removing Plastic Anchors

1. Remove the Screw: Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the screw from the anchor.

2. Try Pulling It Out: Using pliers, attempt to gently pull the anchor straight out. If it comes out easily, proceed to step 5.

3. Leverage if Needed: If the anchor is stuck, insert a flathead screwdriver between the anchor flange and the wall. Gently lever the anchor out, working around the circumference.

4. Cut Flush (Alternative): If the anchor refuses to budge without damaging the wall, use a utility knife to carefully cut the anchor flush with the drywall surface. The remaining portion will be filled over later.

5. Prepare for Patching: Clean any loose debris from the hole.

Removing Self-Drilling Anchors

1. Remove the Screw: Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the screw from the anchor.

2. Unscrew the Anchor: These anchors have sharp threads. Carefully use a Phillips head screwdriver to unscrew the anchor counter-clockwise until it comes completely out of the wall.

3. Avoid Forcing: If the anchor is resistant to unscrewing, try gently wiggling it as you turn. Forcing it can damage the drywall.

4. Prepare for Patching: Clean any loose debris from the hole.

Removing Molly Bolts

Molly bolts can be removed in a couple of ways:

• Method 1: Releasing the Bolt (Preferred)

  1. Loosen the Screw: Turn the screw counter-clockwise a few turns. Do not remove the screw completely!

  2. Tap the Screw Head: Gently tap the head of the screw with a hammer. This should cause the anchor to retract slightly.

  3. Pull the Anchor Out: Use pliers to grip the head of the screw and gently pull the entire anchor assembly out of the wall. It may require some force.

  4. Prepare for Patching: Clean any loose debris from the hole.

• Method 2: Cutting the Flange (Less Desirable)

  1. Remove the Screw: Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the screw from the anchor.

  2. Cut the Flange: Use a utility knife to carefully score around the edge of the flange (the part that sits flush against the wall).

  3. Push the Anchor In: Gently tap the flange with a hammer, pushing the entire anchor into the wall cavity. Note: This method leaves the anchor inside the wall. This is generally not recommended as it offers no structural integrity.

  4. Prepare for Patching: Patch the hole, ensuring you cover the opening completely.

Removing Toggle Bolts

Removing toggle bolts requires a specific approach:

1. Remove the Fixture: Detach the item that is attached to the wall via the toggle bolt.

2. Remove the Screw: Unscrew the bolt from the toggle. Do not push the toggle back into the wall cavity!

3. Pull Out the Toggle: Gently hold the toggle wings together and pull the bolt and toggle out of the hole. This may require some maneuvering to get the wings to align correctly.

4. If Toggle Falls Inside Wall: If the toggle falls inside the wall, there are two options:

   • Retrieve It: Use a bent wire or tool to try to fish the toggle out of the hole.
   • Leave It: If retrieval proves too difficult, leave the toggle inside the wall cavity. It won’t cause any harm but can rattle if disturbed.

5. Prepare for Patching: Clean any loose debris from the hole.

Removing Snap Toggles

These are removed similarly to toggle bolts but often come out easier as the "toggle" part is designed to break off easier.

1. Remove the Fixture: As with toggle bolts, detach the item secured to the wall.

2. Remove the Screw/Bolt: Completely remove the screw or bolt.

3. Pull Outwards: Gently pull the plastic strap part that remained outside of the wall. This might require some wiggling. The toggle piece inside the wall is designed to either come out with the strap, or break off, leaving it inside the wall.

4. Prepare for Patching: Clean the area and get ready to patch. If the toggle piece broke off inside the wall, don’t worry about it. It is designed to be left there.

Patching the Drywall

Once the anchor is removed, patching the hole is essential for restoring the wall’s appearance.

1. Clean the Area: Remove any loose debris or dust from around the hole.

2. Apply Patching Compound: Use a putty knife to apply a small amount of drywall patching compound to the hole. Overfill the hole slightly.

3. Smooth the Compound: Use the putty knife to smooth the compound, feathering the edges so they blend seamlessly with the surrounding wall.

4. Let it Dry: Allow the patching compound to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This typically takes 24 hours.

5. Sand the Patch: Once dry, use fine-grit sandpaper to lightly sand the patched area until it is smooth and flush with the surrounding wall.

6. Prime and Paint: Apply primer to the patched area, followed by paint that matches the existing wall color.

Preventing Future Damage

Here are some tips to prevent future drywall damage when hanging items:

• Use the Right Anchor: Choose an anchor appropriate for the weight of the object you are hanging.
• Find a Stud: If possible, hang items directly on a wall stud for maximum support. Use a stud finder to locate studs behind the drywall.
• Avoid Over-Tightening: Over-tightening screws can damage the drywall, even with an anchor.
• Consider Alternatives: For lightweight items, consider using adhesive hooks or strips as an alternative to drywall anchors.

And there you have it! Removing drywall anchor doesn’t have to be a pain, right? Hopefully, this helped you tackle that project. Good luck, and happy fixing!