Learning how to get anchors out of drywall is an essential part of basic home maintenance for both homeowners and renters alike.
Time A few minutes
ComplexityBeginner
CostFree
Introduction
Learn how to remove drywall anchors like a pro. We'll show you easy ways to deal with stubborn anchors with minimal damage to the wall.
It’s time to move, the house has sold, or maybe you’re in the middle of home renovation. Either way, it’s time to remove some old drywall anchors and patch up their holes. For the most part, drywall anchors will pop right out, but sometimes they settle in and don’t want to leave their cozy home. Here are four methods for removing that pesky drywall anchor that just won’t go.
Tools Required
- Hammer
- Needle-nose pliers
- Putty knife
- Screwdrivers
- Utility knife
Materials Required
- 150-grit sandpaper
- Damp rag
- Drywall compound
Project step-by-step (6)
Step 1
Remove screw in drywall anchor
For all of these methods, no matter what kind of drywall anchors you are trying to remove, it’s important to pull out the screw that is in place first. If your wall is riddled with toggle bolts, this step alone will cause the anchor to fall into the wall cavity, and its hole will be ready for patching.
Step 2
Unscrew it with a screwdriver
Start by trying to unscrew the drywall anchor using a screwdriver. This is the best method for removing self-drilling anchors, but it often works on expansion anchors, too.
- Take the screwdriver and push it into the head of the anchor (you can use a hammer to tap it in, if necessary).
- Rotate the screwdriver counterclockwise to pull out the anchor.
Step 3
Pull it out with a pliers
My preferred technique for removing expansion anchors is to grasp the anchor head with needle-nose pliers and apply a rocking motion while pulling. This method typically works well for most anchors. However, if you frequently use drywall anchors and encounter one that won’t budge, it’s best to try an alternative approach to avoid causing additional wall damage.
Step 4
Recess the anchor
If an anchor is holding on tightly, you might need to give up on it and push it into the wall cavity or at least sink the anchor head into the drywall so you can patch over it.
- If possible, cut the head off of the anchor with a utility knife. Pull it out slightly with pliers for easier access to the head if you can.
- With a screwdriver and a hammer, hammer the anchor through the drywall until it falls into the wall cavity.
- If the anchor is not moving, grab a larger screwdriver with a flathead tip that spans the entire diameter of the anchor and hammer it until the top of the anchor is about 1/16-inch deep into the surface of the drywall. That will be deep enough to patch over it.
Step 5
Patch drywall anchor hole
No matter what method you use to remove an old anchor, a hole will always be left over to patch. Use the following method to clean up your wall.
- Make sure the drywall isn’t bulged around the hole. Do this by lightly hammering around the hole or recessed anchor with a hammer or the end of the drywall spatula.
- Use a slightly damp cloth to wipe drywall dust off of the wall.
- Using a putty knife, fill the hole with drywall compound. Sweep over the hole or recessed anchor with an X motion at a 45-degree angle. This will help the putty fill in the hole completely. Slightly overfill the hole with drywall compound to allow for shrinkage. Let it dry. Refer to the compound used for the recommended drying time period.
- Once dry, sand the putty with 150-grit sandpaper.
- Wipe off the drywall dust and touch up the wall paint.
Step 6
FAQs
Can you reuse drywall anchors?
Yes, if they are removed correctly and are not showing signs of becoming brittle. However, since anchors are meant to be a permanent solution for hanging heavy materials, it is recommended to always use a new anchor that is suited for the project.
Is it OK to reuse screws?
Yes, you can reuse screws as long as the screw hasn’t lost it’s original shape and is completely intact.
Is it bad to drill too many holes in a wall?
Rarely does a wall collapse because of too many holes in the wall. When drilling holes extensively in a wall, the primary worry is the heightened risk of encountering electrical wires or plumbing pipes.
