How to Remove Your Drywall Anchors

If you want to hang wine racks, artwork, sconces, or just about anything that weighs more than a sheet of paper on your walls, you’ll need to get familiar with drywall anchors. Available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, these devices help to create a firm fitting for whatever hangers you use. But once you get them in there, you may be wondering: how do I get them out?

Drywall anchors were designed to stay put, so getting them out without ruining your walls can be a task. Luckily for you, we’ve removed our fair share of anchors in the field. Below is a step-by-step guide to getting those anchors out of the wall:

• Assess the type of anchor you’re removing. Not all drywall anchors are created equal! Check whether the offending anchor is metal or plastic, and how big it is. The smaller, thin plastic anchors should come out with a set of needlenose pliers and an easy tug; the thicker metal ones will require a bit more work.

• Try backing it out. If the anchor doesn’t come out with a gentle pull, try unscrewing it. Using a hammer, tap a Philips head screwdriver as far back into the anchor port as you can. Then, turn the screwdriver counter-clockwise to begin releasing its grasp on the sheetrock. A lot of times, the teeth of the anchor will catch on the screwdriver right away, making removal a breeze.
• If all else fails, recess it. If neither of those two methods work, your last-ditch option is to recess the anchor into the wall. To do this, use a utility knife to gently score a circle around the head of the anchor. Grab a screwdriver that’s thicker than the anchor port and gently tap against it until it sinks through.

Once you’re done with any of these methods, you’ll need to repair and texture your walls before you repaint.

If your drywall anchors don’t want to budge, don’t force them. Applying excessive force can cause large holes and severe cracking in the area. Instead, get some help from the experts. Get in touch with the Orlando drywall repair experts at New Ceilings to schedule your free consultation today. Call 407-326-9779 to learn more.