Drywall anchors can come in handy for many things. If you want to get something safely on a hollow wall, you can do it without hitting a horse. You can hang something heavy without having to worry about falling down.
When it comes to removing those drywall anchors, there are some methods that work better than others. Some methods are quicker while some are less messy. You can do one method or a combination of the multiple methods provided. At the end of this article you will have all the techniques to remove drywall anchors, even those that been there for a long time.
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Why Use Drywall Anchors?
The main use of the drywall anchors is to fix things on a wall. This way you can make sure that the things are secure so they do not come off and cause any damages or injuries. If you want to hang heavy objects, they should be done using drywall anchors as well.
There are other uses as well like starting to screw a wood without first pre-drilling and using a drywall anchor to secure the wood. Moreover, around the electrical outlets, wall brackets, wall sockets and pipes. When you are fixing things on the wall, these are the easiest places to do it. Constructing a wall bracket is often easier when you use drywall anchors.
In some cases, there is not much that you can do to a wall without using some kind of drywall anchors. For instance, hanging a picture on the wall or putting shelves there. You need to use the anchors that are suitable on your drawer.
5 Way to Remove Drywall Anchors
There are several ways you can remove drywall anchors in the course of time. In some cases, removing the drywall anchors is not that hard but you need to find out which method works better for your situation.
Here we have a list of the most popular ways to remove drywall anchors. You can do it in a professional or handy way.
1. Tools for working
To remove the drywall anchors, you need some tools to work with. First of all, you will need some of tools need to remove the drywall anchors include:
- Electric drill
- Hammer
- Screwdriver
- Needle-nose pliers
- Protective goggles
The more tools available to you, the easier it will be to complete the task. You can also borrow the tools if you do not have them on hand. The last thing you need to do is to take the time to be able to remove the anchor nuts.
Method 1: Use a Power Drill
The most popular method of removing the drywall anchors is using power drill. You can do this by using the demolition technique. This way, you will be able to remove the screws and nuts without getting them damaged.
You will need to gather the drywall anchor. Remove the screws in a counterclockwise direction. You can use needle nose pliers to remove the anchor bolt nuts. Sometimes, you may have to use your hands so you will need some safety gloves before you start the job. Also, make sure that you are wearing a protective mask which will also be of great help.
Method 2: Pull it Out
You can also use this method to get the anchor out in the course of time. First, you have to make sure that both the anchors are stripped properly. If you do not strip them properly, then it is hard for you to proceed with removing them.
In some cases, the anchors will come out of the wall without any damage to the drywall. This way, you will be able to use them again. If the anchors are not stripped properly, then you can adjust it a little by using your hand. Make sure that you are wearing some gloves while doing it. After this, you can use the power drill to remove the screws.
Method 3: Back It Out
If you want to remove drywall anchor, you can do it by back it out. This way, you will be able to remove the anchors by using the back out method. First of all, you will need to put the anchor in a counterclockwise direction using screwdriver.
Thereafter, you will need to use a drywall hammer to knock the anchor out. While working on the project, wear protective goggles. This will keep you safe from any damages or injury. After removing the drywall anchors, you can use it again. You can also use the back out technique if you want to strip the drywall anchor.
Method 4: Cutting and Hammering
You can also use the cut and hammer method to remove the drywall anchor. First, you need to cut the first screw back using a cordless drill. This way, you will be able to remove the screw from the anchor.
After that, you need to make a hole using the hammer. Make sure that it is in line with the previous hole. Then by hitting with the hammer again, you can remove the anchor and screw in one go.
This method is effective if the screws are not too deep into the drywall. Sometimes you may hit a stud and that is why you need to do this in several steps.
Method 5: Recess It
You might find that recessed drywall anchors are the simplest way to handle multiple anchors. In addition, if your drywall is water damaged or brittle, you might want to consider this option since removing it can be difficult.
Simply measure the space of your anchor spaces. Take away the drywall covering over it, making sure that you don’t do any damage to it. Use a crowbar to pry out one end of the anchor and pull it out. Repeat this method on the other side, making sure you work it out in the same direction of how it was originally installed.
After you have removed any drywall anchors, make sure that you safely dispose of them. Since they contain metal, it is best to throw them in a trash container. If possible, it is best to avoid throwing them in dumpster or trashcan.
How To Patch Up Drywall Anchor Holes Left By Anchors
After removing the drywall anchor , you have to somehow cover the hole left by the anchor. You will need to patch up drywall anchor holes.
This is not something that you can do if you are new to the trade. If you use the right tools and techniques, you will be able to complete this task quite easily. Here we will be talking about the step by step guide how to patch drywall hole that are left by the anchors.
Step 1: Mark The Hole
First, you will need to mark the location of the hole. In addition, make sure that you measure the distance between where the wall meets the ceiling. The next thing you will have to do is to move the paper away from the wall.
Step 2: Get A Patch
The next thing you need to do is to remove the patch from the backing paper. This way, you will be able to adhere the patch to the wall. Make sure that the patch is bigger than the hole. You need to match the patch with color of your wall. The next thing you will have to do is to cut out the patch with a utility knife.
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To do this, first use your sharp knife to create a small slit in the middle of the patch. Then, you will have to put the patch over the hole while holding it in place with your thumb. Finally, you will want to take your utility knife and cut out the patch.
Step 3: Apply A Patching Compound
You will need to apply a patching compound over the area of the holes that are left by the drywall anchors. This will help to fill the holes. The best thing about drywall compound, is that it is a type of filler that can also be painted over.
Step 4: Apply Patch
After applying the patching compound, you will have to apply it over the patch by using your hands. Make sure that you are applying it smoothly in a layer to avoid any bumps or denting in the wall. Moreover, you will need to use your finger nails and then spread it as far as possible.
Step 5: Sand It And Painting
After applying the compound and patch, you will have to sand the wall thoroughly with a power sander. Then you will have to put on your paint and paint it smoothly. Make sure that you use the right color of paint according to the preferences of your desired surface.
That is all about how to patch up drywall anchor holes left by anchors in your house. If you follow these simple steps, then this task will be easy for you. You will not have to worry about the patching of any damage in your house.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Start to removing drywall anchors you facing a lot of questions. Below are some of the most common concerns regarding removal of drywall anchors.
What is the easiest way to remove drywall anchors?
The easiest way to remove drywall anchors is depend on what method you prefer. Every method has its own pros and cons. But if you prefer the best time saving technique, then the easiest way to remove drywall anchors is to use the punch down the clock method.
Can you unscrew a screw from an anchor?
Yes, you can unscrew a damaged screw from an anchor. But the damaged screw is usually not very deep in the wall. Therefore, you might have to drill a small hole using a bit before you remove the anchor.
Can you reuse screw holes?
Drywall anchors are often used for applications where you want the screws to stay in place permanently. That is why it is important that you do not reuse these holes. You can always use new drywall anchors to ensure that the screws remain unmoved.
Can a drywall anchor harm my wall?
No, drywall anchor does not harm your wall in any way. It is very easy to remove the drywall anchor by using a simple technique. You will not have to worry about any damage or harm to your wall in any way.
Final Word
Removing drywall anchors from the wall is not an easy task. It is always very difficult to remove them no matter what method you use. But if you follow this guide carefully, then you will have a better idea of how to remove drywall anchors yourself.
In addition, this guide will help you understand the different methods of removing it and also the tools that are required to fulfill the task. Also, in addition to this it will help understand the basic steps of patching up any holes left by anchors in the wall.
