How to Remove Drywall Anchors?

How does one Remove Drywall Anchors? Installing anchors is a relatively easy task but the same cannot be said for removing it.

Some drywall anchors are easy to remove, while others can be difficult. In simple words the better it is installed, the harder it will be to remove it.

If you have unwanted drywall anchors in your walls and you want to find ways to remove them with ease. Then here's your step-by-step guide.

Methods to Remove Drywall Anchors

Here is a list of 3 main types of methods that can be used to remove drywall anchors.

1) Pull it Out

Pull out the drywall anchors using needle nose pliers. Remember to first remove the screws before pulling the anchors out.

Claps the pliers around the screw and move it from side to side while pulling it out. One of the mistakes people make while using needle nose pliers is that they use excessive force, which may damage the walls.

2) Unscrew it

If you fail to pull it out by using a needle nose plier, another method to remove drywall anchors is to unscrew it first.

To unscrew it, you can either use a screwdriver or a drill. Choose a screwdriver that fits the anchor perfectly. To get a better grip on the anchor you can also tap in with a hammer. By counterclockwise motion, you can screw it out and then use pliers to pull the rest of it.

3) Push it Further In

If the method of pulling it out or unscrewing fails, then there is another thing that you can try. Instead of taking the anchors out, what you do is that you push them further in.

In some cases, you may have to cut off the head, such as if the head is resting out of the wall. You can use a sharp blade such as a razor blade or utility blade to remove the head.

After the head is no longer popping out. A use a screwdriver and a hammer to push it further back. After this, you will need to patch up your wall.

How to Patch Up the Wall?

Here are the simple steps that you can use to fix the wall.

1) How Much is the Damage?

Before you start purchasing stuff randomly, it is important to see how much damage is there. If you purchase excessive material it is going To cost you a lot but If you purchase less material then it will not be enough for your project.

A Construction Estimating Company such as SMA Estimating LLC can create an accurate budget for removing drywall anchors. Cost estimates are especially useful in large-scale construction projects. For example, if you are removing anchors in a commercial building then it is better to take help from an estimator to quantify materials.

List of Materials

Here is a list of materials that you might need to fix up the wall. Depending upon the size of the hole, you may not need everything.

• Joint or drywall compound 
  Measuring Tape
  Knife
  Screws
  Scrape Wood
  Stud Finder
  Sanding Paper

2) Make the Surface Smooth

To fix up a patch, make sure that your wall is flat. You can use a knife to cut around any edges or you can also sand up the wall to make it as smooth as possible. Wipe away the dust with a rag.

3) Fill the Hole

Fill the hole by using a drive or a joint compound.

The joint compound has to be set well within the wall so it is better to leave it overnight. That will give the compound enough time to dry and set.

Type of Anchor and How to Remove Them

The method you use to remove drywall anchors also depends upon the type of anchor installed in your wall.

1) Expansion Drywall Anchor

Expansion drywall anchors are typically made for carrying lightweight hangings. They have a plastic head then can be removed by pulling it out or screwing is further out.

Expansion drywall anchors are usually already overlapping the wall. But if you want a better grip, then you can screw it out as well.

2) Threaded Drywall Anchors

Threaded anchors are thicker and are made to carry heavy weight. But that does not mean that they are harder to remove. Threaded anchors are more overlapping. Then expansion anchors, so it is easier to pull them out unless they have been tightened.

3) Self Drilling Toggle Anchors

Self-drilling toggle anchors are the hardest type of drywall anchor to remove. Unlike threaded and expansion anchors, they are made from metal. In most cases, property owners decide to push the self-drilling total anchors instead of taking them out.

Worried About Cost?

If you're worried about the cost of taking driver anchors out and then patching up the walls, then we have a solution for you. Drywall Estimators can create a comprehensive and practical budget for the construction project. This budget will not only include the cost of materials but also encompass labor, equipment, and indirect construction costs as well. SMA Estimating LLC has the most experienced and competent team of drywall cost estimators.

Conclusion

Remove drywall anchors with ease with the help of this comprehensive guide. You can choose to Do It Yourself, but there's also the option of choosing a professional. Removing drywall anchors is an easy task but there can be some obstacles. If you don't have any prior experience of doing this type of work, then it is recommended to get help from a professional. And soon your building will be anchor-free!