Drywall anchors allow you to mount heavy objects like shelves, TVs, and cabinets on drywall. While they provide a secure hold, sometimes you need to remove drywall anchors to take down or relocate wall-mounted items. Removing drywall anchors can be tricky, but there are several easy methods that get the job done quickly and neatly.

What Are Drywall Anchors?

Before learning how to remove drywall anchors, it helps to understand what they are and how they work.

Drywall anchors, also called wall anchors or toggle bolts, are devices that allow you to securely mount heavy objects on hollow drywall. They work by gripping the drywall from the inside when a screw is tightened. The screw head on the outside of the wall clamps down on the mounted object.

There are several types of drywall anchors:

Plastic anchors – These have a ribbed plastic sleeve that expands outward when the screw is driven in, gripping the inside of the drywall. They can hold light to medium weight objects.
Toggle bolts – These anchors have a spring-loaded toggle that flips horizontal behind the wall when installed. The bolts grip strongly and can hold very heavy items.
Molly bolts – Similar to toggle bolts, these have a cylindrical metal sleeve with prongs that spread out behind the drywall for a secure hold. Great for heavy objects.
Hollow wall anchors – Also called sleeve anchors, these metal anchors expand into a sleeve shape inside the wall to grip strongly when the screw is tightened.

Why Remove Drywall Anchors?

There are a few reasons you may need to remove drywall anchors:

Take down wall-mounted items – When removing shelves, cabinets, TVs or other items on the wall, you’ll need to take out the drywall anchors.
Relocate wall-mounted items – If moving a shelf to a new spot, the old drywall anchors will need removal. New ones can be installed in the new location.
Wall repairs – Drywall repairs require removing old anchors so the wall surface can be smoothed and painted. New anchors can go in after repairs.
Redecorating – Old screw holes from removed anchors will be visible, so you may want to remove them completely when redecorating a room.
Hide eyesores – Over time, drywall anchors can bend or deteriorate. Removing damaged ones will improve the look of the wall.

Drywall Anchor Removal Tools

Removing drywall anchors is made much easier with the right tools. Here are some must-have tools for drywall anchor removal:

Screwdriver

A basic screwdriver can remove many drywall anchor screws. Choose a flat head or Phillips head style to match your anchor screws.

Drill/Driver

A power drill/driver makes quick work of driving in and removing long drywall screws. Select a bit to match the screw head shape.

Hammer

Use quick hammer taps to help loosen stubborn anchors and knock indented ones flush with the wall.

Multi-Tool

For cutting and grinding away anchors, a rotary oscillating multi-tool with sanding and grinding attachments is ideal.

Drywall Saw

A drywall saw or gypsum board saw has a short, stiff blade perfect for cutting through anchor sleeves flush with the wall.

Utility Knife

Use the sharp blade to slice through plastic drywall anchor sleeves to free them from the wall.

Pliers

Locking pliers or channel-lock pliers can grip and twist out hard plastic sleeve anchors. Needle-nose pliers help pull out anchor pieces.

Putty Knife

After removing anchors, a putty knife helps scrape away any remaining adhesive or old drywall.

4 Easy Ways to Remove Drywall Anchors

With the right tools on hand, you’re ready to tackle removing those unneeded drywall anchors. Here are four simple, effective methods:

1. Unscrew and Pull Out

The easiest drywall anchor removal method is as follows:

Use a screwdriver or drill/driver to back the screw completely out of the anchor.
Grip the loose anchor sleeve and gently wiggle and pull to remove it from the drywall. Plastic anchors should pop out easily.
For stubborn anchors, use pliers to grip and twist out or use a hammer to tap the anchor free.
If any anchor pieces break off inside the wall, you’ll need to dig them out with pliers or a utility knife.

This method works well for quickly removing multiple lightweight plastic anchors.

2. Cut Away Exterior Drywall

For more heavy-duty metal toggle or molly bolt anchors:

Unscrew the anchor bolt to release the mounted object.
Use a multi-tool or drywall saw to cut through the paper drywall layer around the anchor.
Cut just deep enough to free up the anchor – don’t cut into wall studs.
Once the anchor sleeve is exposed, bend it back and forth with pliers to break off the metal wings gripped inside the wall.
Pull the anchor free and patch up the drywall opening. Sand smooth when dry.

This method allows removal of anchors without digging into the wall cavity.

3. Drill Out the Sleeve

Here is how to drill out plastic ribbed anchors:

Center a drill bit over the anchor sleeve still in the wall.
Drill into the anchor, removing the entire sleeve and flange in the wall.
Insert the drill bit into the anchor’s inner sleeve and keep drilling to widen the hole if needed.
Remove drill fluff and debris. Patch small holes with drywall compound.

This technique leaves a clean, sleeve-free opening for redrilling if desired.

4. Dig Out Remains from the Back Side

For removing broken anchor pieces or cleaning out holes:

Start by removing any screw threads still protruding from the wall with pliers.
Use a drill to widen the existing hole slightly if needed.
Switch to a drywall saw and begin cutting an access hole about 2 inches around the anchor opening.
Cut at a 45 degree angle toward the anchor hole to create a funnel shape.
Clear away drywall until you can see the back side of the wall and any anchor parts.
Use needle-nose pliers and a hooked piece of wire to pull out any loose anchor bits from the cavity.
Patch up the access hole once clear. Feather the edges to blend the patch.

This method ensures you remove any small anchor fragments that break off and get stuck inside the wall.

Tips for Removing Drywall Anchors

Follow these tips to ensure clean, easy drywall anchor removal:

Before starting, snap photos of the wall with anchors in place. This aids reinstallation later in the exact same spots if desired.
Have a vacuum ready to catch drywall dust and anchor bits as you work.
Minimize wall damage by using least destructive methods first before cutting or drilling.
With metal toggle anchors, be sure to bend and break off the wings inside the wall cavity so the anchor pulls free easily.
Wear safety goggles when cutting drywall to avoid getting debris in your eyes.
Take your time and be careful not to cut into electrical wiring or plumbing hidden in walls.
When patching holes, use fiberglass drywall mesh tape to reinforce cracks and prevent future sagging.
For smooth finish patching, blend and feather compound well beyond hole edges. Sand between coats.
Repaint patched holes with original wall paint to hide any variations in surface texture or color.

Frequently Asked Questions About Removing Drywall Anchors

How do I remove a stripped drywall anchor screw?

If the screw head is stripped, try gripping it with locking pliers or using a rubber band for friction while unscrewing. If that fails, you’ll need to drill out the screw carefully before prying out the anchor sleeve.

What is the best way to remove toggle bolts from drywall?

Cut around the toggle bolt with a rotary tool to expose the metal wings. Bend the wings back and forth with pliers to break them off inside the wall. The sleeve can then be pulled out. Patch the drywall after.

Do I need to dig out the wings when removing molly bolts?

The metal wings left inside molly bolt holes can make patching difficult. Try to remove them through the back of the wall if possible. If not, thoroughly scrape the hole before patching to remove any loose wing fragments.

Can I reuse drywall anchors after removing them?

It’s not recommended. The anchors can get bent and deformed when removed, reducing their holding strength. New anchors ensure a solid mount. Exceptions could be easy to remove plastic anchors that come out clean.

Is there a trick to removing broken anchor screws?

If just the screw head breaks off, use pliers to grab and rotate out the shank. For screws that snap off below the surface, carefully drill a pilot hole centered on the shank. Insert an easy-out screw extractor tool and turn counterclockwise.

How do I patch drywall holes after removing anchors?

Use drywall joint compound to fill holes up to 3 inches wide. Apply in thin coats, allowing drying time between applications. For larger holes, secure drywall patches with mesh tape before finishing with compound. Sand for smooth results.

What kind of drywall anchors should I use when reinstalling items?

For light duty use, plastic sleeve anchors work well. For heavy objects, use hollow wall anchors or toggle bolts which grip tightly. Molly bolts are ideal for supporting heavy shelving or cabinets on hollow drywall walls.

Should I always remove old anchors before installing new ones nearby?

It’s best practice to remove old anchors completely when adding new ones in the same area. The old holes can cause cracking around the new anchors. Filling old holes provides more solid anchoring.

How can I patch drywall without needing to repaint?

Use drywall spackling compound which dries white to match unpainted drywall. Apply with a putty knife and blend edges into wall texture. No repainting needed once dry and sanded smooth.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to remove those unneeded drywall anchors in four different ways, you can take on any anchor removal project. Knowing the right techniques will help you avoid damage and achieve clean, invisible repairs. Just take your time and use the proper tools. With holes patched up and objects rehung securely, you can enjoy your updated, refreshed wall space.

How to Remove Drywall Anchors 4 Easy Ways

Drywall anchors are incredibly useful for mounting heavy objects on hollow walls, but sometimes they need to be removed. Here are 4 easy ways to remove drywall anchors:

1. Unscrew and Pull Out

For simple plastic sleeve anchors:

Use a screwdriver to unscrew the anchor bolt completely.
Grip the anchor sleeve and wiggle gently to pull the anchor out of the wall.
Use pliers for stubborn anchors or tap with a hammer.
Remove any broken off pieces in the wall with pliers or a utility knife.

2. Cut Away the Drywall Around the Anchor

For heavy duty metal toggle or molly bolt anchors:

Unscrew the anchor to detach the mounted object.
Use a rotary tool to cut through the drywall paper around the anchor sleeve.
Bend the exposed sleeve back and forth with pliers to break off the wings.
Pull the anchor free from the wall and patch up the opening.

3. Drill Out the Plastic Sleeve

To remove ribbed plastic anchors:

Center a drill bit over the anchor sleeve in the wall.
Drill into and around the sleeve to remove it completely.
Widen the hole if needed to remove inner sleeve debris.

4. Dig Out the Anchor Remains from the Back

To remove broken off pieces stuck inside:

Widen the existing hole slightly with a drill.
Use a drywall saw to cut an access hole about 2 inches around.
Remove drywall until you can see anchor parts inside the cavity.
Pull out pieces with needle-nose pliers or a hooked wire.
Patch up the access hole.

Tips

Snap photos before removal to aid reinstallation.
Have a vacuum ready to contain drywall dust.
Minimize wall damage by trying least destructive methods first.
Wear safety goggles during drywall cutting.
Use mesh tape and compound to reinforce patched holes.
Carefully match wall texture and paint when finishing repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I remove a stripped drywall anchor screw?

Try gripping the stripped screw with locking pliers or a rubber band for friction. If that fails, drill out the screw before removing the anchor sleeve.

What is the best way to remove toggle bolts?

Cut around the toggle bolt with a rotary tool to expose and break off the wings inside the wall cavity. This allows the bolt to pull free for removal.

Do I need to remove molly bolt wings stuck inside the wall?

Try to dig them out through the back side if possible. Otherwise thoroughly scrape the hole before patching to remove any loose wing fragments.

Can I reuse drywall anchors after removing them?

It’s not recommended, as removal can bend and deform anchors. New anchors will provide more solid holding power.

How do I remove a broken anchor screw?

Use pliers to remove the shank if the head snaps off. For screws broken off below the surface, drill a centered pilot hole and use a screw extractor tool.

What’s the best way to patch drywall holes from removed anchors?

Use drywall joint compound for small holes. Cut patches from drywall for larger holes and tape for strength. Apply compound in coats and sand smooth.

In summary, use the right tools and techniques like cutting, drilling, prying, and patching to remove drywall anchors successfully without too much wall damage. Take safety precautions and cleanup the work area when done.

How to Remove Drywall Anchors 4 Easy Ways

Drywall anchors provide a secure way to mount heavy objects on hollow walls. But sometimes anchors need to be removed, whether for taking down wall decor, moving items to a new spot, or conducting repairs. Here are 4 straightforward methods for removing drywall anchors.

1. Unscrew and Pull Out

The simplest drywall anchor removal method works well for common plastic sleeve anchors. Just follow these steps:

Use a screwdriver or drill/driver to unscrew the anchor bolt completely, detaching the mounted object.
Grip the now loose anchor sleeve with pliers and gently wiggle side-to-side while pulling away from the wall. The sleeve should pop right out.
For stubborn anchors, use a hammer to tap the sleeve or twist pliers to pry it loose.
Check for any plastic pieces left inside the wall and remove them with pliers or a utility knife.
Fill the small holes left behind with drywall spackle compound when finished.

Unscrewing and pulling is quick and effective for removing multiple lightweight plastic anchors.

2. Cut Away the Drywall Surround

Here’s how to remove heavy-duty toggle and molly bolt style anchors:

First unscrew the bolt to detach the mounted object from the anchor sleeve still in the wall.
Use a rotary tool or oscillating multi-tool to cut through the outer paper layer of drywall around the steel anchor sleeve.
Cut just deep enough to free up the sleeve – avoid cutting any deeper into the wall cavity.
Once freed, grip the exposed anchor sleeve with pliers. Bend back and forth to break off the metal wings deployed on the inside wall.
With the wings snapped off, the anchor sleeve can now be easily pulled and removed from the wall.
Patch up the drywall opening left behind with joint compound when finished.

This method allows anchor removal without having to dig into the wall internals.

3. Drill Out the Plastic Sleeve

For ordinary hollow plastic anchors, drilling offers a quick removal technique:

Center a drill bit over the anchor sleeve remaining in the wall.
Drill directly into and around the anchor sleeve to destroy the flanges holding it inside the wall.
Keep drilling until the entire plastic sleeve pops free from the hole.
Use a larger bit if needed to grind away and clean out the opening left behind.
Fill the drilled hole with drywall compound for patching.

Drilling out plastic anchor sleeves leaves a clean opening ready for a fresh install if desired.

4. Dig Out the Anchor Remains

For removing any broken off drywall anchor pieces stuck inside the wall:

Start by grabbing and unscrewing any remaining anchor bolt threads still visible.
Widen the existing hole slightly using a drill if needed for access.
Switch to a drywall saw and begin cutting an angled access hole around the anchor hole. Cut back into the wall at approximately a 45 degree angle.
Keep cutting away drywall until you can see the cavity behind and any debris inside.
Use pliers or a bent wire hook to pull and clean out the loose anchor bits from the wall interior.
Patch over the access cutout when clear, blending seams for a smooth finish.

Digging out from the backside ensures no anchor fragments are left inside following removal.

Helpful Drywall Anchor Removal Tips

Snap photos before starting to aid reinstallation in the exact same spots later.
Have a vacuum ready to contain drywall dust and debris.
Start with the least destructive removal method before cutting or drilling.
Wear safety goggles when cutting into drywall to prevent eye irritation.
Take your time and be cautious not to contact any wiring or plumbing hidden in walls.
Use mesh tape and multiple coats of compound for reinforced patching strength.