How to remove drywall anchors without damaging your walls

Drywall, by itself, is too weak to hold screws that carry weight, so anchors are used to reinforce attachment points.

However, when you’re relocating to another house or moving items that are hung—mirrors, artwork, or shelves—you also need to remove the drywall anchor. Without the right technique, you can easily damage your walls, leaving behind large holes or torn drywall that requires costly repairs. 

In this guide, we’ll show you how to remove drywall anchors, from simple plastic expansion anchors to complex molly bolts, without damaging your walls. Let’s get started!

Before you remove drywall anchors

Drywall anchors are designed to provide extra holding strength where a regular screw wouldn't hold on its own. They create a more secure attachment point to hang shelves, mirrors, curtain rods, artwork, or even televisions.

The challenge when you try to get drywall anchors out comes from how deeply embedded they are and how they function. Many drywall anchors are designed to expand, twist in tightly, or clamp behind the wall. Trying to pull them out by force can easily lead to crumbled drywall or wide gouges. That’s why it is so important to identify the type of anchor before attempting to remove it.

The most common types are plastic expansion anchors, threaded drywall anchors, toggle bolts, molly bolts, winged plastic anchors, and strap toggle anchors.

Plastic expansion anchors look like short, cylindrical plastic sleeves, usually with a flared or flanged top. On the wall, they’re typically flush with the surface, and when the screw is removed, you’ll see a plastic ring inside the hole. 

Likewise, threaded drywall anchors resemble oversized screws with very coarse threads and a wide, spiraling body before installation. Once installed, you can see the spiral pattern of the threads when you look into the hole. 

Self-drilling toggle anchors have a metal head with a washer tightened against the drywall. As the fastener is inserted into the anchor, a toggle bar falls into place behind the drywall, holding tightly against the back side. In comparison, molly bolts look like narrow tubes with ridged sleeves and a screw running through the center. As the screw is tightened, the metal casing expands and collapses behind the drywall, flaring outward into a claw that grips the inside of the wall.

The best way to remove drywall anchors

There are several methods for removing drywall anchors, but the best approach truly depends on the type of anchor you're dealing with and its current condition. Let’s look at the different ways to remove drywall anchors, from the least invasive to the most invasive.

Twist and pull with a screwdriver and pliers

Use a screwdriver to back the screw out of the anchor just enough that it’s sticking out slightly but still attached. This gives you something to grip. Then, take a pair of needle-nose pliers or regular pliers and grab the exposed screw or the anchor itself. Then, gently twist and pull the anchor straight out of the wall. This method works best for plastic expansion anchors or simple hollow wall anchors that aren't deeply embedded.

Twist the anchor out like a screw

Threaded anchors are designed like screws and can be removed like one. Get a screwdriver that fits snugly into the opening of the anchor. Turn it counterclockwise while applying gentle pressure. As you rotate, the anchor will back out of the wall in the same spiral pattern it went in.

Push the anchor into the wall

If you're dealing with a stubborn plastic anchor or a molly bolt and don't mind it falling behind the drywall, you can simply push it through. Take a screwdriver or even a nail and place the tip on the face of the anchor. Gently tap it with a hammer until the anchor falls through. This method is fast and easy and leaves minimal surface damage, which you can easily patch up.

Cut it out if it won’t budge

Sometimes, anchors simply can't be removed, either because they've been severely deformed or because they're heavy-duty types, like toggle anchors or molly bolts, that expand behind the wall. In that case, the most effective way is to cut them out. Use a utility knife to carefully cut a small square or circle around the anchor. Then, pull the anchor and the surrounding drywall piece out together. This method causes more damage but is a last-resort solution that works when everything else fails.

How to patch drywall after removing anchors

Once you've removed the anchor, it's time to fix the hole it left behind.

• Flatten the edges of the hole: Tap a hammer around the edges of the hole to flatten it. Then, use a utility knife to trim any jagged drywall. Wipe away the remaining dust with a dry cloth.
• Apply spackle or joint compound: For small holes left by simple plastic expansion anchors, use a putty knife to press spackle into the hole, then smooth it flush with the wall. If the hole is slightly larger or deeper, like from a molly bolt or a threaded anchor, apply a generous amount of joint compound, press it in, and feather the edges outward. On the other hand, you will need drywall patches if you previously cut out a part of the drywall to remove an anchor. Cut and secure a new piece of drywall to fit. Then, tape the seams, apply joint compound, and blend it into the surrounding area using your putty knife.
• Let it dry fully, then sand and repaint: Give the patched area enough time to dry completely.  Now, gently sand the surface until it feels smooth and even with the rest of the wall. Wipe off any dust with a clean cloth or sponge, then touch up the area with paint that matches your wall. Apply a second coat of joint compound or paint for a flawless finish if needed.

When to call a professional

Some anchors, especially molly bolts or toggle bolts, are stubborn and leave large holes behind. If the wall is badly damaged or the anchor just won’t budge, it might be time to hire a professional painter. They have the right tools and experience to remove wall anchors and repair your wall cleanly, saving you time and stress.

In addition, once the repairs are done, there’s usually dust, debris, or paint splatter to deal with. That’s where Homeaglow’s cleaning pros come in. They can help prep the space before the repair and handle the cleanup afterward, so your home looks fresh and flawless from start to finish.

Final tips for drywall anchor removal

As we have described in this article, always start with the least invasive method when removing anchors from drywall and keep the right tools on hand (pliers, screwdriver, utility knife, spackle). 

If you're planning to reinstall something in a similar spot, plan ahead. To avoid future issues, use the right type of anchor for the wall material. 

Finally, even if it sounds cliché, patience is key. Rushing the process can lead to more damage, so take your time to remove the anchor properly and patch the wall neatly.