How To Remove Wall Anchors: 11 Easy Ways To Get Them Out

You’ve probably wrestled with a stubborn wall anchor and felt a twinge of dread, but you can fix this without panic. Start through attempting to pull plastic anchors straight out with needle-nose pliers or twist threaded anchors out with the right screwdriver, and when they won’t budge you can push plastic anchors through from behind or drill them out slowly.

For toggle or molly bolts, compress or collapse the wings or sleeve, then pull or cut and push the metal through. Wear eye protection and work patiently, and you’ll be ready for the next step in the project—keep going to learn specific tricks for each anchor type.

Pulling Plastic Expansion Anchors With Pliers

Start through gently wiggling the anchor to loosen it from the drywall so it comes out more smoothly.

You’ll feel better during the moment the plastic gives and you know you’re not alone in this small job.

Grip the anchor with needle nose pliers, keeping your thumb steady near the head so you don’t slip.

Pull straight out with slow steady pressure while you keep the anchor aligned with the hole.

In case it resists, wiggle and pull at the same time and then my previous notion, but I suppose that’s a simulation, encourage yourself you’re doing fine.

Collaborate with a friend should you desire company.

After removal, sand any rough edges and patch with spackle so the wall looks like it belongs to you again, neat and welcome.

Choosing pliers, Preventing scratches

Pushing Plastic Anchors Through the Wall

You and your neighbors want solid results with minimal fuss.

Use a long thin screwdriver or wooden dowel and a hammer when required.

Gently press so the anchor slides inward without widening the hole.

When you know there’s access behind the wall, plan to retrieve the anchor later.

1. Inspect anchor type and load capacity.
2. Pick a tool slightly smaller than the anchor diameter.
3. Center the tool and push with steady pressure.
4. Tap lightly with hammer until anchor clears the front.

This method keeps the face tidy and saves time while you fix things together.

Wear eye protection.

Unscrewing Threaded Anchors With a Screwdriver

Threaded anchors are common for drywall; use a screwdriver matching the slot or Phillips head to turn counterclockwise firmly.

You’ll feel the anchor catch and then back out.

Work slowly and steady so you don’t strip the head.

When it slips, press in slightly while turning to keep grip.

You’re part of a group that fixes things together, so don’t worry when it takes a few tries.

When the head won’t turn, shift to other removal methods listed earlier, like pulling plastic expansion anchors with pliers or pushing plastic anchors through the wall for stubborn pieces.

Backing Out Threaded Anchors Using Pliers and a Bolt

If a threaded anchor won’t budge with a screwdriver, you can grab the exposed collar with pliers and gently pull while you turn.

Slip a bolt into the anchor to give you extra leverage and use the pliers to back it out slowly so you don’t tear the drywall.

Take your time and keep your movements steady so you can remove the anchor without making the hole worse.

Grip Anchor With Pliers

Grasp the anchor with a pair of regular or locking pliers and back it out slowly, and you’ll often avoid cutting into the wall or making the hole worse.

You want to feel steady and calm, since you have company in this small repair.

Use proper gripping techniques and follow safety precautions so you protect your hands and the wall.

1. Hold the pliers close to the anchor head for control and steady pressure.
2. Turn slowly counterclockwise, keeping the pliers aligned with the anchor axis.
3. When the anchor slips, pause, reset your grip, and try again with a firmer hold.
4. Wear safety glasses and gloves, and have a friend nearby for assistance when required.

These steps link careful grip to safe removal and better results.

Use Bolt as Lever

You’ve already seen how steady pliers can pull an anchor free, and sometimes that steady pull needs a little extra help.

Try threading a screw partway into the anchor so you have something solid to grip.

Then use a bolt as lever through slipping the bolt head under your pliers or wrench and turn gently while pulling.

The bolt gives mechanical advantage and protects the screw from bending.

Work slowly and feel the anchor loosen.

When it resists, back the screw out a notch, re-seat the bolt, and try again.

You’re not alone in learning this.

Friends and neighbors share these small wins, and you’ll join them as you gain confidence.

Keep control, stay patient, and celebrate progress.

Removing Toggle Bolts by Compressing the Wings

When you’re ready to remove a toggle bolt, start through squeezing the wings so they fold tight against the bolt shaft.

As you compress the wings, gently pull the bolt back through the hole while keeping steady pressure so the wings stay closed.

Should the wings pop open or catch, ease back and compress again until the whole assembly slides out cleanly.

Compressing the Toggle Wings

You’re part of a helpful crew fixing shared spaces, so take this steady approach. Initially, clear the area and shine a light into the hole to see the wings. Then:

1. Insert a thin screwdriver beside the bolt and press the wings inward gently.
2. Grip the bolt head with pliers and pull slowly while keeping the wings compressed.
3. Should the wings resist, use needle nose pliers to squeeze them directly with care.
4. As a last option, snip the wings with cutters, then remove the bolt and patch the small hole.

Move calmly and protect the wall edges with tape as you work.

Pulling Through the Hole

Now it’s time to pull the toggle bolt through the hole via compressing the wings so they slip out cleanly.

You’ll feel better realizing you can do this with care and steady hands.

Initially, hold the screw head while you gently push the wings toward the wall.

As they fold, guide the assembly straight back through the hole.

Should it hang up, wiggle slightly and keep steady pressure.

You could need pliers to hold the screw and keep the wings compressed.

Work slowly so you don’t crack the drywall.

Should resistance stay, back the screw out a little then compress again.

This method connects what you did during compressing the toggle wings to the final removal step.

Not relevant to the other H2s, as they focus on specific anchor removal methods, tools, and post removal actions like patching.

Cutting Toggle Bolt Wings and Fishing Out the Hardware

Cut the toggle bolt wings down close to the screw head so they can come through the hole, and don’t worry as they feel stuck at first — that’s normal. You’ll feel relief as the wings give. Use a small bolt cutter or strong wire cutters for cutting toggle bolt wings. After that, you’ll be fishing out hardware with a magnet or hooked wire. You’re not alone; we all steady the wall and work through it together.

1. Get protective gloves and eye protection.
2. Grip the screw head with pliers to steady it.
3. Cut wings near the screw until they fold inward.
4. Slide a magnet or hook through the hole to pull the remaining hardware.

These steps link cutting toggle bolt wings to fishing out hardware so you finish neatly.

Extracting Molly Bolts by Turning Them Counterclockwise

When one successfully excised the toggle wings and extracted the components, one will find that molly bolts function somewhat distinctively and merit a more delicate method.

You’ll want to turn the exposed screw counterclockwise to loosen the sleeve without forcing it. Hold the wall gently with one hand to steady the area.

As you turn, feel for the sleeve to slide backward toward the wall. When it resists, back off and try small turns so the anchor releases without tearing drywall.

This approach ties to installing molly bolts securely and helps you avoid damage. When you’ve been troubleshooting loose molly bolts, this calm method often frees the bolt intact so you can replace or reuse parts and keep your space feeling cared for.

Collapsing Molly Bolts With a Screwdriver or Punch

As you’re set to collapse a molly bolt, start through positioning a flat screwdriver or a punch straight into the center so you have good control and won’t slip.

Then tap the screwdriver or punch gently but firmly to drive the bolt’s sleeve inward until it folds and releases from the wall.

Once it’s collapsed, lift out any loose metal or plaster fragments and wipe the hole clean so you’re ready for patching or a new anchor.

Positioning the Screwdriver Correctly

Start through lining up the screwdriver so you feel steady and in control, because the right angle makes the difference between a clean collapse and a frustrating ride.

You want the bit centered in the screw head and the handle aligned with the anchor.

Keep your body close and your feet steady so you and a friend feel confident together.

Consider how common screwdriver types fit the job and pick one that matches the slot or Phillips head.

1. Hold the screwdriver perpendicular provided possible for straight force.
2. Tilt slightly unless the wall is uneven to keep contact.
3. Use gentle pressure while turning to avoid stripping.
4. Check screwdriver maintenance tips like clean bits and snug handles.

These steps keep the team feeling capable and supported.

Driving the Anchor Inward

You and others in the room can collaborate on this.

Place a flat screwdriver or metal punch on the anchor head so it sits centered.

Tap gently with a hammer, using steady light hits.

The anchor will fold inward and lose its grip.

Pause often to check progress and protect the surrounding drywall.

Should the anchor slip into the cavity, you’ll have a small hole to patch later.

This method is friendly to hollow walls and needs only simple tools.

Wear safety glasses and keep calm.

You’ll feel proud once the wall looks tidy again and your neighbors notice your care.

Removing Remaining Debris

After tapping the anchor inward, you’ll often find a ragged ring of metal or the folded legs of a molly bolt left behind, and you can remove these pieces safely with a flat screwdriver or a metal punch.

You’re not alone when this feels fiddly.

Work slowly and share the task with a friend when you want company while you fix things.

1. Pry up jagged metal with a flat screwdriver, levering outward gently until it lifts free.
2. Use a metal punch to collapse folded legs further, tapping inward to flatten them.
3. Scoop out small fragments with needle nose pliers, keeping your fingers protected.
4. Sand or scrape edges smooth before patching so the repair blends with your wall.

Drilling Out Stubborn Anchors

As a wall anchor just won’t budge, drilling it out can feel like the only way forward, and I’ll walk you through the steps so you don’t worry about damaging the wall.

To start, gather your drilling safety tips gear: safety glasses, a dust mask, and a drill with a bit slightly smaller than the anchor core.

Hold the drill steady and start slowly so the bit bites the metal or plastic.

Pull back often to clear debris and check progress.

When the anchor spins, try pliers to turn and lift while drilling.

When it still resists, widen the hole gently until the anchor slips free.

After removal, patch the hole, let it dry, and consider anchor alternatives like toggle bolts or molly screws for a stronger fix.

Using an Oscillating Tool to Remove Anchors Flush

Boring hasn’t released the anchor, a vibrating instrument will usually complete the task without damaging the wall.

You’ll feel relief during the oscillating tool trims the anchor flush.

Pick a blade that matches the anchor material and keep firm, steady pressure.

You’re part of a community fixing things together, this method feels safe and kind.

1. Wear eye protection and mask before you start.
2. Use a narrow plunge or grout blade to cut plastic and metal anchors.
3. Run the tool slowly to avoid gouging drywall and to control dust.
4. Check your hammer drill selection unless you need to back up with a drill for stubborn parts.

You’ll want drywall repair kits ready for the next step and friends nearby for moral support.

Patching and Reinforcing After Anchor Removal

Once you’ve cleared the anchor and patched the hole, you’ll want to construct the repair robust and tidy so the wall appears attractive and endures over time. Perhaps you were extracting plastic expansion anchors using pliers or forcing plastic anchors through the wall to extract obstinate pieces. Now you connect the patch to the wall so it fits there.

Initially, sand the patch softly and remove dust. Then spread a slim coating of joint compound, feathering edges so it merges. Allow it to dry, sand, and repeat until level. In case the hole was substantial, strengthen with mesh tape or a minor drywall patch before mud. Lastly prime and paint to correspond. You’ll sense proud of the completed outcome.