How To Use And Remove Wall Anchors

Wall Anchors

Wall anchors provide extra strength and stability when hanging heavy items such as shelving or mirrors. If you’re unsure as to how wall anchor fixings work or you need to remove an anchor that’s previously been installed, you’re in the right place. Here is everything you need to know about how to use and remove wall anchors.

How To Use Wall Anchors

Anchor screws, or wall anchors, are designed to prevent damage that may occur when a heavy object is fixed to a wall. Not only this, but wall anchors are safer to use in opposed to standard screws, as objects are highly unlikely to fall when fixed to them.

Before you install your wall anchor, you need to get the weight right. Often, when a wall anchor fails to support the product, it’s because the weight of the object wasn’t assessed properly beforehand. Wall anchors are typically distinguished between lightweight, medium and heavyweight support, making it easy to understand the weight requirements.

Once you have the right strength of anchor, you need to drill a hole in the wall for the anchor to fit into. Choose a drill bit slightly smaller than the size of the anchor and then tap the anchor in gently with a hammer or a mallet. Once firmly in, you can hang whatever your heart desires!

Ways To Remove Wall Anchors

If you want to remove wall anchors, you’ll be pleased to know that the process is relatively simple. There are a few ways that you can go about taking them out of the wall.

1. Use Pliers To Pull The Anchor Out 

The first method involves grabbing the collar (or head) of the wall anchor with some pliers. Once you’ve got a firm grip, gently tug the anchor back and forth, wiggling it free from the wall.

If you start to tug the anchor and it doesn’t budge - don’t continue with this method. It is likely that the anchor needs more strength to be removed. You risk damaging the wall if you keep tugging at it with no success!

2. Screw It Out

To ‘back the anchor out’, first find a screwdriver that fits snugly into the anchor. When you have found a suited screwdriver, tap it into place with a hammer. You can then turn the screwdriver counter-clockwise to back the anchor out of the wall.

Again, if the anchor is stuck in too tightly and won’t move, try another method to avoid damaging your wall.

3. Cut & Push

If the previous two methods don’t work, it’s time to try a more thorough method. This next method involves cutting and hammering the anchor out of the wall. Make sure you’re wearing protective eyewear when you do this as it can pose a risk if you don’t.

To begin, attach a one-inch cutting wheel to your drill and cut the head off the drywall anchor. From here, carefully score the wall around the anchor with a cutting wheel or a utility knife, being as precise as possible.

Once the anchor head has been removed and a small hole has been cut, gently tap a screwdriver with a wider head onto the anchor. As you do this, the anchor will fall out behind the wall.

Patching The Wall

As wall anchors create a hole in your wall, removing them will ultimately leave a bit of an eye sore. Don’t worry though - patching a wall back up is incredibly easy to do once you know how.

Step 1: To patch over the wall, firstly make sure the edges of the hole are flat by tapping a hammer lightly around it. This helps to ensure that you get a smooth and even finish. Once the hole is even, apply drywall compound with help from a plastic putty knife or spatula. Use an ‘X’ motion to apply the compound and don’t stop until the hole is full.

Step 2: When you are certain that the hole is completely full, use a clean spatula to wipe off excess compound. Keep smoothing the compound until it is flush with the wall.

Step 3: Once smooth, allow the compound to dry. Drying times will vary depending on the type of compound you are using, so be sure to check the packaging for more information. For best results, let the putty dry overnight.

Step 4: When the putty is dry, sand the surface of it to ensure a smooth finish.

Step 5: Once completely smooth, paint over the hole, using light motions. Make sure that the paint you use blends in with the rest of the wall!