Drywall anchors are lifesavers when you need to hang something heavier than a simple nail can handle. Shelves, curtain rods, heavy picture frames—anchors keep them in place without pulling out of the drywall. But when it’s time to rearrange, redecorate, or repair, those same anchors can become a headache.
Yank them out the wrong way and you’ll end up with a jagged hole, torn drywall paper, and an annoying repair job. The trick is understanding the type of anchor you have and removing it with the right method.
This guide will walk you through everything—from identifying your anchor to patching the hole—so you can get a clean finish.
Step 1: Identify the Type of Drywall Anchor
Before you start pulling, take a close look. Not all anchors are removed the same way. The four most common types are:
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Plastic Expansion Anchors
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The most basic type, often ribbed or smooth plastic sleeves.
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They expand when the screw is inserted.
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Threaded Drywall Anchors (a.k.a. “self-drilling” anchors)
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Made of plastic or metal.
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Look like large screws with wide threads.
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Molly Bolts (metal expansion anchors)
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Metal sleeves that expand behind the wall when the screw is tightened.
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Stronger than plastic anchors.
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Toggle Bolts
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Have spring-loaded metal “wings” that open inside the wall for heavy-duty holding power.
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Knowing what you’re working with helps you choose the safest removal technique.
Step 2: Gather the Right Tools
You won’t always need all of these, but having them ready saves frustration:
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Phillips screwdriver
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Flat-head screwdriver
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Needle-nose pliers
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Utility knife
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Hammer (for gentle tapping)
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Drill (optional for stripped or stuck anchors)
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Spackle or joint compound
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Sanding block or fine-grit sandpaper
Step 3: Remove the Screw First
If there’s still a screw in the anchor, back it out completely before touching the anchor body.
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Why? Screws create tension in expansion-style anchors. Leaving them in place makes removal harder and can damage the wall.
Step 4: Use the Correct Removal Method
1. Plastic Expansion Anchors
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Option A – Pull Out: Grip the lip of the anchor with needle-nose pliers and gently wiggle while pulling straight out.
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Option B – Push Through: If it won’t budge, place a flat-head screwdriver on the face of the anchor and tap it gently with a hammer to push it inside the wall cavity. This leaves a clean hole for patching.
2. Threaded Drywall Anchors
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Use a screwdriver or drill to turn the anchor counterclockwise until it backs out of the wall.
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If the head strips, screw a drywall screw partway back into it, grip the screw head with pliers, and pull the anchor straight out.
3. Metal Molly Bolts
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Remove the screw first.
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Tap the anchor’s collar lightly with a hammer until it slips behind the wall. The collapsed sleeve will drop into the wall cavity.
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Do not try to pry molly bolts out—they will rip the drywall paper.
4. Toggle Bolts
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Unscrew the bolt until it’s free.
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The spring-loaded wings will fall behind the wall.
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The large hole will need extra patching.
Step 5: Minimize Wall Damage While Removing
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Avoid twisting plastic anchors sideways—this rips the surrounding drywall.
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If an anchor is painted over, use a utility knife to score around its edge first. This prevents peeling the surrounding paint.
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For stubborn anchors, “pushing in” is usually less destructive than “pulling out.”
Step 6: Patch the Hole
Once the anchor is gone, you’ll have a hole that needs filling before painting.
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Prep the Area:
Use a utility knife to scrape away loose drywall paper or frayed edges. Clean the area of dust. -
Apply Spackle or Joint Compound:
Use a putty knife to press the filler into the hole. Slightly overfill it so you can sand it flush later. -
Let It Dry Completely:
Follow the drying time on the product label—usually 1–3 hours for spackle, longer for joint compound. -
Sand Smooth:
Use fine-grit sandpaper (120–220 grit) to level the patch with the wall surface. -
Prime Before Painting:
Patches absorb paint differently than drywall, so a coat of primer ensures even color.
Step 7: Prevent Large Repairs Next Time
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Use the smallest anchor that can safely hold your item.
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Consider using removable adhesive hooks for lighter objects.
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If you know you’ll rearrange often, install a wooden mounting board or rail system and screw into wall studs instead of the drywall.
Troubleshooting Stubborn Anchors
Problem: The anchor spins in the hole when you try to unscrew it.
Fix: Apply inward pressure on the screwdriver while turning, or insert a screw partway to grip it better.
Problem: The anchor is flush with the wall and you can’t grab it.
Fix: Use a flat-head screwdriver to pry up the edge, or drill a small pilot hole in the anchor to insert a screw for pulling.
Problem: Wall paper or paint tears around the hole.
Fix: Feather the damaged area with sandpaper, then patch and repaint as you normally would.
Final Thoughts
Removing drywall anchors isn’t complicated, but it’s a job where the wrong move can leave you with an oversized, ugly repair. The safest approach is to slow down, match the method to the anchor type, and resist the urge to force anything.
If you do end up pushing an anchor into the wall, don’t panic—it’s common and harmless. Once the patch is painted, no one will ever know there was a hole there in the first place.