An Easy Guide to Removing Stubborn Wall Anchors

Stubborn old wall anchors can be extremely frustrating when it comes time for them to be removed. In fact, many homeowners are nervous to try it on their own because they fear damaging the surrounding drywall. If you have old drywall anchors that need to go, but you also feel intimidated by the task, you are in the right place.

Continue reading to review a simple, step-by-step guide for removing unwanted wall hangers all on your own, safely and efficiently.

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

First Gather Your Supplies:

Drill
⚒ Drill Bit (or Set)
⚒ Putty Knife
⚒ Utility Gloves
⚒ Old Towel

What You Need to Know Before You Begin

It is important to gather all your items and supplies before you start. The gloves will protect your hands from scratches or blisters, while the towel can be laid on the floor below to manage any drywall mess. It is also important to choose the correct drill bit size for the best results.

If you do not have a full set of drill bits, simply purchase one that is a couple sizes larger than the opening in the wall anchor. Keep in mind that if you plan to paint the wall you are working on, you will first need to prime the patched areas where the wall anchor holes were. And if you are planning to install new drywall anchors, be sure to buy ones that can be easily removed for future convenience!

Step-By-Step Guide:

Remove the screw from the wall anchor.

Place the bit inside the center hole of the wall anchor and begin slowly drilling. Use a drill bit that is two sizes larger than the width of the center hole of the anchor. The bit should sit perfectly outside of the edge of the hole, without slipping inside.

Once you begin drilling, the collar of the wall anchor should break free from the wall and automatically push itself out. Let it fall on the floor so you are not tempted to grab it while the drill is rotating. Be careful not to let the bit push deep into the wall cavity, which can interrupt electrical wiring or plumbing pipes.

Push the residual drywall material back into the hole using your putty knife. You may have to fill this hole in stages for best results.

Sand, prime, and paint!

And When the Job is Too Big For You…

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Call Drywall by Local Builders at 317-269-7319 when you need professional drywall service in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are a licensed, bonded, and insured drywall company that provides residential and commercial drywall work at competitive prices. Call 317-269-7319 to request a free estimate, today.

3 Easy Steps to Get Rid of Old Wall Anchors

After some time, old wall anchors can become more unattractive than useful. When this happens, it is possible to repair the problem all on your own. Continue reading to learn how to get rid of pesky wall anchors in just 3 easy steps!

Drywall Installation and Repair 317-269-7319

Drywall Installation and Repair 317-269-7319

Tools and Supplies You’ll Need

Each item on the list of tools and supplies below can be found at any local home improvement store, like Lowes®, Home Depot®, or Menards®. They are all reasonably priced, so you do not have to worry about spending too much on a small project! Just be sure to get the right drill bit size to avoid project hang ups and delays. Here is what you will need to get:

Power Drill
Drill Bit (or Bit Set)
Drywall Patching Compound
180+ Grit Sandpaper
Putty Knife
Plastic Painters Tarp (or old sheets, newspapers, towels, etc.)

If your drill bit set is not complete, you at least need to have one that is around two sizes bigger than the wall anchor opening. If you plan to paint the wall afterwards, be sure to plan for enough time to dry and prime first. Furthermore, it is wise to purchase new wall anchors that are easily removable for more convenience in the future.

3 Steps Start to Finish:

Step ❶ ⇢ Take out the screw from the wall anchor and choose a drill bit that is 2 sizes larger than the screw hole.

Step ❷ ⇢ Center the drill bit inside the screw hole and use its resistance to drill the anchor out of the wall. It is okay if it falls into the wall cavity.

Special Note: Do not use too much pressure and maintain constant control of your drill. There could be electrical wires or plumbing pipes behind the wall that you do not want to disturb or damage.

Step ❸ ⇢ Use your putty knife to apply drywall compound to the residual hole in the wall and let it dry completely. You may need to fill the hole, little by little. Now all that’s left to do is sand, prime, and paint!

Indianapolis Drywall Repair and Installation

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Call Drywall by Local Builders at 317-269-7319 for affordable Indianapolis drywall repair and installation services you can trust. We service all of Central Indiana, as well as the Metro Indy areas. We offer a wide range of residential and commercial drywall services, including new home construction, grid ceilings, metal stud framing, and more.