How do I remove anchors for screws (the plastic sleeves) from the wall?

Question

I have removed the screws that were holding the object in place, but now the screw anchors remain. The look like little plastic hollow tubes in the wall. Can I spackle over them and repaint or do I need to remove them? If so, what is the best way to do this?

Answer 1

to remove those--I usually put the screw back in a few turns then use pliers to grab the screw & pull straight back. the anchor comes out with the screw

Answer 2

The answers that tell you to put a screw into the anchor and then pull it out are the correct ones. You're not going to cause a lot of damage. I've been doing that for years without any problems.

It only works with the plastic ones, however. If you tried that with another type of anchor, you could indeed cause some damage.

If it's a toggle-type anchor, use a pair of pliers. Pull out on it slightly while turning the screw counter-clockwise. This allows the toggle to grip the inside of the drywall while you turn the screw. When the screw is free, the toggle will fall into the wall. Leave it. It's not worth retrieving.

Here's a little trick to patch the hole. Grab your hammer, and tap the hole, creating a slight dimple in the drywall. Don't overdo it - a small dimple is all you need.

The dimple creates a "well" for the drywall compound. Put a couple of coats on it, smooth it out, sand, and the job's done. If you don't create the dimple, it can be very frustrating trying to cover the hole.

Answer 3

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RE:
How do I remove anchors for screws (the plastic sleeves) from the wall?
I have removed the screws that were holding the object in place, but now the screw anchors remain. The look like little plastic hollow tubes in the wall. Can I spackle over them and repaint or do I need to remove them? If so, what is the best way to do this?

Answer 4

Sensible is correct - Take a sharp utility knife and cut the head off, then push the remainder in to drop down the inside of the wall. I usually put the knife at the 3 o'clock position, on the outside and push toward the 9 o'clock position. Sometimes the head just pops. This is the best way, any other way will make the hole larger and thus harder to repair. Do not spackle over an anchor, it never comes out looking correct.

Answer 5

How To Remove Drywall Anchors

Answer 6

put the screw back in about 1/4 of the way then use pliers and pull the anchor out. Then patch up the hole. The other thing you can do is using a flat head screwdriver adn a hammer just tap the anchor into the wall and then patch up the hole

Answer 7

Put a back into them and use a pair of pliers to pull the screw out. The plastic anchor will come out with the screw.

Answer 8

I figure it out. I wanted to replace the toilet and the screws holding down the flange were put where the tee bolts to hold the toilet down are suppose to go. So the answer is move them out of your way. Cut them off or drill them in and punch them down, that did'nt work for me, so i cut them off. I couldn't find the answer on line so I was afraid to do something because i didn't understand the set up of the flange, this is my first install. So except for the stupid screws holding me up the rest of the process went smooth. So now I can say installing a toilet is do a bole......tips remove water from bowl dump a water from a bucket not just a little from a cup, get a new supply line and wax ring thicker then the one that comes with toilet. you can do it if i did. Beth

Answer 9

You do more damage pulling them out then pushing them in..I simply take a philips screw driver..put it in the plastic anchor hole and tap the end of the screwdriver with the palm of my hand and pop it in the wall..this leaves a small hole that will very easily spackle up verses pulling it outward and leaving a larger hole with fractured drywall..

Answer 10

You don't want to spackle over or even push it in a bit........ it will show later.

What you do is put the screw back in and tug it out. Sometimes the screw might be a little loose so just find a screw that is bigger than the original.