Drywall texture can create an attractive finish and add dimension to your home’s walls. This guide breaks down the factors that influence the cost to texture drywall.
How to Remove Drywall Anchors Without Damaging Your Walls
A little bit of elbow grease and some common household tools will get the job done in no time
Photo: Serhii / Adobe Stock
Photo: Serhii / Adobe Stock
SKILL LEVEL
Simple
COMPLETION TIME
15 minutes
COST
$25 to $50
Get quotes from up to 3 pros!
Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you.
What you'll need:
TOOLS
- Drywall putty
- Medium grit sandpaper
SUPPLIES
- Screwdriver
- Drill with screwdriver fitting
- Utility knife, box cutter, or cutting wheel fitting for drill
- Needle-nose pliers
- Hammer
Drywall anchors are handy for all sorts of projects, like safely mounting shelves, TVs, art, and the like. But they can also be a nuisance when it comes time to repaint your walls for a move or simply redecorate. Luckily, learning how to remove drywall anchors is easy to do and doesn’t require any out-of-the-ordinary tools. With a bit of time and some drywall putty for patching up any small holes left behind, your walls will be ready for whatever comes next.
Prepping to Remove Drywall Anchors
Start by gathering all your tools and protecting your surroundings from any debris. Remove any objects that could get in your way while working, and cover the floor below with a drop cloth for quick and easy cleanup.
Next, clear the wall of any obstacles like art or shelves. Find out how to remove wallpaper if you know that’s another task you’ll need to do beforehand. You’ll need to remove any screws that are still in place before worrying about the anchors. You can use either a handheld screwdriver or a drill with a screwdriver fitting to do this. Dust them off and set them aside for a later project if they’re still in good shape.
Once you’ve taken care of all that, you’re ready to conquer the drywall anchors. Use one of the following methods to get them out ASAP.
Remove With a Screwdriver
Photo: zlikovec / Adobe StockPlace either a handheld screwdriver or a drill with a screwdriver bit into the drywall anchor. If you’ve chosen the first option, rotate the screwdriver to the left while gently tugging backward to loosen and pull out the anchor. Once it’s far enough removed from the wall, you can unscrew the rest by hand.
If you’re opting for the drill, be sure to set it to reverse to avoid accidentally drilling further into your wall. Place the bit into the anchor and activate the drill to pull outward. If the anchor is still firmly in place despite these efforts, consider one of the more intensive methods below.
Pull Out With Needle-Nose Pliers
Sandwich the accessible anchor edge between the two tips of a set of needle-nose pliers. Gently push and pull the edge back and forth until it becomes noticeably looser. You may need to repeat this motion for a few minutes to free the anchor enough to pull it out. Move on to a different technique if it still doesn’t budge from this trick.
Cut and Hammer to Remove
Use a utility knife, box cutter, or cutting wheel bit for your drill to cut away at the head of the anchor. Once it’s fully removed and flat with the wall, place a screwdriver or nail into the opening. Next, tap the screwdriver or nail with a hammer to push the anchor into the gap behind the wall. If it turns out that there’s not enough space behind the wall and the anchor is still sticking out, try the last trick for guaranteed success.
Recess It Into the Wall
Save this method for last because it will create a larger hole in your drywall than the others. Use a utility knife or box cutter to score a small square around the drywall anchor. Next, place a screwdriver in the anchor opening and tap with a hammer until it’s fully sunk into the drywall. From there, you’ll need to patch up the remaining hole before moving on to other projects.
Patch Holes With Drywall Putty
Photo: Kativ / iStock / Getty ImagesEven the smallest holes in drywall are worth patching up because they can become worse over time if neglected—and incur hefty drywall repair costs as a result. Wipe the area with a microfiber cloth to remove any leftover dust or debris. Apply drywall putty and use a drywall spatula to smooth and even out the rest of the wall. Let dry until fully cured (up to 24 hours), then smooth out further with medium-grit sandpaper. If you’ve made a hole bigger than you feel comfortable dealing with, a local drywall repair service can help you out.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
For a job this small, you’re better off doing it yourself than hiring a pro. In most cases, a drywall professional near you won’t perform such a task unless it’s one part of a larger project or an add-on to something else entirely—like a freebie on top of the cost of popcorn ceiling removal.
Good thing the cost to go the DIY route is so low! If you don’t already have a drill or tools like a hammer or screwdriver, you’ll end up paying a max one-time fee ranging from $100 to $300. It’s worth investing in such tools because they’ll help you save a lot on future DIY projects and repairs in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
The homeowners guide to drywall services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Installing drywall is the most common way to finish your home’s interior. Use this drywall installation cost guide to see what your project is likely to cost.
Installing beadboard ceilings is a great DIY project. Learn what to expect cost-wise from this project, whether removing or covering a popcorn ceiling.
If you’re wondering who to call for drywall repairs, look no further. This drywall repair contractor hiring guide will help you choose a contractor.
Hanging drywall is only the beginning of creating smooth walls. We’ll show you the steps required for how to tape and mud drywall as the key finishing touch.
Drywall installation is a tricky job that typically requires a pro. This guide will tell you who installs drywall and the benefits of different contractors.