Learn how to remove drywall anchors easily without tearing up the wall. It's much simpler than you'd expect!
I wanted to pass along a quick tip I picked up recently. When I replaced all the hardware in my bathroom makeover, I didn't expect to be left with 5 unwanted wall anchors.
When the previous owner or builder put up the towel bar, toilet paper holder, and towel rack, they never anchored them into studs. As a result, every screw went into a wall anchor to hold it firmly in place.
That's great when you don't want the towel holder falling off every time you dry your hands. It's not so great when you decide to swap everything out!
I love sharing my favorite DIY tips and tools with you! I've walked you through how to change a light fixture and pick the right light bulbs, plus my top 5 tools for beginner DIYers! I hope they help you build a home you love on a budget!
At first I assumed the new hardware would fit right over the old anchors in some spots. But the hardware was different in some cases, and in others I wanted to move the new pieces to a new spot.
How to Take Out Drywall Anchors
I'll admit I was stumped for a few days. How could I get the anchors out without leaving giant holes in my walls?
Then one night I had the bright idea to simply hammer them in a bit further and patch the small hole.
It worked wonderfully!
I actually started a screw partway in first, then gently tapped it with a hammer. Be careful not to tap too hard, or the drywall around the anchor will dent and leave a mark on your wall. Ask me how I know. Thankfully mine wasn't too bad, and I was still able to patch it with some compound.
I had visions of carefully pulling out every anchor, so I'm really glad this method worked better. Sorry I didn't photograph the patching and sanding, but it's pretty straightforward. Just use drywall patching compound, let it dry, then sand. Easy. {This is my favorite patching putty.}
You'd never guess there was once a wall anchor just below this towel ring. Love how it turned out!
I hope that if you ever face the same job, you won't stew over it for days or weeks like I did. Tuck this away in your "things I might need twice in my life" file and thank me later!
UPDATE: A reader pointed out that anchors with a Phillips-head screwdriver hole can simply be unscrewed instead of hammered in. This method still works for anchors that can't be unscrewed.
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