How do you remove wall anchors?

Remove wall anchors by removing the screw from the anchor, selecting the appropriately sized drill bit, drilling through the anchor and patching the wall. Wall anchors spread behind the wall to support the weight of the object, so drilling is the easiest way to remove them.

1. Remove the screw from the anchor

   Use a flathead screwdriver to turn the screw counterclockwise to remove it from the anchor.

2. Select the appropriately sized drill bit

   Select a drill bit that is approximately two sizes larger than the screw removed from the anchor. Insert the bit into an electric drill, and tighten the chuck.

3. Drill into the wall anchor

   Check to ensure that the drill is in the forward position. Place the tip of the bit in the hole left by the screw. Hold tightly to the drill, and pull the trigger. Once you drill through the collar of the anchor, the bit pushes through the wall, dropping the anchor into the cavity.

4. Fill the hole

   Use drywall compound to fill the hole. Use a putty knife to smooth the compound. If the patch shrinks as it dries, add more compound. Sand the surface to smooth the patch. Finally, apply primer and touch-up paint to match the surrounding area.