How to Remove and Fill Drywall Anchor Holes
Image by Fix This House via Youtube
Sometimes we can’t refrain from driving screws or hammering nails into our drywall for decoration or functional purposes. Once we change our minds and remove them, they leave holes that are not appealing. Don’t worry, it’s actually easy to take them off and repair the damage. Learn how to remove and fill drywall anchor holes with this tutorial by Fix This House on Youtube.
How to Remove Drywall Anchors
1. Threaded drywall anchor
Remove these types of anchors with just a screwdriver.
2. Plastic expansion drywall anchor
When you put these in the wall, they expand after you put a screw through them. When removing this, you just want to put a screw halfway, then pull it with a hammer. If you don’t have one, find needle nose tip pliers. Gently insert it through, get the tip of the anchor, and remove it.
3. Nails with stud
Use a handheld hacksaw and slowly move back and forth until it comes off. You can also use nose-tip pliers. Just grab the nail, twist it back and forth to loosen it, then pull it off. When using a hammer, make sure to use any type of wood as leverage.
4. Small nails
Use a vice grip to twist the nail and remove it from the drywall.
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How to fill drywall anchor holes
- Nail holes – 1/4 inch or smaller
Take your drywall knife or paint scraper and even out the hole. Take off any loose debris. Get some of your joint compound and feather into the holes. When it dries up, use 120 grit sandpaper to sand it off.
- Nail holes greater than 1/4 inch but less than an inch
Scrape off any loose drywall using the paint scraper or drywall knife. You want it to be as clean as possible. Next, take your joint compound and spread it into the holes. The holes will look like they are bubbling but when they dry, they will sink in a little bit. Just go back over it the second time after it dries, then reapply a second coat. Sand it with 120-grit sandpaper.
- Holes about 1 inch in diameter
Get a small piece of drywall mesh tape and cover the hole. Spread joint compound over it. Make sure to cover the mesh tape. Let it dry and repeat two more coats. Once completely dry, sand it with 120-grit sandpaper.
