Home repair

Table of Contents

How to remove anchors and pins from drywall?

To remove drywall anchors and pins, either unscrew and pull them out (for some types) or push them into the wall. For most plastic and metal anchors, screw a screw partway back in, grip it with pliers, and pull firmly. Alternatively, you can tap the anchor with a hammer and screwdriver to push it into the wall so it can be covered with joint compound and painted over.

Method 1: Pulling out the anchor

For plastic anchors:

  1. Screw a screw partway into the anchor until it is snug but not fully expanded.
  2. Grip the screw head with pliers and pull straight out. You can score the paint around the anchor with a utility knife to minimize damage.

For screw-in metal anchors:

  1. Unscrew the screw from the anchor until it can be removed.
  2. Use a screwdriver that fits snugly into the anchor’s opening and turn it counter-clockwise to back it out.

For molly bolts:

  1. Unscrew the bolt a few turns to loosen the internal barrel.
  2. Tap the bolt head with a hammer to push the barrel back, which will disengage it from the wall.
  3. Use needle-nose pliers to pull the entire anchor out.

Method 2: Pushing the anchor into the wall

For plastic or screw-in anchors:

  1. Insert a screwdriver or a 5-in-1 tool into the anchor.
  2. Gently tap the back of the screwdriver with a hammer to push the anchor flush or slightly recessed into the wall.

For all anchor types:

  1. After pushing the anchor in, you can cover the hole with joint compound, let it dry, sand it smooth, and then prime and paint.

How to fill drywall holes with Spackle?

  1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OasfthvNbA
  2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwSZUZ50Z78
  3. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/-tXgh_AdAKk

Spackle

  1. DAP DryDex Dry Time Indicator Spackling, Pink/White https://www.amazon.com/Drydex-7079812328-Spackling-Building-Material/dp/B07GRKWTPX

Can we drive an anchor into spackling after it dries?

No, you should not drive an anchor into dried spackle. Spackle alone is not strong enough to hold an anchor; it will crumble, and the anchor will not have a secure hold. For a strong and reliable anchor, you must drive it into solid material like drywall or a wood stud. If you need to use the same area, you must first patch the hole with a stronger compound like setting-type joint compound or consider using a different anchor like a toggle bolt, which clamps to the back of the drywall.

Why spackle is insufficient

  1. Not strong enough: Spackle is designed for filling small holes and cosmetic repairs, not for load-bearing purposes.
  2. Crumbling: Driving an anchor into dried spackle will cause it to crumble, compromising the anchor’s hold.

What to do instead

  1. Use a toggle bolt: If you cannot hit a stud, a toggle bolt is a much stronger solution for drywall. It requires a larger hole than a standard anchor, but its wings clamp onto the back of the wall, providing a very secure hold.
  2. Fill with a stronger compound: For a more robust fix, fill the hole with a setting-type joint compound, which is much harder and stronger than spackle once dried.
  3. Drill into the new, solid material: After filling the hole with the stronger compound and letting it dry completely, carefully drill a new, smaller hole into the patched area to be able to install the anchor or toggle bolt.
  4. Use a different location: If possible, choose a new spot to install the anchor, fill the old hole, and make it flush with the wall to blend in.

Setting type joint compound for drywall small hole

  1. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000PDL6F0/

How to use joint compound for drywall small hole

Use a setting-type joint compound for a small hole by mixing a small amount to a thick consistency, pressing it into the hole, and letting it cure before sanding smooth. For even larger “small” holes, you may need to pre-fill and then apply a second coat.

Step 1: Prepare the hole

  1. Clean any loose debris from the edges of the hole.
  2. Use a putty knife or the handle of a screwdriver to gently tap the edges of the hole to create a slight recess, making it easier for the compound to fill.

Step 2: Mix the compound

  1. Mix a small amount of the setting-type joint compound. For filling holes, a thicker consistency works best.
  2. Add water to the pan, then the powder, and mix until you have a stiff, putty-like consistency.

Step 3: Fill the hole

  1. Use a putty knife to press the compound firmly into the hole, ensuring it’s completely filled and pushed in well.
  2. Smooth the compound so it is as flush as possible with the surrounding wall.

Step 4: Allow to cure

  1. Let the compound dry completely. Setting-type compound cures chemically, which is faster than air-drying compounds.

Step 5: Sand and finish

  1. Once dry, sand the area until it is smooth and flush with the wall.
  2. If there is any shrinkage, apply a second coat, let it dry, and sand again to a smooth finish.
  3. Prime and paint the area once it is perfectly smooth.

Sample videos

  1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuRuuLdNGHU&t=3s
  2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lM-G9d_5wiI

Driving anchor into joint compound after it dries

You can’t drive an anchor directly into cured joint compound because it’s not strong enough; you must install anchors into the drywall behind it, or after repairing the hole and letting the compound dry completely. To use the same location again, first fill the old hole with setting-type joint compound, let it dry fully, sand it smooth, and then drill a new pilot hole before installing the new anchor. For a more secure hold in the new hole, use an anchor that spreads the load, like a toggle bolt, or install a backing plate.

Before installing a new anchor

  1. Fill the old hole: Use a setting-type joint compound (not lightweight spackle) to fill the hole completely.
  2. Allow to dry: Let the compound dry and cure fully. This can take 24 hours or more depending on the product and thickness.
  3. Sand and prime: Lightly sand the dried compound until it is smooth and flush with the wall. You may need a primer before painting to ensure an even finish.
  4. Drill a new pilot hole: Use a small, sharp drill bit to create a new pilot hole in the center of the repaired area.
  5. Choose the right anchor: If the hole is large or if you are hanging a heavy item, consider using an anchor that spreads the load behind the drywall (like a toggle bolt) to increase the strength of the hold.

Tips for new anchor installations

  1. Use a drill bit to create a pilot hole: Even self-drilling anchors can be easier to install if you first create a small pilot hole with a drill bit, especially if the tip of the anchor is not very strong.
  2. Don’t overtighten: Be careful not to overtighten the anchor with a power drill, as this can strip the drywall and cause the anchor to fail.
  3. Use the right screw: Use the specific screw that came with the anchor. The threads are designed to work with the anchor to create a strong hold.
  4. Consider a toggle bolt: Toggle bolts are a great option for heavier items because they spread the weight across the back of the drywall.

Useful tools

  1. Pans: https://www.lowes.com/pl/drywall/drywall-tools/mud-pans-liners/drywall-mud-pans/4294462240
  2. Paint tools: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Warner-10-in-1-Stainless-Steel-Painters-Tool/5014907403
  3. Drywall finishing sponge

Links to this note