Utilizing a Wine Opener Unexpectedly Emerges as the Simplest Method for Extracting Drywall Fasteners
Wall attachments are essential for securely fastening large wall-mounted items like shelves and TVs around your home. They not only ensure safety but also protect the drywall, offer flexible placement options, and evenly distribute weight. To repair any damaged drywall following anchor removal, the process involves extracting anchors from the wall. Although simple to install, anchors can be quite tricky to remove. A recent viral home improvement video has suggested an unconventional tool for removing pesky drywall anchors: a wine corkscrew.
Following this trend, find out how to employ a wine corkscrew for removing specific types of anchors. For those that prove challenging to remove with a corkscrew, alternative anchor removal methods are also provided.
The Wine Opener Trick: Is It Legitimate?
Akin to DIY content creators, @megank_home shared a viral TikTok video showcasing the use of a corkscrew to effortlessly withdraw a drywall anchor from the wall. Within eight seconds, she swiftly presents a typical corkscrew-style wine opener, slots it into the middle of the anchor hole, gives it a few twists, and effortlessly extracts the plastic piece from the wall.
Instagram content creator Orima Kamalu shared a similar reel demonstrating the hack to an astounding 15.9 million viewers. Comments on both posts range from praise for the ingenious concept to admissions of leaving the anchor in and patching over it. If you're a renter, the latter may not be an option, as it may leave damage to the underlying surface. Given corkscrew and drywall anchor compatibility, consider giving it a try.
Nevertheless, it's essential to bear in mind that this trick is not universally applicable to every type of wall anchor. Metal anchors like toggle bolts and threaded plastic anchors should not be attempted to be removed with a wine opener. Instead, utilize it exclusively for non-threaded plastic wall anchors. Keep in mind that if the anchor being removed is very narrow, a corkscrew may not fit.
How to Employ a Wine Opener to Remove Drywall Anchors
Once confirmed that you've selected the appropriate type of anchor, follow these three straightforward steps for efficient removal.
- Insert the wine opener: Position the wine opener tip at the center of the anchor hole and gently press it in approximately an inch.
- Twist and Turn: Use the wine opener handle to rotate the corkscrew counterclockwise, just as you would to open a bottle. Once it reaches the middle, you'll feel it grasp the anchor, signaling that you can proceed to step three.
- Remove the anchor: As you feel resistance, slowly begin pulling straight back. You may need to gently wiggle the anchor, but it should effortlessly detach from the wall with limited assistance.
Other Ways to Remove Drywall Anchors
For threaded, metal or too-narrow drywall anchors, utilize alternatives methods for effortless removal, no drill required.
- Pliers: Use needlenose pliers for small plastic anchors or molly bolts. Clasp the tips around the edges, wiggle the anchor from side to side, and simultaneously pull it towards you until it's free.
- A screwdriver: If you're dealing with a toggle bolt or other types of metal anchors, use an appropriately sized screwdriver to press it roughly halfway inside the hole. Then, with your fingers or pliers, capture the screwdriver head and draw it (with the anchor) out.
- A drill: For particularly stubborn anchors, employ a screwdriver or drill to back the anchor out of the wall.
As a last resort, really tenacious anchors can be pushed further into or flush with the wall using a hammer, enabling you to patch the area for a nearly flawless appearance.
After the success of using a wine corkscrew for removing drywall anchors, it's important to understand when and how to apply this method. This technique works best for non-threaded plastic wall anchors that fit snugly into the corkscrew. However, metal anchors like toggle bolts and threaded plastic anchors should not be attempted to be removed with a wine opener.
In the world of home remodeling and improvement ideas, exploring alternative methods for drywall anchor removal can lead to innovative solutions. For instance, a pair of needlenose pliers can be used to efficiently remove small plastic anchors or molly bolts. Simply clasp the tips around the edges, wiggle the anchor from side to side, and pull it towards you until it's free.
For those dealing with toggle bolts or other types of metal anchors, an appropriately sized screwdriver can be a useful tool. Press it roughly halfway inside the hole, capture the screwdriver head with your fingers or pliers, and draw it (with the anchor) out. Keep in mind that when following remodeling advice, each home improvement project requires different techniques for optimal results. So, before starting any project, ensure you have the correct tools and know-how based on the task at hand.
