How to Remove a Molly Bolt From Drywall

A molly bolt is a type of expanding wall anchor commonly used to hang pictures or other objects on a home's walls. The anchor is inserted through a small hole, then a center bolt is tightened to expand fanned tabs that tighten against the backside of the drywall to hold the anchor in place. Molly bolt anchors are very effective in holding weight against the wall, but because of their design they cannot be removed as simply as other styles of wall anchors. The procedure for removing a molly bolt anchor is easy to complete and leaves the wall surface smooth and unblemished.

Screwdriver
Hammer
Utility knife
Putty knife
Lightweight spackle
Sanding block (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Loosen and extract the molly bolt from the bracket using a screwdriver.
- 2
  Insert the tip of a utility knife into the perimeter edge of the molly base to cut through the drywall's surface paper and score into the drywall. Work slowly around the metal base, pushing the knife tip deeper and deeper as you work around the base until you have penetrated approximately 1/4 inch into the drywall material.
- 3
  Place the tip of a screwdriver against the molly base over the screw hole and gently tap the screwdriver with a hammer. The molly base will begin to push in and puncture through the drywall, leaving a clean-edged circle where the molly base had been.
- 4
  Apply a small dollop of lightweight spackle to the drywall hole using a putty knife. You may have to apply spackle to fill one side and allow the spackle to dry before applying more to completely fill the hole.
- 5
  Allow the final application of spackle to dry thoroughly. Use a small sanding block or piece of sandpaper to smooth the spackle flush with the wall surface.
- 6
  Paint the spackle patch, as necessary, to match the existing wall color.

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