The butterfly anchor is a popular fastening method utilized by many. Its removal process is simple; however, it is important to understand the relevant information to ensure a successful outcome thoroughly.
This guide will discuss different methods for removing a butterfly anchor and offer tips for making the process easier.
About Butterfly Anchors
Many people may need clarification on what a butterfly anchor is due to the various names and designs associated with it. There are two types of butterfly anchors to clarify, – plastic and metal. Plastic anchors are also known as aircraft expansion anchors or plastic toggle bolts, while metal anchors are referred to as toggle bolts. I hope this clarifies any confusion.
This anchor, aptly named due to its butterfly-like wings, is commonly used with hollow walls or blocks, drywall, and thick boards. It has a remarkable holding capacity of 15-20 lb on plastic and up to 80 lb on metal and holds something lightweight when used with a board.
What Makes Butterfly Anchors Necessary to Remove?
There are various reasons why Butterfly Anchors must be either replaced or removed. Here are a few reasons why this is necessary. If your situation needs to be mentioned, please leave a comment to address it.
- The anchor has worn out, is no longer secure, or is broken.
- You want to move the item that is fastened with the butterfly anchor.
- You want to replace the butterfly anchor with a different type of fastener.
- You want to repair the wall or other surface where the butterfly anchor is located.
- The butterfly anchor may not be able to hold a heavy item.
- It needs to be installed correctly.
That’s it!
3 Ways to Easily Remove Butterfly Anchor
You can use several methods to remove your butterfly anchor safely and effectively. The best method will depend on the type of anchor and the surface it is attached.
Method 1 – Drill into Anchor
To remove the butterfly anchor,
- First, unscrew the anchor screw from the anchor.
- Then, use a sharp knife to cut off the flush face of the anchor.
- Finally, use a drill to carefully drill through the anchor until the butterfly anchor is pushed out of the other side of the wall.
Method 2 – Pliers or Crowbar
- 1/3 of the screw should be placed in anchor,
- A crowbar or pliers should be used to apply pressure.
It is important to place a piece of wood under the crowbar to prevent damage to the wall.
Method 3 – Hit by Hammer
- Using an anti-cutter knife, cut the plastic face of the stuck anchor.
- Then, take out the screw about one-third of the way.
- Finally, hit the screw with a hammer until the anchor falls from behind the wall.
Note: If butterfly anchors fall into a hollow wall or drywall, don’t worry! It won’t cause any issues in the future, so you can rest assured that it won’t cause any problems.
Anchor Hole Treatment
After removing the butterfly anchors, an unsightly hole is left in the wall, which looks very unpleasant. You can use wood filler to cover the holes.
As an alternative, I stick cute stickers on the holes if I need to use them in the future as a temporary solution – though I acknowledge this is a silly idea, although I enjoy it.
Can I Reuse Butterfly Anchors?
It is possible to reuse butterfly anchors; however, this depends on how they were removed and if they are too worn. They are suitable for reuse if they have a firm enough grip in certain areas. For best results, use a screw and pliers method to remove them before attempting to reuse them.
Conclusion
Removing butterfly anchors is simple and can be done in minutes. We hope this guide has been useful in helping you understand the process of removing butterfly anchors.
Now that you are aware of the methods for removing butterfly anchors be sure to share this information with your friends and family. Comment below to let us know your opinion.
Read More – The Most Effective Ways to Remove Wall Plug