How to get old plastic wall plugs out of the wall?

[monkey writer]

Has anyone got a good way to get old plastic wall plugs out of a wall? My walls are peppered with old ones from previous owners.

I figured that I could drill them out with a large drill bit, but is there a less destructive way?

Thanks!

 

[Moo]

Screw a fattish screw half-way in, then give a good tug with a claw hammer or some heavy-duty pliers?

 

[monkey writer]

thanks Moo, i did try that one but wasn't strong enough... a hammer is a good idea - leverage. will try that later.

 

[CHRIS]

dont forget to put a piece of wood under the hammer head to protect the wall as it will push straight in, try and follow he studs if pos

 

[Nigel Watts]

I use pliers to grip them and then give a good yank. If they are really stuck firm I cut them back to below the surface of the plaster using wire cutters and then fill the hole.

 

[NT]

One other poss is to use a sharp twist drill on them. Hollowing them out makes them thin walled, and lose their grip strength.

NT

 

[Andrew Bodenham]

Mole grips, especially the fine nose ones. If they won't come right out, pull them as far as you can, cut 'em off and bang 'em back in.