How do I get this anchor out of the wall?

Plaster wall, screw came out easily, but I can't pry the anchor loose.

You can try re-inserting the screw part way and using it to wiggle the anchor.

can you tap in vs pull out and spackle? if you pull out there is little to support the spackle

Tap it in. Then use a tampon (yes, that kind) cut in half, push it in so that it is 1/8" below the surface of the plasterboard.

Now it is easy to spackle over it.

Thanks - we're now debating whether to keep what we had hanging there, so I'll wait a bit, but try either method if we decide to pull it out after all.

you may already understand this, but molly screws anchor to the wall by compressing the sides into an anchor that fans out inside the hole. To remove it, reinsert the screw until it begins to thread into the anchor, turn it about three times and then gently tap the head of the screw with hammer. Essentially, you are driving the end of the anchor and straightening the pieces away from the inside of the wall. once its tapped all the way, you should then be able to pull it out with a pair of needle nose pliers. Diagram of anchor shown below probably better explains why they are hard to remove by just pulling out. hoping this is helpful.

Ah, yes, thanks, rowerg!

More often than not, the drywall fails as you are trying to tap the screw head unless you are very, very patient. It's often simpler to just hit it flush with a larger diameter bolt until the head of the anchor is slightly below the surface of the drywall. Spackle. Sand. Move on.

jasper said:
Ah, yes, thanks, rowerg!

catch22 said:
More often than not, the drywall fails as you are trying to tap the screw head unless you are very, very patient. It's often simpler to just hit it flush with a larger diameter bolt until the head of the anchor is slightly below the surface of the drywall. Spackle. Sand. Move on.

jasper said:
Ah, yes, thanks, rowerg!

I would probably go catch22's route. But then, I probably don't have the patience to do it the other way.

I missed the drywall note. Thought it was plaster, where it can be tricky if it's in between or in the lathe. Good suggestion to tap it through and patch the hole.

Why not put a circle around it with a felt-tip pen, and then place some 'Crime Scene' tape nearby?

< big grin >

marksierra said:
Why not put a circle around it with a felt-tip pen, and then place some 'Crime Scene' tape nearby?
< big grin >

If we're going the creative route, I could paint this fellow around it:

Rowerg is a genius. His recommendations for fixing my sagging pocket door were spot on and saved me a ton of hassle and $$. I told a carpenter what to do and he fixed it for free because it was THAT easy! Rowerg is the best.