How to Remove Wall Plugs from Any Wall Type
We’ve all been there — you take down a shelf, a photo frame, or a curtain rail, and you’re left staring at unsightly little plastic or metal wall plugs. Whether you're redecorating or just want a clean wall, knowing how to remove wall plugs properly can save you from unnecessary damage and a lot of frustration.
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to remove rawl plugs from the wall, even those that are stuck or embedded in plasterboard. With the right tools and techniques, you can get rid of them cleanly — and without damaging your walls.
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What You'll Need
To get started, here’s a list of handy tools that will help you remove wall plugs from any surface:
Screw (long enough to grip into the plug)
Screwdriver (Phillips or flathead)
Needle-nose pliers
Claw hammer
Flathead screwdriver
Wall filler or plaster
Spackling knife or spatula
Sandpaper
Types of Wall Plugs and Their Removal Techniques
Plastic Wall Plugs
These are the most common and also the easiest to remove.
Here’s how to remove a plastic wall plug:
Insert a screw halfway into the plug.
Twist gently, then pull the screw using pliers or your hand.
Wiggle side to side if needed — it’ll slide out with minimal effort.
Metal Rawl Plugs
These can be a bit trickier and require a little more care.
Use needle-nose pliers to grip and pull.
If it’s stuck, gently tap a screwdriver into the centre to collapse the plug.
Pull out any loose pieces or push them into the wall cavity if removal isn’t possible.
Step by Step Guide to Removing Wall Plugs Safely
Using a Screw and Pliers
If you're wondering how to remove a wall plug without damaging the plaster, this method is your go-to.
Insert a screw partway into the plug — not too deep, just enough to grip.
Use pliers to hold the screw firmly.
Gently pull out, wiggling if necessary.
This works for most plastic plugs and even some metal ones.
Using a Flathead Screwdriver
This is ideal if the plug is loose or almost coming out.
Slide the flathead screwdriver under the lip of the plug.
Apply gentle pressure to lever the plug out.
Use pliers at the same time to help ease it free.
Perfect if you're trying to remove wall plugs without damaging plaster.
For Stuck or Metal Wall Plugs
Metal plugs can be a nightmare, especially if they’re stuck in plaster or plasterboard. Here’s how to remove a wall plug that is stuck:
Use a screwdriver and gently tap it with a hammer to collapse the inside of the plug.
Once it folds in, use pliers to pull out the metal casing.
Alternatively, push it deeper into the wall cavity if it won’t come out cleanly.
If you're specifically asking how to remove metal rawl plugs from the wall, this is your best bet.
Patching and Repairing the Wall
After you've managed to remove plugs from the wall, it's time to tidy things up. Here's how to restore your wall:
What you'll need:
Wall filler or plaster
Spackling knife or spatula
Sandpaper
Steps:
Fill the hole using filler or plaster.
Smooth it over with a spatula or knife.
Let it dry fully (check the instructions on your filler).
Once dry, sand it down for a seamless finish.
Repaint if necessary.
This final step is the most important, especially if you've recently pulled out plasterboard or plaster wall plugs and would like to have a smooth surface again.
If you're trying to discover how to remove metal wall plugs, how to remove wall plugs from plaster, or just wishing for the quickest fix available before painting — patience and the right method will keep your walls undamaged.
Now that you have a clear idea of how to remove a rawl plug from the wall, you're ready to go!
Image Credit: pexels.com, pinterest.com
