Your Home – August 2019

DIY Masterclass

http://www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk August 2019 67

3

n Removing nylon plugs is very simple. Using

a smaller screw, insert it by just a few turns so

that the plug won’t expand and grip. Next, use

the back of a claw hammer or a pair of pliers

to pull the screw out of the wall and the plug

should come away with it. If you have an offcut

of wood, drill a hole big enough for the plug

to fit through and hold this over the area to

protect delicate plasterboard.

n To remove metal anchors, slip a pair of

needle nose pliers under the collar of the

anchor and pry it away from the wall. Continue

around the collar until there is enough raised

for you to grab (a bigger pair of pliers will

make this easier) and wiggle and twist until the

collar snaps off. Use a screwdriver to push the

internal part of the anchor inside the wall.

n To patch up holes left behind by both

types of plug, sand away any loose material

around the hole, wipe away the dust with

a damp cloth and press filler into the hole.

Once it’s dry, lightly sand it smooth, wipe

again and then touch up the paint for a

good-as-new wall.

4

PUlltHe PlUG

On tHe UP

n Place either the plug or screw, whichever
is longer, beside the drill bit and use tape to
mark off the length from the tip [2]. Use this
as a guideline so that you don’t drill deeper
than necessary. You won’t need to do this if
you’re working on plasterboard, simply drill
through it.
n Place the tip of the drill on the centre of
a marking cross and very lightly squeeze
the trigger to make the initial indentation.
Keeping the drill bit square and steady,
increase the speed and press the drill bit into
the wall until you have drilled to the depth
needed [3].If drilling into brick or concrete, a
drill with hammer action will make this easier
but be sure to start off with the normal drill
function for neat results.
n Insert the plug into the hole. You’ll know

2

Feathers mirror,

£145, Pooky

safety first

Never drill into a wall without

first checking for hidden pipes

and cables with a

multi-detector tool.

it’s the perfect fit when you can push the

plug into the wall, only needing a hammer

to make it flush with the wall [4]. The plug

shouldn’t bend or feel too loose. At this

point, you might like to hold the item you’re

hanging in place and double check the

accuracy of your markings, using a spirit

level, before moving on.

n Once all of the wall plugs are in place,

position the item you’re mounting and insert

the screw through the pre-drilled hole and

into the wall plug. A screwdriver will be fine

but if you have a compatible screwdriver head

for your drill, it will make quicker work of the

job. Don’t over-tighten the screws as this could

loosen the plug.

Northern

Nest hooks,

£40 each, Nest