How to Remove a Wall Shelf From Drywall

Drywall is a common material builders use to create interior walls. The material is generally weak, and cracks or dents easily. If you have wall shelves installed in your drywall, the installer probably attached the screws to a stud, or wood frame, behind the drywall. If he did not, proceed with extra caution when removing the shelves so you don't rip a hole in the drywall.

• 1

  Pull the shelving up and off the supports, if the shelves are not attached. If the shelves are large, have a helper hold one end while you hold the other.

• 2

  Set your electric drill to "reverse." Insert the head of the drill into the screws holding the shelving to the drywall and pull the trigger to remove the screws. Have a helper hold the supports up, so they do not rip holes in the drywall as you remove the supporting screws.

• 3

  Open a container of lightweight spackle. Use your fingers to scoop out a nickel-sized amount of spackle. Work it into the screw holes until you fill them, then go over the surface of the hole with a putty knife to smooth the spackle. Let it dry for one hour.

• 4

  Sand down the surface of the spackle with fine-grit sandpaper, just until it is even with the rest of the wall. Repeat with each spackled screw hole.