Getting a "plug" out of the wall can refer to removing either a standard electrical plug from an outlet or a wall anchor (often called a rawl plug) that is embedded in the wall material itself. The method depends entirely on which type of plug you need to remove.
Here's how to handle both situations:
Removing an Electrical Plug from a Wall Outlet
This is the most common type of plug removal. Electrical plugs are designed to be inserted and removed from sockets safely.
- Grip the Plug: Hold the body of the plug firmly with your hand. Avoid pulling on the cord itself, as this can damage the wires inside the cord or the plug.
- Pull Straight Out: Gently but firmly pull the plug straight out from the socket. It should slide out relatively easily.
- Avoid Wiggling: Excessive wiggling can loosen the socket over time. Pulling straight out is best.
Important Safety Note: Ensure your hands are dry before touching any electrical plug or outlet. If the plug feels stuck or is difficult to remove, do not force it. If you suspect damage to the outlet or plug, consider consulting a qualified electrician.
Removing a Rawl Plug (Wall Anchor) from the Wall
A rawl plug, or wall anchor, is a plastic or fiber insert placed into a drilled hole in a wall. Screws are then screwed into the anchor to hang items. These plugs are designed to stay in the wall, but sometimes they need to be removed.
Removing a rawl plug often requires tools. A common technique involves using a screw and pliers, as demonstrated in various guides.
Here is a simple method:
- Insert a Screw: Take a screw that is slightly smaller than the screw originally used with the rawl plug. Screw it into the center of the rawl plug.
- Screw Until it Bites: Turn the screw just "a few turns like so till it bites," meaning screw it in enough so it grips firmly into the rawl plug but not so far that it expands the plug tightly against the wall.
- Use Pliers to Lever: Get your pliers. Position "the sharp end there down against the wall there like" a fulcrum, right next to the rawl plug. Use the jaws of the pliers to grip the head of the screw you just inserted.
- Gently Pull/Lever: With the pliers gripping the screw head and the sharp end resting against the wall (protecting the wall surface), gently pull the screw straight outwards or use a slight leveraging motion against the wall to ease the screw and the rawl plug out of the hole.
Tools Needed for Rawl Plug Removal (Screw & Pliers Method):
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Screw | Insert into the rawl plug for grip |
| Pliers | Grip the screw and lever the plug out |
| (Optional) | Wall filler to patch the hole after removal |
Sometimes, stubborn rawl plugs may require different methods, like using a utility knife to cut the edge or a corkscrew to twist them out, but the screw-and-pliers method is often effective.
In summary, removing an electrical plug is a simple pull, while removing a rawl plug requires tools and a specific technique to pull it out of the wall material.
