Removing metal wall anchors (Rawlplugs)

[Canuck]

Hi there

I have taken down a load of shelves in my house. It appears they were secured with expanding metal butterfly wall anchors. The flat round piece sits like a washer on the surface of the wall.

I would like to remove these somehow as I want to paint the wall and will not be putting shelves back up. However, to pull them out means creating huge holes in the wall. They won't push right through as the flat piece is bigger than the hole for the screw.

Any suggestions ?

Thanks

 

[Wicklow]

Id suggest you try remove the head of the fixing with a mini grinder. then just patch it up.

 

[Irish Fire]

try puttint the screw back imto position (just thread it in a bit) and tap it with the hammer to straighten the fixing behind the wall by the way I mean just tap it dont take a run from the far side if the room