Before I fill in holes in plaster walls...remove or leave in the plastic anchors for screws?

Question

If I remove the anchors, then I have a much bigger hole to fill, so can I just leave them in?

Answer 1

I'd recommend removing them and carving a slightly larger, tapered outward, (like a funnel), hole with a small knife blade, then filling that.  You'll get a better plug of spackle or drywall mud, whichever you're going to use, and the finished product will have a better feathered edge that should disappear under the paint.   If you leave them in, you have to be real sure that they're at least flush, preferably below the level of the drywall, or they will show through.  That's why drywall nails or screws are installed and dimpled by the installation tool.  The dimple pushes the fastener below the flush surface to allow it to be filled flush, then lightly sanded.  The method I suggested would definitely be more work, but the old adage, "If you don't have time to do it right, when are you going to have time to do it over?", applies.

Answer 2

if they are flush with the wall yes. if not i would remove them first unless you plan on using them again.

Answer 3

yes, leave them in, you are correct, would leave big hole if you remove them. just spackle over the top, when you paint, you'll never see it.