Cant undo this pia downpipe fixing bracket!

[PatDIY_Dad]

I feel dumb for asking this as I thought a simple flat head screw driver would be enough to get this plugs out

They just spin and wont remove. Also wedging something behind it to pry out gently while unscrewing it wont budge either.

Just trying to lift up the downpipe here to inspect

Is there a trick to un-doing these?

[Noyade]

Afternoon @PatDIY_Dad 

My thought is the sharp end of a metalworkers scribe and pick away all the paint within the screw head slot.

Then I would try a socket wrench with the appropriate slotted screwdriver head.

One hand pushing inwards to stabilise the head and the other turning the handle.

You should get much more torque this way.

Worth a try?

Cheers.

[JacobZ]

Hi @PatDIY_Dad,

Lifting the pipe bracket while rotating the head should pull on the anchor enough to engage the thread and if it is free-spinning and not engaging the threads, there could be an issue with the thread, or there isn't any thread at all.

I'm not 100% sure of this, but I suspect the issue is because there is no actual thread on this anchor. I have come across a number of hammer-in masonry anchors that are similar to these Macsim 40 mm Macdrive Anchors that have a slot in their head but no actual thread like a screw. 

If this is the case, you have two options really, grind the head off and replace the anchors, or drill straight down the anchor and replace them.

Unfortunately, you've already tried exactly what I would recommend to remove a screw-type anchor so it's likely you'll need to be a bit more destructive.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

[Noyade]

"Macsim 40 mm Macdrive Anchors that have a slot in their head but no actual thread like a screw. "

Ahh....that makes sense @JacobZ !

😁

[PatDIY_Dad]

Yep it's those type of plugs because I've managed to remove another bracket at the front of my house and it was the same

I've tried just pulling out with pliers but they slip off

I haven't got this type of pliers but will buy and try again before I drill through it

https://www.bunnings.com.au/trojan-175mm-carpenter-s-pincer-plier_p0126937?store=6415&gclsrc=aw.ds&g...

How annoying 

[J-P]

While pulling the plug see if you can slide a screw driver or something flat beside the clamp and apply force to push it away from wall

[JacobZ]

Hi @PatDIY_Dad,

If you can get the nail to come up while keeping the sheath around it in place, this will make the job of pulling them out a whole lot easier.

You might be able to get a chisel just under the edge of the nail head and lift it a bit so the outward pressure in the hole is lessened and then you can pull it out with those pliers.

Let me know how you go.

Jacob