WM formulated the question :
What is the best way to remove the newer style picture hooks?
http://www.screwfix.com/sfd/i/cat/72/p1657772_l.jpg

I have some of these on an interior wall which is made of plastered
brickwork. Some hooks have been painted over and some have not.

If I prise the hooks off with a screwdriver (protecting the wall with
a steel rule placed under the screwdriver blade) then I can see I
might take out a chunck of wall plaster.

If the pins all go in at exactly the same angle, then they should come
out without too much difficulty, just tap them up/down/left/right to
loosen them - then a straight pull with pliers or what ever.

If however the pins enter at different angles, all I can suggest is
melting the plastic with an hot air gun to enable the pin heads to be
gripped and pulled out straight.

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Regards,
Harry (M1BYT) (L)
http://www.ukradioamateur.co.uk