How to get a single hook from wp_head()?

Question

I am working on a custom post type and I don't want it to get all the clutter from wp_head(). However, I do want to show a specific hook, for example the YoastSEO meta tags.

How do I call a specific single hook in the template file without wp_head()? I tried adding a filter to wp_head that removes the parts I don't want, e.g.:

if ( 'customtype' === get_post_type() )
{ 
      remove_action( 'wp_head', 'rsd_link' );
      remove_action( 'wp_head', 'feed_links' );
      remove_action( 'wp_head', 'wlwmanifest_link' );
      remove_action( 'wp_head', 'wp_generator' );
      remove_action( 'wp_head', 'start_post_rel_link' );
      remove_action( 'wp_head', 'index_rel_link' );
      remove_action( 'wp_head', 'adjacent_posts_rel_link' );
      remove_action( 'wp_head', 'wp_shortlink_wp_head' );
}

However, this seems inefficient and I would have to maintain any additional plugins or functions that manipulate or add actions to wp_head().

Is there a way to remove ALL actions and keep the one(s) I want? I'd prefer not including wp_head at all and just call whatever action I need for that custom post type.

Answer 1

wp_head is an essential part of the theme, and there is too many things that might fall apart if it is not there. Hunting and fixing them one by one might be time consuming and the worthiness of the all operation questionable.

In you snippet for example you want to remove things that make no sense to remove specifically only for one CPT, and if you have them on other post types there is no real reason not to have them on that one.

Answer 2

Since plugins hook directly into wp_head nothing will happen if it's not there unless you change the plugin code. So, you'd have to create your own hook in the theme, then scan the Yoast files for any calls to wp_head and change them. Not recommended, though.

A better course of action would be to generate these metatags yourself. They're pretty straightforward.