When you are ready to remove a tile floor or remove a section of tiles for repair, you need the best possible tools for the job. There are six tools listed below that you can use to remove tiles that are either damaged or worn. Plus, you need to decide why you are removing these tiles. Some tiles should be removed in a more destructive fashion because they are not going to be re-installed. Others need to be removed with precision because you are replacing a few that may be damaged. Continue reading to determine which tool is best for you whether you are working in your bathroom, kitchen, on the floor, or on the wall.
1. Chisel
A chisel can be used to cut around the edges of a few tiles that need to be removed. You can hammer the butt of the chisel, cut away at the grout or resin that is around each tile. The chisel could also be used to break a tile that was already damaged. When you have more leverage, it is easier to remove the surrounding tiles.
The chisel could be used to break tiles if you do not want to smash them with a hammer, and it could also be used to pull up tiles that are already separated from the grout. This is a common tool used by companies like Absolute Floor Stripping. You could feel as smashing the tiles could cause damage to the wall. The chisel will dig under the tile, help it fall from the wall, and leave an open space that you can fill with a new tile.
2. Ball-Peen Hammer
A ball-peen hammer can be used to hammer your chisel, or you can smash old tiles with the hammer. When you are smashing old tiles, you can clean up the floor quickly. This is also a good tool to use when you want to create a mosaic from the broken tiles.
3. Angle Saw
An angle saw can be used to cut through grout or resin if you want to precisely remove certain tiles. The angle saw typically accepts very thin blades that will fit between the tiles. Plus, the saw is easy to handle so that you do not cut through to the subfloor.
4. Circular Saw
A circular saw can be used to physically cut the subfloor if it has been damaged Many bathrooms and kitchens have water damage under the tile that you may never have seen. Since you are removing the tile, you likely plan to replace that tile with a new design. Cutting away the old subfloor allows you to replace the wood and subsequently replace the tiles.
5. Floor Scraper
A floor scraper can be used to clean tiles to check for cracks or damage. There are times when you cannot see the damage to the floor because it is covered up by gunk or debris. Also, cleaning certain tiles will reveal hairline cracks that mean you need to replace those tiles. You can check the whole room for damage, and you can surgically remove each of the tiles that need to be replaced.
6. Resin Removal Solution
You can use a resin or grout removal solution to help clean up the floor. Some people want to reuse all the tiles in the room, but they may not want to damage the tiles or try to cut them out. You can use the solution to remove the grout so that you can reposition the tiles or create a new design. When you apply the solution to the grout, the grout will break down until you have a slurry that you can vacuum with a wet-dry vacuum.
Conclusion
You can remove all the tiles in a room or remove only the broken tiles using the tools listed above. Each tool has its own purpose, and you can complete a full remodel of the room if you have taken the time to pull up all the tiles, repair the subfloor, and create a new pattern. Plus, you can replace just one broken tiles but using your chisel and ball-peen hammer to leave an open space that will be filled with a new tile.