Replies

1. 
   GW_Carpenter | Oct 12, 1999 08:33am | #1

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   Fein makes a grout removal attachment for their version of a detail sander. It should remove the soft grout without beating up on the harder tile. Plan on spending quite some time however.

2. 
   Guest_ | Oct 12, 1999 08:49am | #2

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   I used a dremel with a carbide cutter. Worked quite well.
   It's an ugly, ugly job, though. Goggles and a mask are mandatory, mask off the rest of the bath with poly.

   My grout was only 1/8th inch which made it easier, but I did allow the bit to skip out twice, one time it did scratch the tile, not too noticeably, though. I think I used two bits, maybe three. I'd guess I had around 90-95 sq feet of tiled wall area to work on.

   The dremel bits were easy to use. The carbide was only on the last 3/8ths inch or so of the bit, so I ran the bit at an angle, allowing the non-carbide part of the bit just above the carbide to ride the edge of the tile. Two swipes per grout line and they were clean.

   Don't take the easy way out and wash the dust down the tub drain, it packs well and you could end up with reduced flow or a drain clog down line.

   Almost forgot this...work with regard to what type of material the tile is adhered to. I was working with thinset on cement backer board. If your tile is on drywall, you'll easily go through the drywall if you get a bit careless.

1. 
   Guest_ | Oct 12, 1999 06:36pm | #3

   *If the tile is on drywall, you might as well just remove and replace the tile.

1. 
   Guest_ | Oct 12, 1999 06:48pm | #4

   *Does regrouting reflect a failure to install or maintain the grout properly, or is it just something that has to be done periodically?

1. 
   Guest_ | Oct 13, 1999 05:12am | #5

   *Here is a url:http://www.askthebuilder.com/cgi-bin/bulletin?150:001451Often, this guy has some good info to share, but sometimes, I am amazed at how much verbage it takes to communicate the info.

1. 
   Guest_ | Oct 13, 1999 08:14am | #6

   *For grout removal, I use a cutting tool borrowed from an engine lathe. The tool is carbide tipped and welded to an old srewdriver handle. The point is the carbide tip scratches out the old grout without creating clouds of dust. And I can get into the tiniest of corners. By the time you roll out your cord, I'm well into the job with my tool. And, with this tool, I don't worry about accidentally grinding into or chipping a tile. You can actually buy a tool similar to what I've described.BTW: for regrout, it is not necessary to get all the grout out; just the top third or so. Andrew does have a good question (3.0) about the maintainence of grout. The answer is periodic regrouting is not necessary to maintain the appearance of grout, only regular cleansing.

2. 
   Guest_ | Oct 16, 1999 08:43am | #7

   *An ordinary utility knife is the best tool I have found to remove grout. I'm assuming it's non sanded grout and 4x4 tile. Just watch when you drag the blade through an intersection,it's easy to chip a corner. I'd be willing to bet you could do this job in one hour with the least amount of mess this way.The blade will be dull in a few minutes and actually works better dull. Try it.

3. 
   Guest_ | Oct 16, 1999 09:47am | #8

   *Ours was sanded from Custom. It started flaking off a week or so after it was installed. Initially I though it was improperly mixed/installed. I called Custom to talk about it, to my amazement the rep confessed they had received quite a few customer complaints, both from DIYers and experienced tilesetters. Apparently, he said, we received a "bad batch", as our lot number coincided with that involved in several hundred other gripes. Since the grout was suspect, I wanted to clean out the joints down to the backer board.They offered a to send me $150 and a new bag of grout for my troubles. I jokingly asked "Is that all?", he immediately countered with "Well, the highest I can go is $500. Will that be okay?". Fine by me! So, they sent me a check for $500 for my troubles, along with a new bag of grout mix. I kept begging off on the bag of grout. Why pay more in postage then the bag cost retail? The rep really wanted us to stick with the product. He thought I'd start using the competitor's product. Sure enough UPS came the a few days later with a 25 pound sack of grout and very pretty check.I've never, ever had any other problems with their grout, thinset, admix, anything. Colors are always consistent and the caulk matches the grout color pretty well. I still use their products.

3. 
   Frank_LaPiana | Oct 16, 1999 10:27am | #9

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   Don't laugh, but a Roto-zip does a great job at removing 1/8 or larger grout. They have a 1/8 inch "tile cutter" bit and it cuts through the stuff like butter.

   A dremel doesn't have enough horsepower or speed.

   My second choice would be a grout knife or file.

4. 
   Guest_ | Oct 16, 1999 10:27am | #10

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   What is the best way to remove old grout. I have a customer that wants a shower stall regrouted. If I use a dremel tool am I going to tear the tile up? suggestions?