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Remove tile. Rent the floor buffer with the carbide tips from HD (for large areas) or get the cup grinder and have a go at it. All tools rentable at HD. We removed 3K SF of ceramic tile set with epoxy type thinset. The floor buffer was the only tool we could use for the finish clean up and it worked well. Be prepared for dust!
Al
I turn, therefore I am!
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Location: Athens, TN
What is the grout removal tool?
Using a vibrating multitool with carbide or diamond blade works well enough, though slow. This is the path of least resistance. You can do it in sections if you like.
Depending on the amount of tile, you can pop the tile up with a wide blade in a rotary hammer. There are more expensive tools, but, they are more expensive.
You can remove the remaining thinset using a 7" diamond cup wheel in a grinder, but its very dusty. The big grinder noted in a prior post is well worth it if your area is large though.
You will get dust everywhere. Wear a very good dust mask. Seal everything with plastic. Don't just drape it, seal it or remove it.
I have a Den that needs the tile removed. Since I can get the big grinder locally, it will be done with the angle grinder. It will be a lot of work.
Rocket Science is more fun when you actually have rockets.
"The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government." -- Patrick Henry
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Location: Fort Worth
I'd grind out the grout with a oscillating tool and regrout.
I have removed marble tile from a whole house once and see a floor buffer to grind the thin set off and don't ever want to do it again. Those cartoons showing the floor bugger spinning with a person on it... It will do it easily. It's extremely torque and will grab and spin you or put the handle through the wall. Takes lots of practice.
No matter what method your use its not fun. As for dust there isn't any dust as your should be keeping the surface wet. For grout removal use a spray bottle. For floor grinding I use a garden hose.
Now as to the cause of the grout breaking loose that is often caused by expansion and contraction especially here in tx. The slab expands a decent amount in the summer.
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I would use an angle grinder with a diamond blade to cut out most of the grout. Use the multi tool to clean up after the grinder. Much faster than just the multi tool.
Twinn
Will post for food.
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Grout removal blades are available for reciprocating saws. Might be faster than a multipurpose tool on large floor areas. The Spyder blade is available in two thicknesses.
https://www.milwaukeetool.com/accessorie...49-00-5450http://www.spyderproducts.com/toolpages/...grout-out/