Flooring Tile - Regrouting Floor Tiles

I am looking to regrout a tile job with 1/4" joints, and am looking for a recommendation for a tool to remove the old material

Home Centers sell small grout removal tools but they would be very labor intensive ($3). Some pros use a Dremel (maybe $60) with a diamond bit (about $25). Then there is a tool attachment that fits most reciprocating saws called a "Grout Grabber"(around $100) and you also need the recip saw.

Why exactly are you wanting to regrout?

Hi Bud:

Thanks for the reply. I have a kitchen that has 8x8 tiles and matching 4x4 on the counters. The floor grout has failed, particularly where they didn't remove the spacers. There are also some cracked tiles that need removal (I have spares), and I know that the grout needs removal prior to removing the failed tile.

I have a Milwakee sawzall. The kitchen is 12 x15 (a lot of grout!). The counter grout was sealed & has since discolored. I would love to know what product could strip the sealer.

Thanks again.

OK now I understand. Leaving the tile spacers in a grout job is a big mistake but this isn't the first I've heard of it.

Now that I understand the scope of your job I would suggest you buy a 4" right angle grinder and a 4" diamond blade. I didn't mention this before because this combination can get costly but I think if you go to a home center you can find the combination for between 100 and 150 bucks. This will serve you best. Make sure you know the particular blade will fit the particular grinder before you leave the store.

I can get you some information on the Grout Grabber if you like but the above combination will be a lot more productive.

I can't help you on the sealer stripper, not all sealers are strippable I don't think but removing the grout will solve that problem anyway.

If you are thinking that stripper will clean your grout...it may not.

You might try some Sulfamic Acid or TSP (Tri-Sodium Phosphate) on your countertop grout. They both come in crystal form and should also be at your Home Center.

Bud:

Thanks for the info...I do have a 4" Ryobi grinder, and will get a diamond blade. I will try the TSP...I am familiar with it from pre-paint washes on the house exterior.

I guess the grinding will take some delicacy (& probably some tile damage).

You have been a great help.

Tile damage is a big risk but if you go slow and stay away from the tile edges you'll be OK. This is a very dusty process. If you can find one of those little dust collector attachments for your grinder that also attaches to your shop vac you'll be miles ahead.

Be prepared to ventilate and wear a dust mask and eye protection. Remove or tightly cover anything that you don't want dust on or in.

It is a good idea to seal the area (room) at the doors with plastic drop cloths and hopefully there is a window or two available that you can vent the room with. A fan at the window will help evacuate the dust rapidly. You could also have a helper follow along as you cut with the vac hose to collect what you can on the spot.

Prepare your spouse for the biggest damned mess they have ever seen.:D