Grout removal

[N. Thornton]

Hi

Whats the best way to remove old grout? I dont want to remove the tiles, just need to regrout.

Thanks, NT

[Stuart]

I did this with some of the tiles around my bath /shower and I can tell you that grout is very hard . I just scraped away the top layer and then regrouted and it turned out fine . I take it you are doing this because the existing grout is a bit grubby . Stuart

[Alan Shilling]

Use a grout rake. You should find one at a tile specialist, or possibly in one of the sheds.

[Andy Hall]

There's a bit which fits a Dremel tool which I've found works quite well.

.andy

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[N. Thornton]

no, the grout is breaking up and needs to be done before the wall soaks and the tiles start falling off. Dirty grout is easily cleaned.

Regards, NT

[Harry Bloomfield]

I bought one before Christmas for the same purpose. It survived doing a metre long single row of grout before it was worn out. I don't know if I was unlucky, but the item I bought was a Draper with a yellow plastic molded handle. I ended up making a grout removing tool out of an old industrial hacksaw blade ground down to a point, which worked fine.

[Thomas Prufer]

If you can justify the cost: a Fein Multimaster with the grout removal blade -- I think it's diamond...

Thomas Prufer

[N. Thornton]

Thanks for the warning!

I had another idea, which was to use 1" griding discs fitted to a dremel-alike. I didnt find the discs anywhere though, but I did find a

1.6mm thick 4 1/2" angle grinder disc, which I would think would rip grout out pretty quick if used with care. Its a thin metal cutting disc, but presumably it would still make short work of grout.

Any comments welcome - I'm inclined to think 1" discs would be a safer bet, but didnt find a supplier at last look.

Regards, NT

[Andy Hall]

I've tried that and it isn't very effective. The disks disappear rapidly and seem to start to cut into the tile.

The router bit type setup for a Dremel works OK and is easy to steer (which is the main point), as does the Fein tool that was also suggested - that is a lot more gentle but still effective.

.andy

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[Harry Bloomfield]

I would be concerned about the 1.6mm jamming in the gap and perhaps nicking the tiles or pulling them off the wall. It really doesn't take that long done by hand with a sharp hacksaw blade.

BTW, if you do happen to leave any metallic marks on tiles after the grout removal, lemon juice and elbow grease is very effective at removing them.

[Vanillate]

I'd be concerned about your usenet existence, if I were you, Harry.