Help!: Removing some tiles without damaging others

[digi]

Hi,

I am trying to replace two ceramic tiles which are just above a plastic shower tray near the corner of the cubicle.

I've started chipping away with a small chisel between the two tiles I want to remove but the tiles are very well stuck on (keraquick & latex mix, near full contact) and I'm basically getting nowhere. Just fragments of the top part/face of the tiles are chipping off.

I don't want to damage any of the surrounding tiles or tray, and the tiles are on plasterboard, so I don't want to go mad with the hammering.

Any tips/advice how I can do this and with what tools.

Thanks!
DIYer

[Phil Hobson]

Hi and Not an easy task I'm afraid, slow and carefull. I would use a pin hamer to break the glaze from the centre of the tile out, try to get through the tile, use extra care as you get near edge of the next tile. good luck

[Dave]

but the tiles are very well stuck on (keraquick & latex mix, near full contact)

I think you are going to wreck the board no matter what..

Remove the grout from between the joints and using a blade cut through the plaster board and remove all in one go.. then replace the board and re-tile..

[digi]

Thanks for quick replies!

As it's just two tiles I'm wondering if there's anyway to grind/sand them down?? maybe something like those diamond tipped hole cutters but not hollow in the middle if you know what I mean (if something like that exists!)

[Phil Hobson]

Fein multimaster will help remove the grout, if you can hire one. Not worth buying one for a one off job, but as Dave says you will probably ruin the plasterboard anyway, so Dave's way would be better imo

[Prem Tiler]

You could use a root saw if the grout comes out and the grout lines are wide enough.

[ifindoubtgrout]

grind out surrounding joints, then use pin/toffee hammer 2 remove tiles (pin/toff less likley 2 damage board)

[aph257]

remove grout and pin hammer is only way to go, but i would think the board will need replacing.

[Dave]

Keraquick mixed with latex plus is not letting go of these tiles without a fight..

[Bathfix Bob]

I have the Bosch version of the Fein Mulitmaster and a tile cutting blade. I carefully grind lines in the tile horizontal and vertical and generally break the tile up that way, just keep chipping away at it. If its your own home then you'll have plenty of time to do it.

If you don't have the kit then Dave's plasterboard cutting method will be the best way, you may even be lucky and find a batton behind it.

[devonmark]

hammer in centre of the tile and work out, that way you can try and get tile out with minimum damage to p/b, then if the board is damaged you simply replace the p/b as already stated.