Best tool for removing a tile back splash?-Multi-tool?

[Banjorear]

I'm going to be removing the tiled back splash in my kitchen. What would be the best tool to remove the tile while trying to preserve the backer board behind it?

I'm thinking some type of multi-tool.

 

[signcrafter]

It really depends on the backer board and if they used mastic or thinset to lay the tiles. A lot of back splashes people just use the drywall as backer and then use mastic to put the tile on. I would start with a simple wonder bar and hammer and see how it goes. Then switch tools if needed. I've used everything from a electric rotary hammer on the hammer only mode and chisel bit to an air hammer to just a hammer and pry bar. All depends. Also be prepared to replace the backer if it is just drywall. You may not have to but be prepared just in case it doesn't come off easy and you end up destroying the backer. Another option to look into is just cutting the old backer right out with tile attached and then putting new backer in. Depending on how the tile comes out it might be easier and cheaper to go that route. Like anything in construction there is always a bunch of ways to do it and a bunch of variables that will determine the best way and most of the time you won't know the best way until you start doing it.

 

[bcradio]

I'm going to be removing the tiled back splash in my kitchen. What would be the best tool to remove the tile while trying to preserve the backer board behind it?

I'm thinking some type of multi-tool.

If you want to be there forever... or if you only have 2 or 3 tiles to remove.

You'll want a standard SDS rotary hammer (not SDS max) with a tile removal bit to get the tile off. Then you will need to test a few different tools on removing the thinset as to not damage your wall board. Options include: scraper bit for the SDS hammer, putty knife, the multi-tool you mentioned with the rigid scraper blade, chisel. There may be more options, but you will want to see works because every tile installation is different therefore every removal will be different also.

Good luck

 

[theoldwizard1]

What would be the best tool to remove the tile while trying to preserve the backer board behind it?

Good luck !

As stated, most mastic/thinset will rip the wallboard right of the wall.

 

[Banjorear]

I'm kind of think that it is all going to come off as well. I like the just cutting the rock/backer and taking it out a chuck. It is a lot of tile and the are thick. The previous owner didn't cut corners and I'm fairly certain they used thin set on the tiles.

 

[chrisexv6]

What are you planning on going over the backer with after you are done? More tile?

Id be worried that you wouldnt get a good surface to start with (it will take forever to get off the existing mastic, even if you didnt destroy the backer board)

While you can try to take a tile or two off and see how hard/easy it will be to get down to a somewhat good surface, if it were me I would just count the backer board as a loss and rip it all out. On top of it being easier, you know for sure the quality of the backer you'll have if you replace it.

 

[chrisexv6]

I'm kind of think that it is all going to come off as well. I like the just cutting the rock/backer and taking it out a chuck. It is a lot of tile and the are thick. The previous owner didn't cut corners and I'm fairly certain they used thin set on the tiles.

I literally just did this last weekend.....MultiMaster with the half moon carbide blade.

Cut thru the grout lines, you can usually tell when you hit the backer. Switch to a wood/drywall blade and then cut right thru the backer. A couple yanks on the "panel" you just cut out and it will come off.

Doing it this way I was actually able to replace a shower valve in the wall and re-install the panel (some holes in the surface to screw it back on, but once caulked its fine for now)

 

[Banjorear]

What are you planning on going over the backer with after you are done? More tile?

Id be worried that you wouldnt get a good surface to start with (it will take forever to get off the existing mastic, even if you didnt destroy the backer board)

While you can try to take a tile or two off and see how hard/easy it will be to get down to a somewhat good surface, if it were me I would just count the backer board as a loss and rip it all out. On top of it being easier, you know for sure the quality of the backer you'll have if you replace it.

Yeah, the wife wants to re-tile it. Reason I ask is CPO has a sale on the Fein Multi-master tool.

 

[chrisexv6]

Yeah, the wife wants to re-tile it. Reason I ask is CPO has a sale on the Fein Multi-master tool.

I saw that sale, great deal IMHO. I paid 250 for my slightly larger kit from Sears a couple years ago and felt that was a great deal....CPO price even better.

Ive used it more in the last 2 or 3 weekends than I have since I bought it, it hasnt even broken a sweat.

 

[yfz 450]

It is a waste of time to take off tile and try to preserve the backer board. If it's Sheetrock it will generally rip up to hell and if it is a cement board everything will want to stick to it and it will take a while to get a nice flat surface to work with. I worked construction for years and have done it countless times 95% of the time your best bet is to rip it all off. The cost of new Sheetrock will be well worth the time you save in my opinion good luck

 

[Banjorear]

It is a waste of time to take off tile and try to preserve the backer board. If it's Sheetrock it will generally rip up to hell and if it is a cement board everything will want to stick to it and it will take a while to get a nice flat surface to work with. I worked construction for years and have done it countless times 95% of the time your best bet is to rip it all off. The cost of new Sheetrock will be well worth the time you save in my opinion good luck

I think you are right. What would be the best tool to use to cut that backer board out? I'd like to try to do as cleanly as possible for the counters are granite and the cabinets are very high end.

 

[yfz 450]

What I generLly would do is make 2 holes through the tile and backer board hoping it is Sheetrock that my hands could fit through and just pull as big a chuck as I could. If you just go easy it should brake below the cabinets and above the counter top if they are tight to the Sheetrock. Just go easy and it should be fine. 99% of the time when I demo tile walls the only 2 tools I use is a hammer and flat bar, so that is what I would use. If it is a concrete board as a backer we generally use grinders with masonry wheels. It gets messy though have someone to stand there with a shop vac as you cut

 

[signcrafter]

Again there will be a few different ways to do that depending on lots of things. You will want to try and get a somewhat clean cut by the cabinets and counter. Depending on the tile I might try to take the tile off around the edges and then cut the backer with a sawzall or rotozip or multitool. Or if it has grout or caulk on the edges by the counter and cabinets then you can scrap that out and cut with sawzall or multitool.

A multitool would be a good tool to have around as an option if you want to pick up that fein.

 

[jc5205]

A hammer

 

[Dave in Mass]

I think you are right. What would be the best tool to use to cut that backer board out? I'd like to try to do as cleanly as possible for the counters are granite and the cabinets are very high end.

Obviously the Fein Multi-master tool

Win-win

 

[Banjorear]

What is the better deal on the Fein Multi-master tool?

I've found two kits:

1) Master kit with 161 different bits and blades and hard case for $229.

2) Starter kit with approx. 50 different pieces and blades and a soft case for $139.

The starter kits has more sand paper v/ the master kit comes with more blades.

Leaning toward the master kit.

 

[unslow1]

A hammer

Exactly! The backer will usually be so screwed up you have to replace it anyway.

 

[Banjorear]

I guess I should clarify: The kitchen is done, just not done to our taste. The previous owner spent $100K on the kitchen and a putting in a bump out to make it bigger. It is really a beautiful kitchen. I want to try to do this with the least disruption to the cabinetry, counters, surrounding wall space, etc.

If I was demo'ing the counters and cabinets, a big ol' sledge would be the first tool I'd grab. My thought was/is that maybe a multi-tool will help in makes some cuts and getting the old back splash out as little damage as possible.

 

[bcradio]

What is the better deal on the Fein Multi-master tool?

I've found two kits:

1) Master kit with 161 different bits and blades and hard case for $229.

2) Starter kit with approx. 50 different pieces and blades and a soft case for $139.

The starter kits has more sand paper v/ the master kit comes with more blades.

Leaning toward the master kit.

None. Get the Bosch 3 amp instead. Made in Switzerland.

 

[chrisexv6]

What is the better deal on the Fein Multi-master tool?

I've found two kits:

1) Master kit with 161 different bits and blades and hard case for $229.

2) Starter kit with approx. 50 different pieces and blades and a soft case for $139.

The starter kits has more sand paper v/ the master kit comes with more blades.

Leaning toward the master kit.

Are all of the bits/blades genuine Fein? Their accessories are expensive, but they seem to hold up a lot better than generics. Granted Ive used plenty of Ebay generics and they work just fine as well....you might just need to swap them out more often.

Seeing as how you want to work on tile, the best blades you could get are the carbide rasp-type blades for clearing grout, etc.

 

[rsanter]

How old is the house?
Did they use backer board or did the lay up mud by had to create the backing?

if it is backer bard I would pry the whole thing off backer board and all. Install new backer board and install your new tile.

If it is the hand laid mud, that is really good stuff if done right. Either pull the whole thing and install backer board....or
Get a wide chisel like a brick or masonry chisel and use that on the edge of the tile to knock the tile from the backing. Then scrape the backing of any remaining ( or most) of the thin set off....then install new tile

Bob

 

[Banjorear]

How old is the house?
Did they use backer board or did the lay up mud by had to create the backing?

if it is backer bard I would pry the whole thing off backer board and all. Install new backer board and install your new tile.

If it is the hand laid mud, that is really good stuff if done right. Either pull the whole thing and install backer board....or
Get a wide chisel like a brick or masonry chisel and use that on the edge of the tile to knock the tile from the backing. Then scrape the backing of any remaining ( or most) of the thin set off....then install new tile

Bob

The job is a few years old. I'm fairly certainly they did it right. The previous owner did not cut corners. The tiles on the back splash are thick tiles. It's a same, they are high quality tiles, just not our taste.

I'll snap a picture. Maybe that will help.

 

[justme-]

Here's the thing - you will damage the backer no matter what you do. The half moon carbide Fein is much better in theory than in practice - burned one up in no time removing tiles from a shower. In the end I found it much more expedient and successful to use a wide chisel like a brick set, a flat bar, or something similar to pop them off. Found out the backer wasn't correct in the process too - normal gypsum not green board.

You have to remember, just because you remove the grout doesn't mean the tile is simply going to fall off the backer (no matter what the backer is), you still have the mastic holding it. You're still going to have to pry it up and risk damaging the backer. And believe me, trying a Fein (or Bosch, or Porter cable) to cut the tiles free from the backer behind the tile will fall short in every aspect. Yup, tried that too and did more damage to the backer than just removing them.
You should expect to replace some backer and repair that wall. A well done, properly done job and the repaired backer will never be noticed.

 

[Banjorear]

Here's the thing - you will damage the backer no matter what you do. The half moon carbide Fein is much better in theory than in practice - burned one up in no time removing tiles from a shower. In the end I found it much more expedient and successful to use a wide chisel like a brick set, a flat bar, or something similar to pop them off. Found out the backer wasn't correct in the process too - normal gypsum not green board.

You have to remember, just because you remove the grout doesn't mean the tile is simply going to fall off the backer (no matter what the backer is), you still have the mastic holding it. You're still going to have to pry it up and risk damaging the backer. And believe me, trying a Fein (or Bosch, or Porter cable) to cut the tiles free from the backer behind the tile will fall short in every aspect. Yup, tried that too and did more damage to the backer than just removing them.
You should expect to replace some backer and repair that wall. A well done, properly done job and the repaired backer will never be noticed.

Makes sense. I'm thinking you're right.

 

[Philbert]

Use a hammer, get midevil on it. To protect cabinets and counter surfaces cut up some cardboard boxes and lay them down. Use the blue painters tape to hold cardboard in place. When you get close to an area like your surface use a chisel to remove the tile. Like others have said, replace backer with a sutable product and reinstall desired tiles. You don't need no fancy dancy power tool to do this..... But if this provides you the excuse to buy it welll that is another matter.....