Since I’m putting down new, large-sized floor tiles, getting the old tiles off was just the first step. After the old tiles were removed, there were still large areas of thinset stuck to the concrete that were obviously not level. So I needed some way to remove it, and the reciprocating saw / tile scraper combo wasn’t doing it.
There’s one thing for certain when it comes to thinset- it’s absolutely tough to get it out and you’ll be lucky to make much headway without tough tools to remove thinset from concrete floor. Scarifiers, cut up or scar the thinset using cutting accessories rotating around a drum and remove materials more aggressively than tools like grinders. The above tools to remove thinset from concrete floor are certainly among the best methods to use for this most dreaded renovation chore.
You can typically remove enough thinset with a chisel to lay tile evenly, but it’s very difficult to completely remove all of it. For the smoothest possible surface, finish the job with an angle grinder and a diamond grinding wheel. The problem with using an angle grinder for polishing your car is the rotational speed.
best angle grinder for thinset removal Related Question:
Can you use an angle grinder to remove thinset?
Delicate surfaces, like kitchen walls and wood floors, will require using an angle grinder to gently scrape away the thinset. More sturdy surfaces, like concrete or other tough materials, can be treated with stronger methods, either using a hammer drill or a putty knife.
What grinding wheel removes thinset?
Double Row Diamond Grinding Cup with any standard 5/8-11 Arbor compatible grinder. Designed specifically for masonry applications, the double row diamond matrix is comprised of hardened steel and embedded diamond fragments for FAST and EFFICIENT removal of THINSET, MORTAR, and other MASONRY surfaces.
How does angle grinder remove thinset from concrete?
Hold the grind wheel against the surface you want to clean and move the grinder slowly across it as the grinding wheel sands away the Thinset: Don’t press the grinder or you might damage your surface. Turn off the grinder and set it aside after you have cleared the Thinset away. Brush off any dust left by the Thinset.
Does muriatic acid remove thinset?
Fill a container with muriatic acid and soak the pieces in the solution if you need to remove thinset from porcelain tiles in a demolition project. Muriatic acid is a fast-acting acid that works well against cement-based materials. Remove the pieces when they are clean of thinset and rinse them off with water.
Does vinegar remove thinset?
While vinegar is a weak acid solvent and won’t damage dried concrete, it wukk help to loosen up the bonding elements of thinset cement, allowing you to wipe up limited dried residue with your sponge.
Do I need to remove old thinset before tiling?
Unfortunately, you can’t simply reapply thinset and install your new floor. Even after doing your best to remove most of the old thinset, having any remnants of old thinset makes new floor installation nearly impossible. This procedure is not only hard work but extremely important to new floor installation.
What is the best adhesive remover for concrete floors?
If scraping and hot water don’t do the trick, there are a number of eco-friendly mastic removers you can use formulated specifically for removing old adhesive from concrete floors, such as GlueRemove from Surecrete and Blue Bear Mastic & Adhesive remover from Franmar (a soy-based solution).
What will soften thinset?
Start by mixing 1/2 of a cup of a citrus-based degreaser with a gallon of hot water. The hot water will help to soften the thinset just a bit, making it easier to remove. Pour the hot water on the thinset on the tiles, and be sure to use rubber gloves when doing so.
How do you remove dried thinset from a bathtub?
Scrape drops of dried thin set with a plastic trowel or spatula, taking care not to scratch the tub. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Soak areas of excess thin set with this solution. Wait at least 10 minutes and wipe with a damp sponge.
How do you remove mortar from tile back?
Apply muriatic acid directly to the back of a piece of tile if the mortar is particularly thick, such as more than 1/8 inch. Use a paint brush and coat the mortar with pure acid. As it loosens the concrete, use your scrub brush with water to gently scrub and remove the excess. Apply more as needed.
