Grout Remove and Replace.

Jaeger_S2k · Post by **Jaeger_S2k** » Sat Aug 02, 2008 12:12 am

Have to remove grout from a bathroom floor.

Is the MultiMaster up to this or is it as I'm thinking too much for it?

If it's the old angle grinder, I'm concerned about 2 things....

Depth of cut and damaging the side of the tiles, the tiles are slate.

Any advice and help would be welcomed.

Post by **ultimatehandyman** » Sat Aug 02, 2008 6:15 am

The multimaster should easily cope with it-

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I'd use an angle grinder as a last resort as it will make lots of dust and you can easily mark the tiles with it.

handyman · Post by **handyman** » Sat Aug 02, 2008 7:28 am

multimaster does the job well, used it loads of times........if its a lot of grout, you will go through a blade easily, remember and charge the customer for it !! and always keep a spare blade incase you need another. Sometimes the grout comes out easily, and sometimes its as hard as nails

I buy all the stuff for the multimaster from here
http://www.tool-shop.co.uk/acatalog/Fei ... aster.html
athough the carbide blades have went up in price, so might get a diamond one next

They also have factory refurb multimaster for £87, not bad

Jaeger_S2k · Post by **Jaeger_S2k** » Sat Aug 02, 2008 8:54 am

I'm shocked guys!

I am talking whole floor, not just the odd tile?

I'd rather use the multi for all the reasons, dust, damage etc.

handyman · Post by **handyman** » Sat Aug 02, 2008 9:23 am

Dont understand above post

Jaeger_S2k · Post by **Jaeger_S2k** » Sat Aug 02, 2008 10:21 am

handyman wrote: Dont understand above post

I'm shocked - Surprised, in disbelief.

I have used the MM for a couple of grout cuts but never a whole floor.

I know it is a fantastic tool but I'm surprised that it would cope with a whole floor not just the odd tile. I'm not questioning its ability but expressing my surprise

handyman · Post by **handyman** » Sat Aug 02, 2008 10:32 am

so, what will you use then?

I have done entire bathrooms, floor and walls, with it, as i didnt know what else to use.

Of course it will cope with a whole floor

Either way, its a horrible, time consuming job

Jaeger_S2k · Post by **Jaeger_S2k** » Sat Aug 02, 2008 10:55 am

I have either the MultiMaster or an angle grinder (traditionally used for grout removal).

I was asking to save me arriving and starting to find the MM lacking having never tackled a WHOLE floor.

The angle grinder wouldn't even cough at the task but make lots of noise and dust and be on the whole horrible.

It's good to know that the MM will do it.

There's a trade off with time angle grinder no question it will eat it's way through the grout the floor any pipe work or cables below, and the tile next door cause you can't see for the dust, in a heart beat.

The MM - I wasn't sure if it would be suitable with time etc, but the low dust and lower noise (but there is the vibration effects and cold figure to consider) but 2 days to clear and re-grout should be enough. Floor is about 2 x 4 approx.

Have you used the diamond blade before? Any comparison?
Also my MM is the new star fitting version, has anyone used a standard round hole blade with it. Was wondering of the possibility of grinding/filling the stars in the blade as there are some on (diamond segmented) on fleebay at £34.61 plus shipping from Germany.

Lastly is the cleaner pad worth having?

Only-Me · Post by **Only-Me** » Sat Aug 02, 2008 12:00 pm

Not an easy or quick way to remove grout.

If you can completly empty the room and mask of the door etc etc and angle grinder would be quicker and cheaper on blades.

Fein would be ok as well, but slower and more expence in blades

Either way.........its a fooking orrible job, and you do have to have a steady hand............especially wirh slate cos it would cut easily with either machine

handyman · Post by **handyman** » Sat Aug 02, 2008 12:10 pm

jaeger,

Havent used the diamond blade, but will get one and report back in about 1 year !

Havent used the cleaner pads

Angle grinder to take the grout out..............I'd give it a go in an area that will not be seen, but cant see it being accurate enough, awaiting you report

bathstyle · Post by **bathstyle** » Sat Aug 02, 2008 2:23 pm

I'd rather use an angle grinder and spend more time cleaning up the dust, I've never thought the Multimaster was anything that great though. It may be OK on a fine wall grout but floor grout I can imagine it'll struggle

Jaeger_S2k · Post by **Jaeger_S2k** » Sat Aug 02, 2008 2:30 pm

bathstyle wrote:I'd rather use an angle grinder and spend more time cleaning up the dust, I've never thought the Multimaster was anything that great though. It may be OK on a fine wall grout but floor grout I can imagine it'll struggle

That was my worry bathstyle.

I have informed the client it will/could be messy

I'm a lot concerned about digging too deep (even with my controlling muscular appendages doing their best) any ideas you've used for depth stopping. Short of turning the deflector plate, which would scratch the tiles to bits.
Got some long planks 3/4 x 4 that could work if I lay the grinder on it and try not to slip off.

I'll be taking both tools along, they're already in the van and sheeting up the shower. Taping the door seams and sheeting the bottom, just in case.

I know I'm going to have a lot of fun

just don't want to be wrecking he place at the same time.

I'll of course report back as best I can, not sure a camera will enjoy the environment if it's the grinder.

bathstyle · Post by **bathstyle** » Sat Aug 02, 2008 2:41 pm

I can't really advise you, I've only ever taken out wall grout before, many years ago, with a grout rake. I wouldn't worry too much about going too deep with the grinder, you should feel when it's deep enough.

A lot depends on the grout you've got.

FreeD · Post by **FreeD** » Sat Aug 16, 2008 11:46 am

There is a depth stop available for multimaster you can buy it here

http://www.tradetiler.com