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    pegspalace's Avatar
    pegspalace Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Feb 4, 2008, 09:55 AM
    What's the best/easiest way to remove stubborn floor tiles?
    I have some very stubborn, old floor tiles in my home that I would like to replace. They are at least 30 years old. I have no idea how to take them off. I am currently trying the method of trying to chip them off with a hand scraper and hammer. There must be a better way for an old woman with arthritis and a limited budget to take these things off. Please help!
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
    		  
    #2

    Feb 4, 2008, 12:38 PM
    30 year old tiles should not have any asbestos in them but I'd check before I chip any further. If the tiles are that tightly bonded you can apply new tiles and adhesive on top of the old.
    KISS's Avatar
    KISS Posts: 12,510, Reputation: 839
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    #3

    Feb 4, 2008, 02:29 PM
    Although not cheap, this tool should do it:

    FEIN MULTIMASTER New Generation

    You can just buy the tool and the blade for the job at hand. The tool vibrates to cut.

    It satisfies easy and for someone with arthritus.
    hkstroud's Avatar
    hkstroud Posts: 11,929, Reputation: 899
    Home Improvement & Construction Expert
    		  
    #4

    Feb 4, 2008, 04:02 PM
    Try a floor scraper from local home service center. It looks like a garden hoe that has had the blade straighten out toward the end of the handle. Inexpensive and should give you more leverage.
    pegspalace's Avatar
    pegspalace Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #5

    Feb 4, 2008, 09:44 PM
    Thanks to all who had suggestions. Unfortunately on some of the tiles are really stuck. (About half) and some of them come off with the floor scraper. The scraper doesn't seem to have a sharp enough edge to get under the tiles that are stuck. Maybe I can rent one of those tools that vibrate instead of buying one for a one time job. Thanks again for the suggestions.
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
    		  
    #6

    Feb 5, 2008, 09:32 AM
    Peg, you can use a file to sharpen your edge. I sometimes slide a 2" piece of 2" iron pipe down the handle of my scraper. When I slide it across the floor and slam into the tiles the piece of pipe creates a hammerlike effect. A heat gun is not out of the question but I still don't know if you could have any asbestos.
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