Hey gang, it's been a long time since my last log in but was wondering if anyone knows a good trick (or if one exists) for cleaning the thinset off old floor tiles that loosen in a bathroom. I know, as a handyman by trade that the best way is to start from a solid subfloor with a waterproof cement backerboard screwed to beam and all. But this customer I want to help has not the money for such a renovation project. I have in the past had some success cleaning the back and reusing existing tile using a chisel/wirebrush, but this floor is pretty much loose tile all throughout. My question is this, I told her that if I can get all the ( loose) tile up in good shape and they seem easy to clean and reuse I will reset them in there original grout lines using thinset and regrout but no guarantees. I thought initially estimating the job using backerboard But that would mean getting into the shower basin/toilet/ tile baseboard and vanity. She said she has n't that kind of money, I told her it will be a no contract cash project.. what do you think?. If the tile is reusable should I use paste or mix my own waterproof thinset to reset these dozen or so floor tiles that avg 6x6? Thank ahead , later john

John, I would use a modified thniset to reset the tiles rather than regular thinset. Since you need to save the tiles I'd put the chisel away since there is a good chance of cracking some tiles. I have used a very coarse sanding disk on an electric drill or grinder, removed the old mortar with quite a bit of dust though.

Ballenger, Very well put my friend! I will certainly heed your professional advice. I also must note that the customer does not have the extra tiles she claimed she had in the basmt. So she must opt for a new set of floor tile, just as well, I like doing it right the first time. Now instead of a floor patch, I can now reenforce using 3/8 backer board over the sub. By the way, my bathroom project finished out well last time we communicated. I have some pics if I can post if it is possible,hope all is well.. cheers!

Sounds good to me John. Hardiebacker comes 1/4" and 1/2". We use 1/4" on floor that already have a sufficient sub floor of 3/4 ply or better. I use Hardie all the time and always screw it and glue it with the same modified thinset and Hardie's special screws.

Right! Correct 1/4.. I used 1/2 on my bathroom floor and the alcove with for the shower tub came out solid. Much appreciate ballenger! And I always use modified thinset too:)