Over the years, tiles can gradually lose their luster and become grimy. When they reach this point, it’s usually best to replace them. Removing these tiles, however, can be arduous without the right tool.
To help you identify a suitable option for your home or professional toolkit, I have listed some of the best tools for removing tiles as well as effective products in the market for this particular job. Let’s dive in!
My Top Picks for Tile Removing Tools
1. Xtremework Power US 2200 Watts Heavy Duty Electric Demolition Jack Hammer
The Xtremework Power 2200W Jackhammer is incredibly effective for tile removal and demolition tasks. Apart from its effectiveness as a tile removal tool, it is cost-effective, handy, and easy to use.
They designed this jackhammer in an elegant way, making it easy to handle and convenient to use. It has a great burst of power and will make your tile removal process easy.
To cap it all, the manufacturers of this power tool packaged some add-ons with this beauty. It comes with gloves, glasses, and other useful accessories that will aid the success of your project.
2. DeWalt Oscillating Tool Kit
I can’t talk about tile removal tools without mentioning Dewalt, one of the most renowned power tool makers in the market – if not the best.
This tool features a robust 3 amp motor, specifically engineered to make grout and tile removal tasks a breeze. Its power and efficiency also make it suitable for even bigger drilling projects.
On the body of the DeWalt Oscillating Tool Kit is a trigger that helps you control the motor’s speed. It also comes with accessories and practical items such as a sandpaper sheet.
3. Bosch 11255VSR Bull Dog Extreme
The Bosch 11255 VSR Bulldog Extreme is a top-tier rotary hammer drill that is also an effective tile removal tool. With a robust 7.5 amp motor, this tool offers 36 locking positions, three versatile modes, and an adjustable speed trigger for precision control.
But the brilliance of this rotary hammer isn’t just about its raw power or flexibility. Bosch has thoughtfully designed it with the user in mind. Its ergonomic grip ensures comfortable use, reducing fatigue during prolonged tasks.
And to top it off, the drill includes a sturdy carry case, making transportation and storage convenient and straightforward.
4. Crescent 18" Pry Bar
When scouring home improvement stores for a reliable pry bar, the Crescent 18″ Pry Bar consistently ranks among my top picks. With an impressive 16 lockable positions and the capability for 180-degree indexing, it offers versatility for tile removal tasks.
If you examine it closely, the head’s design is specifically great for different demolition tasks. These crescent pry bars come in sizes ranging from 18 to 30 inches.
5. Kelbat-SDS Max Floor Scraper
The Kelbat-SDS Max Floor Scraper is another efficient tool for home improvement tasks. It features a long handle with an attractive design to help you avoid back pain when using it.
If you’re concerned about its strength and sturdiness, the floor scrapper was made using heat-treated and hardened steel. You can be sure of its durability and effectiveness as a tool for removing tile.
Tile Removal Essentials
#1: Hammer
Hammers are indispensable home improvement tools that serve various purposes for different projects. They prove useful for tasks like tile removal and can be valuable when you’re on a budget or lacking specific demolition tools. If you don’t have a hammer, you can easily find one at any local hardware store.
#2: Floor Scraper
One of the top tools for tile removal is a floor or tile scraper. You can use them to remove tiles that are glued to the wrong floor or wall.
A floor scraper is a hand tool with a flat edge you can easily insert under the tile. Once you’re able to insert the angled edge of your floor scraper, all you need to do is use its blade to lift up the tile.
Floor scrapers are cost-effective, sturdy, and effective tile removal tools. The only con is that most floor scrapers are only designed to help you lift grout and tiles. They are not multipurpose. You may not use them for other projects.
#3: Demolition Fork
A demolition fork is a tile removal tool that can replace a pry bar. They make them out of steel, with a strong fork at the end. It is sturdy, strong, and effective for people into home improvement or renovation projects.
A demolition fork comes in various sizes, so you must choose the one that best suits your floor or wall tile removal project. Unlike other tile removal tools, this fork is multipurpose.
In addition, they make them of steel, so they are durable. In fact, your new demolition fork should serve you well for many years to come not just to remove tile but for other construction projects as well.
You can also use your demolition fork for other demolition projects aside from tile removal projects. To get one visit any hardware tool store near you.
#4: Air Hammer
An air hammer is a pneumatic hand tool designed to help make your tile removal project easy. This tool uses pressurized air to move a hammer back and forth at quick successions. It can go about 5,000 swings per second.
It’s no wonder it is one of the best tile removal tools. You can also use this tile removal tool with a chisel head. All you need to do is insert it into your air hammer.
Although this is not as precise as other manual or hand removal tools such as a chisel, it is an essential tool for floor tile removal. If you want to remove a stubborn tile easily, use an air hammer.
#5: Jackhammer
Though I often rely on jackhammers for their efficiency in home renovation tasks, they aren’t suitable for every floor or wall tile removal job. Their application requires a thorough assessment of several factors.
First, space is a prime consideration. The size and constraints of the project environment can significantly impact the tool’s effectiveness and safety of operation. In confined spaces, utilizing a jackhammer may not only be impractical but potentially hazardous.
The nature of the project at hand is another critical element to weigh. Not all materials and construction designs lend themselves to the force and intensity of a jackhammer.
These tools are very strong and can damage the floor easily. Therefore, you must use this tool with utmost care. If you follow all safety guidelines, you will appreciate this tool for this tile removal tasks.
#6: Sledgehammer
A sledgehammer is one of the best tile removal tools you can use to break up a floor or wall tile. They come in different sizes, and they weigh about 10 pounds. Furthermore, they feature vibration-dampening particles that help to reduce the impact you feel while working.
Using a sledgehammer requires you to use energy, but it will get the job done and remove tile flooring easily. Another thing that determines how quickly you get the job done is the dimension of where you are removing the tiles from.
Sledgehammers are not meant for confined spaces such as a bathroom or a toilet. It won’t be easy to move it back and forth. They are powerful tools and you need enough space to swing the hammer back and forth.
#7: Grout Removal Tool
Removing grout left by a tile can be difficult and takes time. Therefore, you need to invest in handheld grout removal tools.
They will help you speed up removing grouts and are more effective in the drywall as masonry chisels. Aside from this, you can use them to cut wood or drywall.
You can get grout removal tools at any hardware store near you.
Read Next: How to Cut Wood Without a Chainsaw
#8: Power Grout Tool
They do the job of removing grouts better, and this is why they are one of the best tools for removing tiles. Aside from this, you can also use them to sand or cut drywall and wood.
(If you’re looking for more power tools to include in your toolkit, you might want to check this list of tools for constructions workers and woodworkers!)
#9: Drill With Tile Drill Bits
It’s not an easy task to remove tile flooring that is stubborn and immovable. Using a drill with a tile drill bit makes it easy. They help you drill holes into the tiles but will compromise the integrity. However, you will get the job done. Once you bore a hole, you will use another tool to remove it.
As powerful as they are, a drill bit cannot drill into ceramic tiles. Therefore, you will need a diamond drill with tile brits for such projects.
(Let’s compare brushless vs brushed drills to see which one should you use for your project.)
#10: Vacuum
Vacuums are multi-tools. You can use them for different projects. They are effective for getting rid of dust during floor tile removal projects.
You sure know everywhere will be dusty without a vacuum, and dust will get to places you do not want them to. If you do not want dust to settle in unwanted places, then get a vacuum ready before you remove your old tile.
If you want a compact vacuum, read our review of the best small shop vac next!
#11: Wheelbarrow
A wheelbarrow is also an essential tile removal tool. Although you cannot use it to remove tiles, you can collect grout, broken tile, and other debris.
Trying to move removed tile pieces without a wheelbarrow is practically impossible. Trust me, investing in one will save you a lot of hassle and effort for this task and your other home reno projects in the long run.
#12: Multi-Purpose Oscillating Tool
A multipurpose oscillating tool or a power grout removal tool is a multi-tool you can use for various projects.
As a tile removal tool, they designed this machine with several attachments that make it easy to grind grout and remove it from between tiles. With an efficient multipurpose oscillating tool, you will save time and effort.
It is also a must-have if you are into DIY projects. You can use them alongside sanding pads and cutting blades.
#13: Masonry Chisel
A masonry chisel is also one of the best tools for removing tile. You can use them hand in hand with a claw hammer but preferably use a mallet head.
One advantage of this tool is that it allows you to reach tiles where hands or a larger floor scraper would normally not reach. All you have to do is use the sharp edges of the masonry chisel to connect with the points where your tiles are plastered to the floor.
Use a mallet head or a traditional claw hammer to hit the end of your masonry chisel, to make it fit perfectly. Then lift the tile up by exerting some force on the handle of the masonry chisel, and there you go.
The masonry chisel is an efficient and cost-effective tile removal tool, but using it takes time to finish.
#14: Pry Bar
A pry bar works similarly to a scraper. They are sturdy and strong. This tool features a foot and sharp corners that can fit under any tile.
Once under the tile, lift the pry bar and successfully complete the process. They are available in home improvement stores. If you do not have one, you can get it there.
#15: Noise-Canceling Headphones
In your floor tiles removal project, you must wear noise-canceling headphones. This will help you prevent damage to your ears, especially when working with power tiles removal tools which can be very loud.
Working constantly without headphones can damage your hearing or cause long-term hearing difficulties. Noise-canceling headphones are a decently priced equipment every DIYer must possess.
#16: Safety Goggles
Safety goggles are also an important tool in removing tiles. They are inexpensive and will help protect your eye from dust, flying debris of tiles, or chipped grout.
They are essential protective equipment every DIYer or tiler must have, as well.
#17: Safety Mask
Safety masks are also an essential tile removal tool. There is no way you will break tiles with handheld or power devices without creating dust, and you do not want to inhale this into your nostrils. This can make you sick.
Therefore, I strongly recommend donning a safety mask to protect your lungs. They are very easy to wear and they cover both your nose and mouth effectively, all while ensuring you can breathe comfortably. Your health is paramount, especially when dealing with tasks that produce dust or debris.
#18: Work Gloves
Work gloves are crafted with a thicker fabric compared to everyday gloves. There are even some that have fingers reinforced with robust leather.
The main purpose of these gloves is clear: they ensure your hands stay safe from potential injuries during floor tile removal tasks. Plus, they significantly improve your grip on handheld tools, which I’ve found to be invaluable in time removal jobs, but also in many projects.
Tile Removal Tool Buyer's Guide
If you are looking to buy the best tile removal tool for the job, there are certain factors you have to consider. This will help you select the best tool that suits your project and your budget:
Tool Type
From reading this guide, you must have observed different tile removal tools—we have hand tools and power equipment. Hand tools are manually operated, while the power devices need electricity or a battery pack.
For a home renovation project, you have to take several factors into account. These include the available space, the nature of the project (whether it’s a long-term or short-term endeavor), the flexibility of the tools you’re considering, and, of course, the reputation of the tool manufacturer.
Understanding this will help you know the right tools that suit your project, and find the best flooring solution you need.
Material Quality
The quality of work you get is directly proportional to the type of tool you use. Therefore, it is expedient that you invest in quality materials to see an excellent result.
If you use handheld tools manually, ensure that they make them out of hardened or heated steel, and the power tools should have good power ratings. This is the first step to a successful guaranteed tile removal job.
Area and Scale
The area and scale are also essential in your floor tile removal activity. You will not want to use a sledgehammer in a confined space.
Sledgehammers are not effective for small spaces. They are bully tools and they design them for environments where you can easily swing them back and forth. Therefore, it’s recommended that you measure your work area and scale of your working environment and plan along this line.
Price
You do not need to break the bank to do an exceptional tile removal job. The best tile removal tools in the market are cost-effective and efficient.
These include products from Dewalt and Bosch. They make very good power tools that will not cost you a fortune. However, if you are going for the high-end equipment, be sure they will serve the purpose of the job.
Number of Tools
The first step to any successful project is adequate planning. Many DIYers and tilers fail for this reason. Do not wait until you start the project to know the number of tools you need.
You must figure this out even before you begin the project, in relation to the difficulty of the task. These are important factors to consider before you start removing tiles.
Conclusion
I hope this guide has equipped you with a comprehensive understanding of the best tool for removing tiles in the industry. With these in mind, you should be poised to make the best decisions for your next project.
Remember to always prioritize your safety. Ensure you’re geared up with the necessary safety equipment and PPE [1] whenever you’re on the job, and be extra cautious of those sharp tile shards!
Robert Johnson is a passionate furniture maker & carpenter, sought after for his knowledge on the craft.
You’ve probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
