A rotary hammer is one of the most versatile power tools that can be employed for a diverse range of tasks in renovation, construction and demolition. Unlike a traditional hammer a rotary hammer employs a rotational force with a hammering impact making it ideal for work with concrete, masonry and stone.
Designed for drilling and chiselling it can be easily transformed to perform scraping action to help in tile removal. This is especially handy to clear large surface areas of tiles during renovation work.
In this article, we explore how we can transform the rotary hammer into a scraping machine to remove tiles.
Choice of Rotary hammer:
The choice of rotary hammer is based on two factors. The first is the impact energy. Impact energy of the rotary hammer is measured in Joules. For tile removal, the impact energy can be in the range of 2.4 – 5 J. This offers the best control so as not to damage the underlying layer. Excessive impact energy can damage the sub-floor.
The other consideration is the chuck type as it has to accommodate heavy demolition material. A 10mm shank is generally considered suitable for household renovation work whereas an 18 mm shank is useful for large scale work.
A toggle switch to disable rotational action and have only chipping action is also required.
The ‘Chisel Only’ mode will help focus on the tile removal. The choice of attachments such as a chisel with the right width also depends on the job at hand.
Technique for tile removal:
Firstly, set the ‘Chisel Mode’ of the Rotary hammer so that there is no rotational motion.
To remove the tile, angle the chisel at 15 – 20 degrees along a grout line or a crack in the tile. This helps to slide the edge easily under the tile and the angle causes least damage to the sub floor. Remove the tiles with the force of hammering action.
To prevent overheating, it is best to work in bursts of short duration rather than for a longer period at a stretch.
Once the tiles are removed, change the attachment to a scraper to remove the specially formulated thin-set layer.
Safety considerations:
Removing tiles with a rotary hammer leads to a considerable amount of dust and noise. The user needs to wear a mask and head phones for protection.
Safety goggles for the eyes will protect them from dust and any flying debris.
Sharp shards of tile can cause injuries and hand gloves and proper footwear are important for protection. Similarly, the accumulated debris has to be cleared regularly so there are no accidents.
The above hacks can easily transform a rotary hammer into a tile removing scraper and help accomplish the job in the least amount of time.
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