How to Remove 1/16 Tile Spacers

Tile is a cladding material that can be used for dozens of purposes. It is available in a seemingly endless array of colors, shapes, and sizes that can suit just about any type of design. Installing tile can be simple for those with experience, but even the most experienced tile setter can have difficulty setting tiles with perfect joint spacing. Tile spacers are designed to aid in creating uniform and consistent tile spacing and joints, and the spacers are placed when installing the tiles. Removing tile spacers is a straightforward task that can be effectively completed by just about anyone with basic tools and knowledge.

Things You'll Need

• Small wire brush
• Needle-nose pliers
• Flat-head screwdriver

Instructions

1. Ensure that the tile mortar is fully cured before starting. Refer to the mortar packaging for curing times.

2. Clean the tile spacer with the small wire brush, using caution to avoid scratching the surrounding tile surface. During tile installation, mortar may cluster around the tile spacers. Cleaning any mortar from the spacers before attempting to remove them will prevent pulling necessary mortar from behind the tiles.

3. Pinch the sides of the spacer with the needle-nose pliers. Pull the spacer from the tile joint. Repeat this process on all remaining tile spacers.

References

• "Tile Your World"; John P. Bridge; 2003