How do I regrout??

[msgadget]

I've googled but I can't find directions for how to regrout a large area of floor tiles that was put down 12 years ago without being sealed. I love the tiles but not the dingy grout. Do I find a pointy thing and have at it or is there A Method?

[wildeyed]

1. You can use a grout saw or a special attachment

for a Dremel tool. I did my bathroom floor recently and used a Dremel tool. It was faster and less tedious than the grout saw method.

[msgadget]

4. Great, there's a tool I can buy for it!

I looked up dremel tool and it looks like a drill. Is Dremel a brand name? The pic I found is here: http://www.mytoolstore.com/dremel/drmindex.html Whatever it is, I think I need one. What kind of bit or accessory did you use?

Thanks so much for the quick replies!

[Digit]

6. You can get the grout tool as an accessory, to the dremmel tool

You can get one with a guide included or buy the grout bit separately.
If you purchase one with the guide included, can be used without the guide.

Good Luck!

[wildeyed]

7. I bought the one with the guide, but found I did not need it.

The grout was hard enough that I did not have to worry about going too deep. Also, you can purchase different size grout drills. I found a larger size worked best for me, because the tiles were not closely set.

[msgadget]

10. Cool, there's a grout bit

Is there a super duper model of this dremel or just one basic unit with lots of attachments? Msgadget must have super duper. :P I'm surprised there isn't a similar bit to put on a regular drill. I've got a collection of those.

[Stinky The Clown]

16. Any flavor of Dremel will do .....

Be careful with that grout bit, however. It can get away from you and cut into the tile if yer not careful.

[msgadget]

20. Uh...isn't there a speed control, some sort of newbie mode?

Fear not, I shall don protective gear and proceed with great caution. Thanks for the advice!

[politicat]

21. Get the variable speed one.

They're wunnerful. Regular drills are far more unwieldy than a Dremel. With the right attachment, a Dremel is not much harder than using a pencil. If we ever get a divorce, Mr. P and I will fight more over the Dremel than we will over the house, the car, the cats or the furniture. (Not that it's likely.)

If you are prone to doing damage to self, DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT!!!! get the mini-circular saw blades.

They may not take a finger off, but they can try real hard....

[troubleinwinter]

18. Life itself is impossible without owning a Dremel.

[msgadget]

19. You're rubbing in my dremellessness!

:cry:

[NMDemDist2]

2. google "tile repair" I've seen several instructions under that or

install tile

good luck

[amerikat]

3. watch this video from DIY Network

http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/pac_ctnt/text/0,2019,DIY_14161_40182,00.html

[msgadget]

5. Thanks so much!

Now I know the grout saw method is so out of the question for this large an area. I wish I'd asked here sooner...you guys are great!

[wildeyed]

8. Watch out.

This forum is addicting. I, too, started out with a simple regrouting job, but I have gone on to far wilder things. Last weekend I demoed the entire master bathroom with a sledgehammer, with the entire crew here egging me on. :rofl:

[msgadget]

9. LOL! Then this is my kind of party!

You know what really sucked me in, Wildeyed? That Dremel thing. I LOVE gadgets and tools and I can't believe I don't have one already...whatever it is! Oh boy, this is gonna be fun! :bounce:

[wildeyed]

11. With a handle like "msgadget"

I am surprised you don't have one yet. But on of the fun parts about doing homeowner fix-it jobs is you get an excuse to buy new toys, I mean tools! And it is soooooo much less expensive to buy the tool and do it yourself than it is to hire a pro, so why not? :)

[msgadget]

12. I KNOW, it's so embarassing not to have one, Wildeyed.

Worry not, I'll take care of this little oversight this weekend and have at this pesky grout. It's a HUGE area that I'll have to attack in sections so we're not all trapped upstairs as we were when it was laid.

Should I ask about the types of grout and sealer yet or is it too soon? Gee, I got so excited about getting a new toy...tool that I forgot to ask if what I find on the shelf at the hardware store is okay or if I should look for something specific. This is a high traffic area, btw.

[wildeyed]

13. The grout comes in different colors.

White is a pain on the floor 'cause it is difficult to keep clean. Other than that, I don't remember anything special.

Don't forget to post pictures! Before and after, please. :hi:

[msgadget]

14. Okay, but don't hold your breath because

I went to iFloor and now I'm thinking how cool it'd be to overlay that cork. :eyes: Why is it this way - ya start out with a simple idea and it just grows...

Thanks, Wildeyed! :hi:

[Stinky The Clown]

15. What?

[wildeyed]

17. Happy easter, to you, too!

;)

[troubleinwinter]

22. You mean?