You can remove a broken plastic tile spacer by melting it with a lighter and then grinding the remainder down with a Dremel tool.
When a tile spacer breaks during installation or is stuck in the grout line, removing it can be necessary before grouting or finishing the job. A specific method involves softening the plastic and then carefully removing the remaining portion.
Step-by-Step Guide Using the Melting and Grinding Method
This method, referenced in materials dating back to 2013, is particularly useful for stubborn or deeply embedded broken plastic spacers.
Required Tools
Before starting, ensure you have the necessary tools:
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Lighter | Used to melt the broken plastic spacer until it is flush with the tile. |
| Dremel tool | Equipped with a wire brush wheel to reduce the remaining spacer below the surface. |
The Removal Process
Follow these steps to remove the broken spacer based on the referenced technique:
- Melt the Spacer Flush: Using a lighter, carefully apply heat to the broken spacer. The reference notes that "Most plastic spacers will burn like a candle." Melt the plastic until it is level with the surface of the tile edge or even slightly recessed. Be cautious not to burn the tile or surrounding materials.
- Reduce the Remaining Spacer: Once the spacer is melted flush or slightly recessed, use a Dremel tool fitted with a wire brush wheel. Ensure the wire wheel is thinner than the spacer width. Gently use the Dremel to reduce the remaining portion of the spacer down by approximately 1/4 inch below the tile surface. This creates space for grout.
- Repeat as Necessary: If you encounter other broken spacers ("oopsy-daisies"), repeat steps 1 and 2 for each one until all problematic spacers are removed or sufficiently recessed.
This method effectively removes or lowers broken plastic spacers, allowing for a clean finish when grouting your tiles.
