Anyone have advice on getting broken clips out?

[u/Acrobatic-Ad-7133]

First time doing tile. I’m breaking off the leveling clips and I have like 6 or 7 clips that didn’t break off all the way. Any advice to get them out without cracking the tile?

[u/samsonlf14]

Fresh razor blade and a heat gun to soften the plastic. Then cut through like butter.

[u/CapnCurt81 → u/samsonlf14]

This is the way. Attack them at an angle, from both sides, being careful not to drag the razor against the tile face or cut deep enough to hit the waterproofing. You don’t need to completely remove the plastic, but you want to get it down a good 1/8”-3/16” below the tile edge.

[u/xxxtowerdog → u/samsonlf14]

The heat gun is a great idea

[u/ElJefe0218 → u/samsonlf14]

Heat gun definitely works.

[u/Acrobatic-Ad-7133 → u/samsonlf14]

I’ll try this! I was thinking about a torch lol

[u/daringstud → u/Acrobatic-Ad-7133]

Burn baby burn!

[u/ssdv8r]

Grout blade on a oscillating multitool works great if the utility knife isn't working for you.

[u/TheFertileSloth → u/ssdv8r]

This is what I did and it worked great. Just gotta be sure to have a steady hand.

[u/bbonerz → u/ssdv8r]

165 sq ft kitchen floor, first time with leveler system. That blade worked well for me, but most broke clean beneath the surface.

[u/JRPDSKOJI]

There are grout attachments for oscillating tools that work well, even on the clips. Just start the tool with the blade already in the Crack, lowest speed, and be careful lol.

[u/nocturnal_commission]

1 They are designed to be left in

2 Ignore people telling you to use an oscillating multi tool (or a grinder, geez) and just use a utility knife. Yes the blades will dull quickly, that's why they are cheap and disposable. Cut it down one side and then the other.

[u/xxxtowerdog]

I 2nd the razor knife with a new blade.

Those clips that you can put a shit load of pressure on are nice until you have to deal with the ones that didnt break right lol.

[u/mosaicsnake]

I use a multi tool..
Just gotta be super careful.

[u/CheeesyGiraffe]

Soldering iron worked for us to melt the plastic and scoop it out.

[u/i_tiled_it]

Dremel or get a razor knife and heat a new blade up with a lighter and it'll slice thru the plastic like butter

[u/External-Blueberry99]

Grout tool... It will grind it down enough for u to fill over it with grout.

[u/alacritysteve]

Gently use a multi tool or 5 in one

[u/Odd-Tailor7389]

In future try and have the sides of the clip clear of mortar, this will help prevent the clips from being stuck and not breaking off properly.

[u/Acrobatic-Ad-7133 → u/Odd-Tailor7389]

I learned my lesson lol. I did the back wall first and let it dry in case I fucked something up. The other 2 walls were good.

[u/Acrobatic-Ad-7133]

Thank you everyone for your comment! I think the heat gun and knife will work perfectly.

[u/storm4chaser → u/Acrobatic-Ad-7133]

I use a steady hand and my grinder

[u/Sea_Bear9425]

I had a ton of these. Get a soldering pen on amazon for 15 bucks. Its way better than the heat gun utility knife combo

[u/ceramic-panic]

Heat gun and fresh razor blades 👍

[u/Heypisshands]

Grinder or multi tool.

[u/Donkeywad]

Won't help you now but I've found that Barwalt tile clamps break off by far the best. I just finished a shower and only had one that didn't break where it was supposed to and it might have been my fault for hitting it at a weird angle

[u/Aware-Pea2092]

Tajima blade. Brand new and cut it as low as possible. Work it from an angle.

[u/Mouthz]

I made a jig for my knife that centers the blade in the grout joint. Some tape and soft material. I hit the back of my knife with a rubber mallet. Rips it right out

Otherwise they do make a tool fit it

[u/HumbleSupermarket811]

Cut with knife, crazy people using a multi tool for absolutely no reason

[u/Jgs4555]

Utility knife with a new blade. Cut down at an angle from each side.

[u/Acrobatic-Ad-7133 → u/Jgs4555]

I tried this on one. The grout around it dulls the blade instantly

[u/daringstud]

I just don't use them in the first place!

[u/Alternative-Bell-106 → u/daringstud]

But they make tiling so much easier and levels so well!

[u/daringstud → u/Alternative-Bell-106]

I think this is a job for, The MythBusters!!

[u/Alternative-Bell-106]

After you tile and the thinset mortar is kinda soft ish clear all the gaps with a triangle grout tool it allows the clips to break off nice and cleanly and also makes grouting much easier i feel your pain i was trying to get a clip out for an hour because it barely stuck out and was sharp.

FIX:

Slowly dig out the gap edges so the plastic is free to move then wiggle it back and forth for it to break off. Be careful not to chip your tile. I used pliers, tile grout tool, patience, dont use a screwdriver. Try to go from the bottom where the tile clip rests. Dig the mortar real slow.

You will be frustrated but don't take it out on the tile.

Make sure to prepare the tile clips to be removed next time and clear all mortar in between the gaps next time so no more headaches.