Removing thinset from back of tile???

I had a water leak and had to remove about 6 tiles in my bathroom. Lucky for me the tiles came up easily due to the water, but the thin set stuck to the back of the tile. I guess its a good thing, because it didnt stick to the floor, but i want to reuse the tiles because i cant find the same ones any more.

Is there an easy way to remove the thinset from the tile without breaking the tile?

 

Hand held grinder with a diamond wheel.

 

I have a dremel tool. Its not the oscillating one though...I'll have to see if there is an attachment for mine. Id hate to buy another one.

 

And also, the reason the tiles broke loose so easily is because the shower door seal leaked and we didnt realize it for about a week. All that water ran down under the tiles and soaked into the OSB subfloor. So when i removed the tiles, the thinset came up with the tile and didnt stick to the wet floor. A few pieces of floor came up with them, but nothing major.

 

HarborFreight has cheap grinders and wheels. They're a little heavier than the Dewalts and Makitas but will do the job for cheap. Just watch your fingers and wear a good mask. It'll create a lot of dust.

 

If it soaked the osb under you may want to have a pro look at it. That osb had a tendency to soak up water. It could end up bucking up and causing you broken tiles or grout coming out. Or it may rot. If nothing else put a dehumidifier in there for a while.

 

I ripped the OSB up and replaced the entire subfloor. I hate that shit. It's just a sponge. It should be outlawed anywhere that can be exposed to water.

 

PM murderedouttaco. He's a tile setter.

 

No subfloor whether it's OSB or plywood should get wet. Plywood de-laminates which can be just as bad. A proper waterproof barrier like you used in your shower base is the only way you should go.

 

Not to mention the waterproof membrane should be installed properly with the proper drain flange designed to seal to the membrane. The floor pan should be installed first then the wall membrane should go over that just like installing shingles on a roof. There is nothing wrong with OSB as a substrate and its actually more stable than plywood. Why do you think they use use for SIP (structural insulated panels) as opposed to regular plywood. Plus its cheaper and less destructive to forests. Plywood tends to delaminate. Keep in mind that wood and water don't mix regardless of the type of wood, eventually it will rot.