How do we remove tile spacers that are stuck in the mortar between the tiles?

Question

When tiling the shower, we inadvertently left several tile spacers in too long and we subsequently could not remove the spacers entirely and some fragments remain stuck in the mortar and are visible. How can we remove those fragments without damaging the surrounding tiles before we can move onto the next step to begin grouting?

Answer 1

No-chip technique for porcelain tiles with sufficiently large spacing

1. Use a lighter to melt the broken spacer until it is flush with the tile. (Most plastic spacers will burn like a candle. Just light the top and wait for a few minutes.)

2. Use a dremel with a wire brush wheel (the wheel should be thinner than the spacer) to reduce the rest of the spacer ~1/4" below the tile surface.

3. Repeat for other oopsy-daisies.

You're welcome.

Answer 2

Pull them out with pliers or tap them out with a chisel/pick/flat screwdriver and hammer. Most of the time if you clamp them with pliers and wiggle they will come out.