Strategies for salvaging tile for re-use

I have a 1925 duplex that made extensive use of 3x6" white tile (probably made in Germany) in the bathrooms and kitchens. The bathroom tub-showers have a number of cracked tiles that I would like to replace. I am planning on removing the tile backsplashes in the kitchens and would like to salvage those tiles for spot replacements for the bathrooms.

I am looking for suggestions on (a) having the greatest success in removing the backsplash tiles in usable condition, and (b) separating these tiles from their old mortar beds and cleaning them up for re-use.

 

Getting the tile off is one thing........you'll have to figure that one out.

I have had good success in "cleaning them up" in this manner.
Get a scrap plank of wood several inches larger than your tile.
Lay a tile on this plank and trace an outline of the tile on the board. Use eight finishing nails to tack into the four corners of your outline. (two nails to each corner)
This will act as a jig to secure the tile while you use a 4" angle grinder with a masonary wheel to clean the mortar from the back and cut in grooves to help during reinstallation. Just drop a tile into your jig, clean it up. remove it, and drop in another. It goes quickly as long as the tile is secured to the plank. Make sure you clamp the tile to a work surface or use a plank large enough to kneel on.