I'm in the process of removing carpeting from a concrete-slab constructed home in preparation for the laying of ceramic tile. When I removed the tack strip some of the nail heads broke off leaving the nail in the concrete. Should I be concerned that these nails could pop up and create problems in the future as far as cracking the newly laid tile? If so, how can these nails be removed? I've tried a claw hammer, pliers, vice grips, etc. and there just isn't enough to grab. Some are headless and some have been driven too far into the concrete. Also, should I be concerned with the holes left after the removal of the nails? Concrete chipped away everywhere there was a nail. If these need to be patched, what should I use?

I am in the process of removing the bathroom floor tile but find it is more difficult than I thought. The tile I am removing are 4x4 and when I chisel them up the mortar is coming out as well. Whatever they are set with is very strong. I thought I could remove the tile but keep the old thinset and clean up the surface to retile over it. This appears not to be the case. Some of the areas which the tile has been removed is bare down to a wire mesh. I fear that the cement board(?) is adhered with the same tough thinset to the plywood and that I may damage the plywood flooring. Any suggestions of what's going on here and what I should do. The area consists of two 25 sq. ft. bathrooms - toilet and tub area and vanity area. I appreciate any help. Kris