Oops-used construction adhesive on granite

[lago]

We moved into a new house about 8 years ago. We had problems with the dishwasher moving around whenever the door was opened. Due to granite countertops, the tabs were not fastened to the granite.

Our daughter moved into a house also with granite countertops and I asked my SIL to find out what they did to keep the dishwasher n place. He was told they used construction adhesive.

I used a small amount on each tab and no more problems.

Now, 7 years later...we need to replace the dishwasher. Sounds like the pump is going out. We were lucky enough to get the Energy rebate and will be looking around this weekend.

My problem is what is the best way to deinstall the old dishwasher without breaking the granite. I am thinking about taking a old chisel and trying to pry the tab from the granite.

Any other suggestions.

Ken

[toolguy1000]

all adhesives have a solvent. perhaps you could contact the manufacturer of the adhesive that was used for information regarding the appropriate solvent to disolve the adhesive. how come the granite top fabricator didn't epoxy some wooden blocks into the underside of the top for securing the DW?

[cgallery]

There is a Liquid Nails solvent (if LN is what you used).

I've been scraping Liquid Nails off my basement walls (it was used to hold fir strips/panelling to the walls).

I use a putty knife that I sharpen occasionally on my belt sander.

I imagine the same thing would remove the tab from the granite.

Finally, on my granite countertop, I have a strip of oak (finished to match the cabinets) Liquid Nailed under the counter. Then, the tabs for my dishwasher screw to the strip of oak.

[jbrain]

Would the Multi-Tool from Harbor Freight help in this situation?

[Mr__Bill]

The old dishwasher most likely has sheet metal legs, just fold them in and it's short enough to slid out. If your lucky the new one will slid in and then adjust up with levelers.

Bill

[eezlock]

construction adhesive on granite

I think if you look at the lower front leg assembly on each side of the dishwasher you will find leveling screws,and beside or behind them, the rear levelers are generally a slotted hex screw. Start off by lowering the levelers
to their lowest setting. After lowering the machine as low as it will go, I would
take a hand held heat gun or hairdryer set on highest setting and heat that adhesive until it loosens up. When it starts coming apart, use a putty knife blade to help it separate quicker and then you are done!

[cabinetman]

Not all adhesives once cured can be dissolved with a solvent. GE silicone II for example does not break down. The company has no suggestion for a workable solvent. For Liquid Nails, or a similar adhesive, acetone would be the likely solvent, and I haven't had good luck using it. In this situation, the adhesive couldn't be kept on it long enough to matter, and it would make a real mess.

I would first try a soldering gun, by heating up the tab, and it should separate from the adhesive. A heat gun may work, but care has to be taken not to get the granite too hot...it may crack. Using a loose hack saw blade and holding it with a pliers can saw between the tab and the adhesive.
.

[JimD]

I would try a piece of dental floss or fishing line used like a cutter to cut the adhesive between the counter top and the tab. I used this technique to take the numbers off the back of my bimmer and it is a recommended technique to remove mirrors from walls when they are secured with adhesive.

Jim

[Stytooner]

I vote for the multitool. It's cutting action would put far less force against the stone than a chisel or prying it off. Any solvent that would cut cured Cons. Ad. might actually affect the stone as well. Not to mention being difficult to apply upside down.

[cabinetman]

I would try a piece of dental floss or fishing line used like a cutter to cut the adhesive between the counter top and the tab. I used this technique to take the numbers off the back of my bimmer and it is a recommended technique to remove mirrors from walls when they are secured with adhesive.

Jim

Many of the automotive add-ons are applied with a double stick adhesive tape, which can be penetrated fairly easy. I've removed many mirrors installed with Mirror Mastic (the black stuff). Once that stuff is cured it's hard as a rock. I wouldn't think dental floss or fish line would be effective. I use a bandsaw blade. Used carefully the mirror doesn't get damaged.
.

[cgallery]

BTW, I just remembered that one Liquid Nails solvent is simply petroleum jelly.

You put the stuff on and just leave it there for a day or so.

I never tried this on my basement walls, as I didn't want the leftover PJ to interfere with the subsequent paint layers.

[lago]

I knew that I could find the answer from someone here. I got to thinking about JimD's comment about using dental floss or fishing line.

I think I still have a carbide-impregnated string used for cutting ceramic tile. I am going to give that a try.

Thanks

Ken

[jhgrady]

HF has a Hot Blade Decal Remover # 65057 you might consider.

John
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http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=65057