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The 9 Best Grout Removal Tools of 2024

It's a tedious task, but these tools help you get out the grout

A grout removal tool we recommend on a yellow background

The Spruce / Amelia Manley

Grout, which is typically a mixture of water, sand, and cement, is the material used to fill in the gaps between tiles. Grout helps prevent moisture from seeping between tiles and also helps to keep them in place. Whether it's a tiled floor, shower or tub surround, kitchen counter, or bathroom counter, grout requires maintenance, which includes periodic cleaning and sealing. However, it is common for grout to become discolored, chipped, cracked, or worn away over time, requiring you to replace the damaged areas.

Whatever the reason you need to remove grout, it's a time-intensive, dusty, and admittedly tedious job. But with the right grout removal tool, the process is well within the capabilities of the typical DIYer. There are quite a few different types of tools designed to remove grout, some powered by electricity and some by your own muscle exertion. Deane Biermeier, a general contractor and lead carpenter, as well as a member of The Spruce's Home Improvement Review Board, recommends, "Power tools for grout removal, such as reciprocating saws or oscillating tools with grout blades, are great for removing the bulk of the grout. To remove grout from small tiles or tiles in close quarters, use a manual grout removal tool. The extra time removing grout will be less time than it takes to replace damaged tiles."

We spent hours researching the most popular grout removal tools, both manual and electrically powered. For each, we evaluated the tool's ease of use, effectiveness, and value.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

Dremel MM500 1/8-Inch Grout Blade

Dremel MM500 1/8-Inch Grout Blade

Amazon

What We Like
  • Can be used with most popular brands of oscillating tool

  • Won't damage nearby tiles

  • Can maneuver right up to a corner or wall

What We Don't Like
  • You need to already own or buy an oscillating tool

Many DIYers and crafts-enthusiasts already have a Dremel Multi-Max, which is a small oscillating power tool designed to hold a wide variety of different types of attachments for cutting, grinding, sanding, and various other workshop needs. One such attachment is the Dremel MM500 1/8-Inch Grout Blade. While it's designed for the Multi-Max, it actually can also be used with many other brands of oscillating tools, including Bosch, Milwaukee, Ryobi, Craftsman, Skil, and Ridgid.

Specifically designed to grind through and remove grout, this carbide blade attachment takes our top spot thanks to its high-speed capabilities. Its extremely rapid oscillations–tiny side-to-side motions–quickly cut into grout lines between tiles to remove the grout right up to the wall or corner, and it does so neatly and without much effort from you. That means a lot less stress on your hands, wrists, and arms.

At just 1/8-inch thick, the Dremel MM500 removes grout without damaging the tile–an important factor when you just want to replace the grout, not the tile. Note that an oscillating blade like this one works best for long lines of grout where you can move quickly along a continuous line, rather than surfaces with a lot of zigs and zags between tiles.

Price at time of publish: $22

Power Source: Electric | Attachment for Power Tool: Yes, oscillating tool | Best Uses: All types of grout removal

Expert Tip

If you can't get rid of old, cracked grout, you might need to soften it first. This will make the job easier and keep tiles from getting damaged. Richard Mann, founder and owner of tile and paving website Premier Porcelain, shares, "Grout can be softened to make removal easier. This can be done by soaking the grout with a mixture of sugar water, lemon juice, and white vinegar for up to 20 minutes, then scraping the remaining grout away. This can be necessary when dealing with particularly hard or stubborn grout that won't seem to budge."

Best Value

Allway Soft Grip Grout & Caulk Removal Tool

Allway Soft Grip Grout & Caulk Removal Tool

Allway

What We Like
  • Can be used to remove grout or caulk

  • Comfortable handle

What We Don't Like
  • Only for small jobs

  • Might not fit into very thin grout lines

If you are planning a small, one-time grout removal project—maybe you just want to freshen up the grout around some kitchen counter tiles or repair damaged grout around the tiles circling the shower drain—then this simple grout removal tool is all you'll need. It's basically a steel hook with a pointed tip for gouging into relatively thick lines of grout, then using a little muscle power to scrape and lift the grout away from the tile.

The metal hook is seated in a plastic handle that is shaped to fit nicely into your grip, and there's a little bit of cushioning to help ward off fatigue and hand pain. A hole at the handle's base lets you slip the tool over a hanging hook when you're finished. You could also use the tool to scrape out old caulk around a bathtub, toilet, or sink. While this isn't the tool for a big grout job, it's adequate for those small repair projects that crop up occasionally, and it's certainly reasonably priced.

Price at time of publish: $7

Power Source: Manual | Attachment for Power Tool: No | Best Uses: Small areas on horizontal surfaces

Best Electric

Regrout Tool Electric Grout Removal Tool

Regrout Tool Electric Grout Removal Tool

Amazon

What We Like
  • Gets the job done effectively

  • Doesn't create a lot of dust

  • Won't damage nearby tiles

What We Don't Like
  • There's a bit of a learning curve in getting the hang of the tool

If you don’t already own or want to buy a reciprocating saw or oscillating tool, but still prefer a grout remover driven by electricity rather than your own muscle power, then the Regrout Tool Electric Grout Remover is worth considering. This single-purpose electric grout remover includes two grout bits–one point and one chisel–for use in grout lines up to 1/8-inch thick. With a maximum speed of 7,100 rpm, as well as two lower-speed settings for detail work, you’ll get the job done quickly and without breaking a sweat.

But where the Regrout Tool really shines is in working around oddly shaped tiles–even round tiles–corners, counter caps, or other spots where a larger attachment wouldn’t easily fit or maneuver. Plus, the electric device creates very little grout dust, which is a big plus when working in a bathroom or other low-ventilation area. Use it for removing grout on kitchen counters, backsplashes, vanities, and bathtubs. While it might take a few minutes of practice to fully get the hang of it, you'll soon be removing grout like a pro.

Price at time of publish: $50

Power Source: Electric | Attachment for Power Tool: No, self-contained | Best Uses: Corners and oddly shaped tiled areas

Best for Reciprocating Saws

Spyder Grout-Out Multi-Blade Set

Spyder Grout-Out Multi-Blade Set 100234

Amazon

What We Like
  • Works with any reciprocating saw

  • Doesn't create a lot of dust

  • Effective even on tough grout

What We Don't Like
  • If not handled carefully, will scratch nearby tile

  • Best for thicker grout lines

Here’s one more power-tool attachment to simplify your larger grout-removal projects. The Spyder Grout-Out Multi-Blade is a single-edge cutting attachment that works with any reciprocating saw. Unlike oscillating tools, which vibrate extremely rapidly in a side-to-side pattern, reciprocating saws work in a back-and-forth motion, providing heavy-duty power to muscle through even large areas of tough grout, all while sparing your hands and wrists a lot of wear-and-tear.

The sawing motion of the blade makes it a little easier to use than an oscillating tool when removing grout from tiles that aren’t rectangular or square. Plus, as a general rule, reciprocating blades produce much less dust than most other types of grout-removing tools, although, of course, you should still wear eye protection and a dust mask when using the saw.

The attachment includes two blades: one 1/16-inch blade and one 3/16-inch blade. Both are made from carbon steel with a carbide grit edge for maximum ability to chew through even tough epoxy or urethane grout. Use the tool carefully, though, as otherwise, you might scratch nearby tiles.

Price at time of publish: $24

Power Source: Electric | Attachment for Power Tool: Yes, reciprocating saw | Best Uses: All types of grout removal, heavy-duty projects

Best for Tight Spaces

Dremel MM502 1/16-Inch Grout Removal Blade

Dremel MM502 1/16-Inch Grout Removal Blade

Amazon

What We Like
  • One of the few options for very thin grout lines

  • Effective and quick performance, even on tough grout

  • Doesn't create too much dust

What We Don't Like
  • Only works with the Dremel Multi-Max, unless you use a special adapter

  • Difficult to get into tight corners

Another attachment for the Dremel Multi-Max, this oscillating blade is a mere 1/16-inch thick, meaning you can use it to break through and grind away grout from even the tightest spaces. With the Multi Max’s extremely high speeds–up to 21,000 orbits per minute–the MM502 Grout Removal Blade makes quick work of removing grout, and it does so without hand strain or pain, and without producing a big cloud of grout dust, although, as with all grout removal tools, you should wear a dust mask and protective eyewear while using it.

This ultra-thin blade is especially good for removing grout when you don’t want to damage the tile. That can be an issue with many grout removal tools, especially when working in tight spaces. Use the attachment to remove grout on countertops, walls, or floors–wherever you need grout gone, the attachment will remove it right up to the wall or corner, meaning no sloppy edges you’ll need to remove by hand.

Price at time of publish: $15

Power Source: Electric | Attachment for Power Tool: Yes, oscillating tool | Best Uses: All types of grout removal

Best Grout Saw

M-D Building Products Heavy Duty Tile Grout Saw

M-D Building Products 49066 Heavy Duty Tile Grout Saw

Amazon

What We Like
  • Sufficient for small grout removal tasks

  • Easily reaches into corners or tight spots

  • Can remove one blade for thin grout lines

What We Don't Like
  • Can leave black scuff marks on nearby tiles if not used carefully

This isn’t the right choice for large projects, but if you just want to scrape away the grout from between a few broken tiles slated for replacement or remove chipped grout from a small counter or wall before regrouting the space, the M-D Building Products Heavy-Duty Grout Saw gets the job done, albeit with some effort on your part.

With a double blade, the tool acts something like a reciprocating saw, only powered with your own muscles instead of electricity. Basically, you saw back and forth through the grout until it’s all removed. The tool’s rubber-contoured handle has an ergonomic shape for comfortable holding, and it's long enough so that you can grasp it in both hands for a little extra oomph.

The double steel blades include one with deep serrations and one with carbide bits for extra effectiveness. Use both blades in tandem for most projects, but if working with very thin grout lines, you can remove the serrated blade to thin the tool down.

Price at time of publish: $14

Power Source: Manual | Attachment for Power Tool: No | Best Uses: Small areas only

Best for Small Walls

Coitak Angled Grout Saw

COITAK ANGLED GROUT SAW

Amazon

What We Like
  • Good for small vertical surfaces

  • Won't scratch or damage nearby tiles

  • Includes extra blades

What We Don't Like
  • Only for small jobs

If you just want to remove some grungy grout from your shower stall, and are willing to put in a little elbow grease, there’s no need to break out a power tool. Instead, reach for the Coitak Angled Grout Saw, which is easy to use while working on a vertical surface. The tool is basically a small steel saw assembly–you get three blades–mounted on a sturdy plastic handle that’s angled so you can hold it comfortably and work without bumping your knuckles against the wall. This definitely isn't for clearing large stretches of grout, but it's perfect for removing the grout on a small section of shower stall walls, counters, or other tiled surfaces.

The Coitak Angled Grout Saw is 5.3 inches along the straight part of the handle, with an additional 3.75 inches of angled handle, so even large hands should easily be able to hold it comfortably. It has a hanging hole at the base of the handle, so you can hang it on a hook in your workshop, where it will be easy to find the next time you need it.

Price at time of publish: $9

Power Source: Manual | Attachment for Power Tool: No | Best Uses: Small areas of vertical surfaces

Best for Small Counters

QEP 10020 Grout Removal Tool

QEP 10020 Grout Removal Tool

Walmart

What We Like
  • Comfortable handle

  • Each of the three tips is a different size for various thicknesses of grout lines

What We Don't Like
  • Only for small jobs

While this isn’t the tool for major projects, such as removing all the grout from a large counter in preparation for laying new tile, it’s perfect when you just want to scrape away some old grout around a few tiles, or even remove all the grout on a small counter. You could also use it to scrape and lift away old caulk around tubs, sinks, or toilets.

Although admittedly your arms and hands are going to get a workout, the QEP Grout Removal Tool’s rubber grip, with its comfortable, ergonomic design, helps to reduce hand fatigue as much as possible. But it’s the business end of the tool that gets the job done quite effectively.

The triangular carbide steel blade tip is held in place with a screw, which is easily removed so you can rotate the tip to whichever of the three sides best suits the grout-line you’re working on. Each side is a slightly different size, including 1/16-inch, 1/8-inch, and 3/16-inch, so you can tackle just about any situation.

Price at time of publish: $16

Power Source: Manual | Attachment for Power Tool: No | Best Uses: Small areas on horizontal surfaces

Best for Rotary Tools

Dremel Rotary Tool Grout Removal Attachment

Dremel Rotary Tool Grout Removal Attachment 568-01

Amazon

What We Like
  • Works with most Dremel rotary tools

  • Good for removing grout from large, flat surfaces

What We Don't Like
  • Can be tricky to use around corners or very tight grout lines

If you have a Dremel rotary tool, including the 3000, 4000, and 8000 series models, then you can turn the tool into a grout remover by adding the Dremel Rotary Tool Grout Removal Attachment 568-01. This is a 2-piece kit that includes a guide with a 30-degree angle attached to your rotary tool. It helps keep your tool steady and on target. You also get the Dremel 1/16-inch carbide grout removal bit, which is a good size for removing grout on both vertical and horizontal surfaces. If you have thicker grout lines, however, you can purchase the 1/8-inch bit separately.

The attachment works best for stretches of grout that are flat—it's a bit tricky if you need to work around corners, tight edges, or oddly shaped areas. But if you need to remove grout on a stretch of countertop, tub or shower surround, tiled floor, or kitchen backsplash, then this tool can make your task much easier.

Price at time of publish: $23

Power Source: Electric | Attachment for Power Tool: Yes, rotary tool | Best Uses: All types of grout removal, flat surfaces without corners

Final Verdict

If you want to remove grout quickly and easily, and you already own or plan to buy a Dremel Multi-Max oscillating tool, you’ll appreciate the way the Dremel MM500 1/8-Inch Grout Blade muscles through grout without damaging nearby tiles and without leaving ragged edges. If you’re only tackling a small area of grout, however, and don’t want to bother with power tools, the QEP Grout Removal Tool effectively chisels away old grout and has a comfortable ergonomic grip to reduce strain on your hands as much as possible.

What to Look For In a Grout Removal Tool

Type

There are a wide variety of tools used to remove grout. The right one for you depends on the size of your job, the amount of time and energy you want to spend, and whether or not you already have suitable power tools on hand. The type of grout is also important; any of the following tools can handle regular unsanded grout, but sanded or epoxy-based grouts are much harder and require equally strong removal tools.

Oscillating Tool

It’s not the fastest option, but an oscillating tool with the appropriate grout-busting blade is a very effective way to tackle grout removal, even sanded or epoxy-based grout. It’s also not as dusty as some of the other methods, which is a big plus, as grout removal tends to produce quite a cloud of fine dust that settles everywhere in the area around your worksite. Our best overall pick, the Dremel MM500, is a grout-remover for use with Dremel's Multi-Max or most other popular brands' oscillating tools. It's good for grout lines up to 1/8-inch wide.

Reciprocating Saw

A reciprocating saw with a grout-removal attachment is one of the best ways to attack very tough grout, including sanded or epoxy-based grout. Richard Mann warns, though, "A reciprocating saw needs to be handled with care and attention. Due to its sheer power, the tool can do some serious damage to the surrounding tiles if it isn't controlled properly." We recommend the Spyder Grout-Out blade, which works with just about all popular brands of reciprocating saw and comes in a pack of two blades in different sizes for use on different widths of grout line.

Rotary Tool

If you just have a small counter or wall to de-grout, a rotary tool with the appropriate attachment will get the job done, albeit much more slowly than an oscillating tool or reciprocating saw. It will also create quite a bit more dust than either of those options. Still, for small jobs, this is an effective way to remove grout without using your own muscle power. Mann says, “A rotary tool is ideal for tackling a small area of grout. These tools are made to be precise and effective, even if they’re slower and produce more dust than other methods. The good news is that a rotary tool requires little-to-no physical strain on the part of the user, with the device taking care of the issue mostly by itself.”

Our best rotary tool pick is the Dremel Grout Removal Attachment, which is a kit that includes a 1/16-inch grout-removal bit and a guide that helps you keep the tool steadily moving down the grout line.

Electric Grout Remover

These one-trick electric tools are basically small grinders designed to wear away grout without a lot of effort. You probably wouldn’t want to take on a big job with an electric grout remover, but they are great for smaller jobs on counters or walls, or for removing grout in corners or tight spots. Note that electric grout removers work best on unsanded or sanded grout, but struggle a bit with epoxy-based grout. We like the grout remover from ReGrout Tool, which comes with both a pointed bit and a chisel-shaped bit that can take on grout lines up to 1/8-inch wide.

Manual Grout Removal Tools

There are a variety of manual tools designed to chip, scrape, or saw through grout. “A grout saw is a hand instrument that has a narrow, toothed blade that is designed to fit inside grout lines. It is best suited for small to medium-sized regions and precision work. Other types of manual grout scrapers are available in a variety of forms and sizes, but these hand tools are best suited only for tiny areas or touch-up work," according to Matthew DiBara, CEO of DiBara Masonry.

The two most common designs are a jagged-edged blade attached to a handle—we recommend the M-D Building Products Grout Saw for this design—or a screwdriver-shaped device with a triangular or pointed tip, such as the QEP Grout Removal Tool. Whatever you choose, be prepared for a workout, as manual grout removal is a tedious, dusty, and slow job. Still, these tools are typically quite inexpensive, and if you only need to remove a small area of unsanded grout, this may well be all you need to get the job done.

Safety

When it comes to removing grout, safety is an additional factor to keep in mind at all times. “Wear safety goggles, a dust mask, and gloves to protect yourself from dust and debris while removing grout. To avoid damaging the tiles, keep your grout removal tool at a consistent angle, and use moderate, even pressure on the tool," DiBara shares. "Avoid pushing too hard, as this might harm the tiles, as well as providing too little pressure, which will slow down the process. Finally, use a shop vacuum or a dust collector attachment on your tool to keep the workplace clean and to make it easier to see the grout lines.”

FAQ
  • How do you use a grout removal tool?

    The method of operation depends on the type of grout removal tools. Manual tools can be used with a scraping, chipping, or sawing motion to cut through the hardened grout, but if you don't want to spend a lot of time and energy, you can also use an electric grout remover, rotary tool, reciprocating saw, or an oscillating tool. Simply follow the manufacturer's directions for safe operation and make sure that the tool only comes into contact with the grout lines to avoid damaging the surrounding tiles. This applies to every type of grout removal tool.

  • Can you remove grout without a removal tool?

    It is possible to scrape away grout with a screwdriver or other tool not specifically designed for the purpose, but you'll get the job done much faster and with less effort by using a grout removal tool, whether manual or powered by electricity. This is especially true if you need to remove a large area of grout.

  • What is the easiest way to remove grout?

    Depending on your proficiency with various tools, one method may be easier than another, but typically one of the easiest ways is to use a reciprocating saw equipped with a grout rake. Grinders and electric grout removal tools are also highly effective, but reciprocating saws are commonly used in DIYer workshops, so it's likely that the average DIYer would be more familiar with a reciprocating saw than a grinder or electric grout removal tool.

    However, if you don't mind using your own muscle power and you don't have a power tool handy, then a manual grout remover tool, such as a grout saw or pick, is easily used to remove small stretches of grout.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was updated by Michelle Ullman, a commerce writer for The Spruce. She has extensive experience not only in writing about all things related to the home, but also in carrying out various DIY projects, including landscaping, painting, flooring, wallpapering, furniture makeovers, and simple repairs. For this roundup, she considered dozens of grout removal tools, evaluating each for effectiveness, ease of use, basic features, extras, and customer feedback.

Our Experts:

  • Richard Mann, founder and owner of tile and paving website Premier Porcelain
  • Matthew DiBara, CEO of DiBara Masonry
  • Deane Biermeier, a licensed contractor and contractor as well as member of The Spruce's Home Improvement Review Board.
  • Timothy Dale, a long-time home improvement expert specializing in plumbing, construction, and product recommendations, among other topics.
Updated by
Timothy Dale

Timothy Dale is a home repair expert and writer with over a decade of hands-on construction and home improvement experience. He is skilled in residential, commercial, industrial and institutional plumbing, electrical, carpentry, installation, renovations, and project management.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
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