We spent hours researching the most popular grout removal tools, evaluating ease of use, effectiveness, and value. For quick and relatively easy grout removal, it’s hard to beat the Dremel MM500 1/8-inch grout blade attachment for the Multi-Max tool. Here are the best grout removal tools for your next project. 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. 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 With a double blade, the tool acts something like a reciprocating saw, only powered with your own muscle 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 is 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 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. Price at time of publish: $40 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 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. Price at time of publish: $9 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 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. 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. Price at time of publish: $18 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, or kitchen backsplash, then this tool can make your task much easier. Price at time of publish: $21
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.
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. These powerful tools get the job done quickly and without creating too much dust, but you’ll need to work carefully to avoid damaging surrounding tile.
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 a 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.
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.
Manual Grout Removal Tools
There are a variety of manual tools designed to chip, scrape, or saw through grout. The two most common designs are a jagged-edged blade attached to a handle, or a screwdriver-shaped device with a triangular or pointed tip. 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.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article is edited and updated by Michelle Ullman, the tool expert 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 basic features, extras, and customer feedback. She also received advice from Deane Biermeier, a licensed contractor and contractor as well as member of The Spruce’s Home Improvement Review Board. Additional reporting and research for this article was done by Timothy Dale, a long-time home improvement expert specializing in plumbing, construction, and product recommendations, among other topics.
