The 8 Best Grout Removal Tools of 2023

Best Overall

Dremel MM500 1/8-Inch Grout Blade

4.5

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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

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

Best Budget

M-D Building Products 49066 Heavy Duty Tile Grout Saw

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This isn’t the right choice for large projects, but if you are watching your budget, and 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 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

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

Best Electric

Regrout Tool Electric Grout Removal Tool

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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, especially since it’s reasonably priced.

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

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

Best for Tight Spaces

Dremel MM502 1/16-Inch Grout Removal Blade

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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 for Small Walls

Coitak Angled Grout Saw

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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.

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

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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.

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 Reciprocating Saws

Spyder Grout-Out Multi-Blade Set 100234

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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, reciprocating saws work in a back-and-forth motion, providing heavy-duty power to muscle through even large areas of tough grout.

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

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