Herbert Miller
Very few people will actually be interested in doing a chore like removing grout. Not only does the task demands prolonged attention, but also skills. But removing the old material deposited within the tiles might become necessary at one point in time or another. When it does, there’s no escaping but to get down to business.
To help you out in removing the hard, stubborn grout, you’d need grout removal tools. Equipped with a rotating motor and sharp blade, the tool can potentially cut the time required to remove the grout in half. Evidently, it’s so much better than manually pulling out.
But how do you pick the right one for your needs? In this article, find the top 10 best grout removal tools available.
If you’re short on time and want to quickly make your selection, then we’ve filtered the top 10 list to the top 3. Go through them individually, and you’ll surely find the grout removal tool of your choice.
Disclaimer – This article may contain affiliate links, this means that at no cost to you, we may receive a small commission for qualifying purchases.
Best Overall Pick
Dremel 4000-2/30 High Performance Rotary Tool Kit
- Up to 35,000 RPM rotatory speed
- Innovative airflow system
- Multi-functional tool kit
Best Premium Pick
DEWALT 20V MAX XR Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit
- 57% Faster than Others
- Oscillating Multi-tool kit
- 3-speed mode selection
Best Budget Pick
REETREE Grout Removal Tool with Alloy Tip
- Manual grout removal
- Comfort grip
- Pocket-friendly
If you want to prospect more options, then here’s a list of 10 grout removal tools you can choose from.
After you’ve gone through the top 10 options, you’d have a better idea of which one to choose. For an even better understanding, you’ll find a complete buyer’s guide for the ideal grout removal tool. So check both the sections if you’re researching all of your options available.
1. Dremel 4000-2/30 High Performance Rotatory Tool Kit
If you’re looking for a multi-application tool that comes with a good budget, this rotatory tool kit from Dremel is the ideal option. Besides removing grout, this tool is suited for grinding, polishing, routing, and wood carving purposes.
The rotatory motor is at the heart of this product. It delivers a variable speed between 5,000 RPM and 35,000 RPM, which is adjustable. The electronic feedback circuitry ensures you get uninterrupted performance even for the most demanding tasks like metal cutting.
Coming to the purpose of why you’re buying this tool (for removing grout), you can employ the mandrel or shank, which is 1/8-inch in diameter. Other diameters include 3/32-inch, 1/16-inch, and 1/32-inch. Use the one depending on the width between the tiles.
To top off the features, you have an ergonomic body with a 360-degree grip zone. This ensures prolonged use doesn’t hurt your hands. With 2 years of product warranty, this product is nothing less than a bargain.
Pros
- Rotating motor that delivers the power of up to 35,000 RPM
- Comes with 30+ accessories
- Multi-functional
Cons
- Kick up a lot of dust
2. DEWALT 20V MAX XR Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit
This is perhaps the best option for both DIY-ers and professionals alike. First is the variable speed function that allows you to work at your own pace, at your own experience level. You control the tool via a speed trigger that’s placed beneath it, towards the rear part.
This is simple to use and operate, despite looking complex from the outside. You need to fit one of the accessories to the handle and carry on with the task. To quickly change through the accessory, you do not need a wrench. The quick-change accessory system allows you to attach and detach blades and other accessories easily.
To help you work in the dark, it comes with a LED light equipped at the front.
When it comes to delivering power, you can expect up to 20,000 RPM of uninterrupted speed. Depending on how fast you go, you can expect to complete the grout removal task in half the time. Not to forget the in-built 20V battery that lasts for several minutes in one full charge.
Pros
- 3-speed selector
- Universal accessory adaptor
- Superior blades included for quick grout removal
- The oscillator mechanism doesn’t emit much dust
Cons
- Expensive
3. Tile Grout Cleaning Grout Remover
If you’re going to remove grout from smaller walls, then these hand tools are a perfect fit. An example of small walls can be your shower stall and kitchen sink area. You must be willing to put in some muscle effort, though, since this is a completely manual tool.
Given that it’s designed more like a door handle than a conventional grout removal tool, it works best on vertical surfaces. Two ends are angled perfectly so that you can work comfortably with both ends simultaneously. The first end removes the grout while the second brushes the dust away. This remove-and-clear approach to grout removal is appreciative.
The product is made from high-quality ABS materials. Thus, despite being cheap and weighing just about 3 ounces, it is sturdy and can withstand strong blows and corrosive chemicals.
Pros
- Blade and brush combo
- Ideal for smaller wall grout removal
- ABS material to resist impacts and corrosion
Cons
- Manual clearing will consume more time
4. DEWALT DWE305 12 Amp Corded Reciprocating Saw
If power is all that you’re looking for in a grout removal tool, then nothing beats this reciprocating saw from DEWALT. Equipped with a 12-amp motor, it is capable of delivering up to 2,900 strokes per minute. This is more than enough to go through a meter length of tile within a minute. This depends on the variable speed to which you set the motor to. Being a reciprocating saw means it is ideal for removing the hardest of the grout or epoxy varieties.
Besides the saw, you also receive a saw blade set and a wood cutting pack. Each of these are made from patented tooth forms, which offers up to 50% more longer life than other blades.
Due to its versatility, users have rated it as a must-have for any homeowner.
Pros
- High power 12-amp motor
- Variable speed trigger
- Superior grade blades
- Multi-functional
Cons
- It can be difficult to operate
- Relatively expensive
5. Hyde Tools, Inc. 19500 Regrout Tool
When it comes to electric grout remover, this is among the best options available. Operating in the 120V range and with a 7100 RPM speed rating, this tool is more than capable of getting the job done quickly and efficiently. On average, you can clear 1-inch grout per second.
It’s best for use in shower tiles, on the sink, or kitchen counters to clear the grouts. Gentle on the surface, it doesn’t damage tiles and does its work smoothly. You have two options to choose from for the tip, either a pointed one or a chiseled one.
The pointed tip is ideal for precision tasks, while chiseled goes beyond your expectations to adapt to a wide range of requirements. This includes if you have oddly-shaped tiles and need to go around the corners precisely, then this electric grout removal tool is for you.
Another advantage is that this tool creates very little dust, which makes it easier to operate in areas like the bathroom where there’s very low ventilation.
Pros
- Precise and detailed operation
- Speed adjustment
- Creates little to no dust
- Speed up to 7100 RPM
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy-duty
6. PORTER-CABLE Angle Grinder Tool, 4-1/2-Inch, 7-Amp
If you need an angle grinder for removing the grout, then this is perhaps the best option. These types of tools are generally used for commercial, large-scale projects. The 7-amp powerful motor, which delivers 11,000 RPM of speed, can easily cut through epoxy and sanded grouts in a straight line.
Furthermore, this product is equipped with a 3-position side handle that offers additional control over your work. To take this a step further, the two guards, cutting and grinding, are toll-free. Thus, you can adjust them as per the task at hand. When you drop the tool, the cutoff guard shuts down the tool to ensure no one is hurt in the vicinity. It also provides protection against sparks and blade breakage, and kickback.
For clearing the grout from the tiles, it works best when the gap is 1/8-inch or more. Otherwise, it can damage the tiles. You can nevertheless replace the blades with even sharper ones.
Pros
- Powerful 7-amp motor
- 3-position side handle for better control
- Suitable for large-scale grout removing, cutting projects
- Cutting and Cutoff guard
Cons
- Emits a large amount of dust into the air
7. M-D Building Products 49066 Heavy Duty Tile Grout Saw
This is an easy-to-use grout saw that can be either used to repair or replace the grout. If you feel that the existing grouts have become moldy or are falling out, you can clean and repair them accordingly. Else, replace them by removing them first. This grout saw will be useful in either case.
The diamond cutting blades are designed to be useful both ways. The ergonomic handle offers a grip that in turn fuels precise cleaning of the tiles.
This tool is more like a reciprocating saw, which requires you to use your own muscle power. So if you have a small grout removal task to do and don’t mind spending a little energy of yours, you’ll enjoy owning this tool. You’ll often use this alongside power and electric grout removal tools mentioned in this list to provide that final touches.
Pros
- Two-in-one tool, ideal for both grout repair and removal
- Heavy-duty diamond blade
- Ergonomic design
Cons
- Requires manual labor
- Not suited for large-scale work
8. Dremel MM502 1/16-Inch Multi-Max Grout Removal Blade
Dremel is one of the best brands on this list. Therefore, many people opt to buy it for themselves. These oscillating blades are the perfect pairings for the Dremel Multi-Max and 4000-2/30 grout removal tool. The 1/16-inch thickness of the blades is incredible and, when paired with the 35,000 RPM speed motor, offers precise grout removal capability.
Classified as ultra-thin blades, these do not damage the tiles either. Therefore, you can safely work your way around the tiles. If you’re working in tightly-spaced tiles, then these blades will come in handy along with the Dremel grout removal tool.
The carbide make of the blades ensures they can withstand tough working conditions and continuous use. Expect durability and break-resistance from these blades.
Pros
- 1.16-inch ultra-thin blades
- Tested for max performance and durability
- Designed to be used with Dremel grout removal tools
Cons
- It might not fit with other brands
9. REETREE Grout Removal Tool with Alloy Tip
Want a simple, cost-effective, manual grout removal tool? Then this tool from REETREE might be what you’re after. Even though it looks mediocre and lacks a motor, it’s Tungsten steel body allows it to withstand any level of stress. It’s even harder than any stainless steel or carbide body.
The tip is something you should focus on. It has eight different sharp edges that allow you to remove grout from any type of tile joint. There’s a fine tip, a moderate tip, and a big tip, each suited for a specific joint. So even though it’s manual, you wouldn’t have to put too much pressure to get the job done.
The 13-inch length and soft comfort grip make the cleaning job even easier. So if you’re looking for a manual grout remover, this one is for you.
Pros
- Eight different scraping edges
- Tungsten steel body
- 13-inch length for better reach
- Cheap and affordable
Cons
- Time-consuming
- Not suited for large-scale projects
10. Spyder 100234 Grout-Out Multi Blade
These universal blades will fit into any reciprocating saws to deliver unmatched grout removing experience under any conditions. Whether it be epoxy or urethane grouts, you can expect clean performance from these blades every time.
A pack of two blades, one blade is 1/16-inches in size while the other is 3/16-inches. Thus, they can be used in a variety of tile cleaning projects. Made from premium grade carbon steel, expect the blades to go long.
Since these are universal, you do not have to worry about fitting and compliance. Purchase these along with a reciprocating saw and clear even the toughest of the grouts from the tightest of the surfaces.
Reciprocating saws are ideal for removing grout from oddly-shaped tiles that aren’t rectangular or square in shape. Furthermore, the saws produce less dust when going through the tiles. These blades are designed to adhere to the qualities of a reciprocating saw. So purchase them worry-free.
Pros
- Universal reciprocating saw blades
- High-quality carbon steel
- 1/16-inch and 3/16-inch dual blade
Cons
- Not suited for every type of grout cleaning project
Buying Guide
If you’re still uncertain about which grout removal tool to purchase, then here’s a brief buying guide to help you out. There are a few things you need to keep in mind when deciding which tool to buy.
Type of Grout to Clear
The first thing you need to determine is the type of grout plaguing your tiles. There are sanded, non-sanded, epoxy, and Urethane grout. Each type will call for a different removal tool. Epoxy and urethane are usually harder than sanded and non-sanded.
Therefore, you must buy a mechanical removal tool with sharper blades. The type of grout you want to clean will determine which grout removal tool to go for.
Type of Grout Removal Tool
Just like there are different types of grouts, there are different types of removal tools. This should be evident by now. A reciprocating saw is the most common type of mechanical grout removal tool that gets rids of the harder grouts like epoxy. Then there is an oscillating tool that moves back and forth at a slower speed to clear the grout.
Rotary and angle grinder are other mechanical types that follow a specific working mechanism. Manual removal tools are meant for smaller grout clearing projects. Therefore, you need to choose which type of grout removal tool to invest in.
Type of Blade Material
The type of grunt will also influence the type of blade you need to purchase. You can choose from carbide, tungsten steel, and stainless steel blades. Stainless steel variants are the softest and cheapest ones, while tungsten steel blades are at the other end of the spectrum. Carbide is in between and is also commonly used types.
Consider Your Budget
Last but not least, you should shop within your budget range. Grout removal tools range somewhere from $10 to $300 or so. Out-of-budget shopping often leads to disappointment. So have a budget range before you start shopping.
Summing up
Grout Removal Tools are generally for long-term purposes. You’re going to have to clean grouts from time to time. Therefore, you shouldn’t be focusing exclusively on price and rather have a bigger picture in mind.
With that said, go through the above list and purchase the appropriate grout removal tool kit for your needs.
