The Best Grout Removal Tools of 2024 for DIY Renovations, Tested
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Make grout removal faster and easier with the right tools for your home improvement project.
Old, dirty grout is one of the main offenders in making a bathroom or kitchen look shabby, but the good news is that you can easily replace it with a good set of grout removal tools. Cleaning grout or swapping it out entirely is a great way to refresh your space, and while grout removal is typically a labor-intensive process, the right tools can make things go more smoothly and speedily. In an effort to find the best grout removal tool for the job, we tested 10 different tools, ranging from small hand tools up to large electric oscillating tools and angle grinders.
Our favorite tool for the job was the Enertwist Oscillating Tool Kit. It produces ample power for grinding away grout with speed controls and a clear sightline to the blade that make it possible to work on narrower joints. And it does all this while also managing to be affordable. Ahead, find out what to look for when shopping for one of the best grout removal tools and check out all of our results for 10 tools we tested.
- BEST OVERALL: Enertwist Oscillating Tool Kit
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Coitak Angled Tile Grout Saw
↓ Jump to Review - BEST ELECTRIC: Regrout Tool Electric Grout Remover
↓ Jump to Review - BEST CORDLESS: DeWalt 20V MAX XR 3-Speed Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit
↓ Jump to Review - BEST RECIPROCATING BLADE: Milwaukee Grout Removal Tool
↓ Jump to Review - BEST ROTARY: Dremel 4000-2/30 High-Performance Rotary Tool Kit
↓ Jump to Review - BEST MANUAL: Reetree Grout Removal Tool
↓ Jump to Review - BEST GRINDER: Porter-Cable 7½-Amp Small Angle Grinder
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR SMALL SPACES: QEP Grout Remover
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR SMALL JOBS: QLT by Marshalltown Mini Grout Saw
↓ Jump to Review
How We Tested the Best Grout Removal Tools
After narrowing the field to 10 tools, we tested each to see which models were the best of the bunch. We set to work using each tool to remove about a 0.125 inch depth of grout from a foot-long section of tiled surface. We tested each on sanded grout from tiles on an outdoor patio and unsanded grout on indoor bathroom tiling. While testing, we considered how quickly and effectively each tool removed grout as well as how easy each tool was to control. We also evaluated how well they worked with different grout types and widths and their ability to work in tighter spots, such as in corners and around cabinets and fixtures. We considered ease of use factors, including how simple it was to load blades and how comfortable the tools were to grip.
| Testing Stats | |
| Products tested | 10 |
| Time spent testing | 5 hours |
| Tests performed | 2 |
| Price range | $6 to $150 |
How We Chose the Best Grout Removal Tools
To find the top grout removal tools available from reputable manufacturers and sellers, we researched each potential option thoroughly, determining which tools were the best for removing tile grout. There are a variety of tools that can be used to remove grout from tiles, which made it easy to find potential products; however, the wide selection also made it difficult to narrow our list down. To help choose the top tool, we considered each product’s weight, whether it came with a blade, the type of blade, the type of tool, and the suitability of the tool for grout removal tasks.
Preference was given to lightweight products with one or more grout removal blades. Stainless steel blades were acceptable, but products with carbide or tungsten steel blades stood out from competitors. In addition, a product was dropped from consideration if there was any indication that the tool could not adequately remove grout.
We reached out to professional contractors for their insight. “Manual grout removal tools are great for small-scale projects or situations where precision is paramount,” says Kristin Hintlian, co-owner of Bonsai Builders, remodeling specialists in Spencer, Massachusetts. “On the other hand, electric grout removers offer speed and efficiency, making them ideal for bigger projects.” She says oscillating multipurpose tools are often used in her business. “They are compatible with both sanded and unsanded grout and adjustable to tackle different grout line widths. The variable-speed setting helps us tailor the tool’s aggression, minimizing tile damage.”
Our Top Picks
Our favorite grouting tools encompass a variety of types and styles, from angled grout saws to small angle grinders. Read on to find an option that will help you get the job done.
Best Overall
Enertwist Oscillating Tool Kit
Photo: Amazon
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.7/5; Maneuverability 3/5; Performance 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Oscillating
- Accessories: 33-piece kit with blades, sandpaper, and more
- Weight: 3.6 pounds
What We Like
- Versatile and affordable; makes light work of removing tough grout
- Easy-to-use tool-free blade-change system; choice of 6 speeds
- Comprehensive kit means the same tool can be used for different DIY tasks
What We Don’t Like
- Bulky size doesn’t fit into corners easily
With a 4.2-amp motor, this oscillating tool is well equipped to tear through grout. We tested it using a carbide-edged blade to grind through 0.375-inch-wide grout on an outdoor patio. With its 16,000 oscillations per minute, it moved through grout with ease. We also liked the six speed controls, which allowed us to slow down to take on narrower grout lines. While the Enertwist oscillating tool was one of the more powerful tools we tested, it muffled vibration well and offered a great sight line to the blade, which made it surprisingly easy to keep inside the grout lines. It was also one of the louder tools we tested, such that we recommend using ear protection when operating it.
Along with its excellent grout-removing power, we also liked its toolless blade change design, a nice feature when taking on larger jobs that may require numerous blade changes. As a corded oscillating tool, the Enertwist does require wrestling with an extension cord. But while a cordless oscillating tool may offer convenience, you’ll also pay twice as much for one. The Enertwist provides the same level of performance at a reasonable price.
Get the Enertwist grout removal tool at Amazon.
Best Bang for the Buck
Coitak Angled Tile Grout Saw
Photo: Amazon
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 3.5/5; Maneuverability 5/5; Performance 4.5/5; Durability 4.5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Manual
- Accessories: 3 blades
- Weight: 4.16 ounces (including spare blades)
What We Like
- Lightweight, low-cost tool with aggressive diamond-style blade that minimizes effort
- Durable plastic handle is comfortable to hold; has convenient hanging hole
- Blade thickness of just 0.07 inch is fine enough for narrow joints
What We Don’t Like
- Best when used for small areas as it can be tiring to operate for several hours
We looked at several budget-friendly grout removal tools and found that quality can vary considerably. The Coitak grout saw was one of the better models and manages to combine low cost with ease of use.
We found the plastic handle to be surprisingly durable, lightweight, and easy to grip. And while the tool handle is short, it’s positioned at such an angle that we were still able to apply enough leverage to dig into the tile grout. The coarse carbide blade did an excellent job of grinding through grout during out testing. It was also thin enough that we were able to take on thinner grout lines while mostly avoiding the surrounding tile. We liked the fact that you could double up blades to grind through thicker grout lines. The blade was also ideal for simply stripping away any mold or mildew buildup as an alternative to grout cleaner.
While we liked how effective this grout remover was, it is still a manual one, so plan on putting in a fair amount of elbow grease if your goal is to remove enough grout to regrout. This effective little tool costs less than $10 and comes with four blades. You won’t find a cheaper way to remove grouting.
Get the Coitak grout removal tool at Amazon.
Best Electric
Regrout Tool Electric Grout Remover
Photo: Amazon
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 3.5/5; Maneuverability 4/5; Performance 2/5; Durability 4.5/5; Value 3/5
Product Specs
- Type: Chipping
- Accessories: 2 tungsten carbide tips
- Weight: 1.04 pounds
What We Like
- Dedicated professional-grade tool designed solely for rapid grout removal
- 3 speeds and 2 tungsten carbide tips provide options for all kinds of grout lines
- Lightweight and easy to handle with a chipping action that minimizes dust
What We Don’t Like
- Some users thought it needed to be more aggressive when tackling very hard grout
The electric Regrout Tool grout remover is one of a few models designed specifically for grout removal rather than as a general-purpose oscillating or rotary tool. It uses a pulsing action to chip away at the grout, breaking it up rather than grinding it down and creating clouds of unpleasant dust.
While we liked the idea of a jackhammer approach to removing grout as opposed to the grinding action that produces dust, the Regrout Tool’s effectiveness was only so-so. It worked great for some crumbling grout that was around the tile in our bathroom, chipping it away with ease. We also liked the fact that the two tips worked well with thinner grout. However, for harder, more established grout, it struggled to put much of a dent in it, even when set to its highest speed.
Since the ReGrout Tool is designed to pound away grout, it also sends a lot of vibration to your hand. Even a fairly short grout removal session left our hand feeling numb from the vibrating action. In short, we were expecting more for the price. While the Regrout Tool is a good option for removing grout that’s already beginning to degrade, we wouldn’t recommend it for any other purpose.
Get the Regrout Tool grout remover tool at Amazon.
Best Cordless
DeWalt 20V MAX XR 3-Speed Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit
Photo: Amazon
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Maneuverability 4/5; Performance 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.3/5
Product Specs
- Type: Oscillating
- Accessories: 2 wood cutting blades (grout cutting blade not included)
- Weight: 2.6 pounds
What We Like
- Comes with 2 high-output 5-amp-hour batteries, charger, and carry bag
- Tool-free quick-change accessory system takes most third-party blades
- Features variable trigger with 3 speed ranges plus useful built-in flashlight
What We Don’t Like
- Comes with a premium price tag, and grout removal blades are extra
Instead of worrying about tripping over a power cord, invest in this cordless oscillating tool by DeWalt to remove grout quickly and efficiently. The tool weighs only 2.6 pounds and comes with two batteries and a charger, so one battery can always be charged while the other is in use. The oscillating carbide grout removal blade is sold separately as the tool only comes with wood cutting blades.
Equipped with the grout removal blade, the DeWalt makes grout removal easy. We tested it on 0.25-inch-wide grout on a tiled patio, and it did a great job of grinding it out. The tool is also compact enough that we could easily operate it while seeing exactly where the blade was, helping us to avoid hitting the tile surface. Its ergonomic handle and ample rubberized grip make it comfortable to use over longer projects. That said, it does take some skill to avoid slips. This is also a tool for 0.375-inch grout or wider. The blade is simply too thick to handle thinner 0.25-inch grout lines without damaging the tile.
DeWalt’s oscillating tool is certainly one of the more expensive solutions for removing grout from tile, but it’s worthwhile if you have other jobs around the house that you can use this versatile tool to tackle.
Get the DeWalt grout removal tool at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.
Best Reciprocating Blade
Milwaukee Grout Removal Tool
Photo: The Home Depot
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 3.5/5; Maneuverability 3/5; Performance 4/5; Durability 4/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Type: Blade
- Accessories: N/A
- Weight: N/A
What We Like
- Works with most reciprocating saws
- Grinds grout out very quickly
- Affordable option if you already own a reciprocating saw
What We Don’t Like
- Difficult to control
This specially designed 5-inch carbide grit blade is meant to remove grout using a reciprocating saw. We put this blade to the test using Milwaukees’ compact Hackzall reciprocating saw. We had mixed results.
Backed by the power of a reciprocating saw, the blade cuts quickly through grout. That said, we found it difficult to use. The blade has a tendency to bounce and travel, which made it difficult to keep inside narrow joints. We found that using the Hackzall’s variable-speed trigger to slow the blade down made it easier to control and less likely to travel. Still, it requires some skill to keep it from hitting the surrounding tile. That said, while Milwaukee says you can use it for grout lines as small as 0.125 inch thick, we’d only recommend using it for grout lines that are 0.375 inch thick or wider to avoid damaging the tile.
We should also note that the Hackzall is compact and far lighter than a full-size reciprocating saw. Using a full-size saw would make it even more difficult to control the blade. Given that, we’d recommend using it with more compact reciprocating saws that offer straight line cutting as opposed to orbital cutting motions.
Get the Milwaukee grout removal tool at The Home Depot.
Best Rotary
Dremel 4000-2/30 High-Performance Rotary Tool Kit
Photo: Amazon