Tips for Removing Grout
Updated: Jan. 02, 2020Simplify this tedious chore with a reciprocating saw or an oscillating tool
Video: Removing Tile Grout
Simplify ceramic tile grout removal by using a carbide-grit blade in a reciprocating saw or an oscillating tool as a grout removal tool. Both speed up this tough, tedious chore.
How to Remove Grout from Tile Method 1: Reciprocating saw
The worst part of learn how to remove grout is the incredibly tedious, tough hand-scraping to get the old stuff out. Now you have two much better options for a grout removal tool. If you already own a variable-speed reciprocating saw, try a Milwaukee Carbide-Grit Grout Blade (No. 48-08-0415; about $14 through our affiliation with amazon.com). It works really well. Just make sure to use the slowest speed until you get the feel of the process.
How to Remove Grout from Tile Method 2: Oscillating tool
If you don’t have a recip saw and you’re dying to get your hands on a new oscillating tool, this is your chance to find a grout removal tool. The Dremel No. 6300-03 Multi-Max and the Rockwell RK5101K SoniCrafter kit are two tools that include grout removal blades. The Dremel Multi-Max is available through our affiliation with amazon.com. The Rockwell SoniCrafter is also available through our affiliation with amazon.com.
An oscillating tool (bottom photo) is a bit easier to control than the recip saw because it’s smaller and has a much shorter blade stroke. Plus, you can rotate the cutting head, so it’s a tad more versatile.
With either tool you’ll need to be careful not to chip the tile. We’ve tried both systems and they work equally fast. The oscillating tool does get you a bit tighter into corners. With either method, you’ll still have to scrape some areas by hand.
Required Tools for this How to Remove Grout from Tile Project
Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.
- Reciprocating saw
- Utility knife