Best Overall
Enertwist Oscillating Tool Kit
Best Bang For The Buck
Coitak Angled Tile Grout Saw
Best Electric
Regrout Tool Electric Grout Remover
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Old , dirty grout is one of the main offender in create a bathroom or kitchen search ratty , but the good news is that you’re able to easily interchange it with a effective set of grout removal tools . Cleaning groutor swapping it out entirely is a great manner to refresh your space , and while grout removal is typically a labor - intensive process , the right tools can make thing go more smoothly and chop-chop . In an exploit to find the best grout remotion tool for the business , we try 10 dissimilar tools , ranging from small-scale hand dick up to expectant galvanizing oscillating tools and angle grinders .
Our favorite instrument for the job was theEnertwist Oscillating Tool Kit . It produces sizeable office for grind aside grout with speed control and a clear sightline to the leaf blade that make it possible to work on narrower joint . And it does all this while also managing to be affordable . Ahead , obtain out what to look for when shopping for one of the best grout remotion tools and see to it out all of our termination for 10 peter we essay .
How We Tested the Best Grout Removal Tools
After specialise the athletic field to 10 tools , we tested each to see which model were the best of the bunch . We set to go using each tool to remove about a 0.125 inch depth of grout from a foot - long discussion section of tiled surface . We screen each on sanded grout from tiles on an outdoor patio and unsanded grout on indoor bathroom tile . While testing , we considered how quickly and in effect each tool absent grout as well as how well-situated each tool was to ascertain . We also judge how well they run with different grout eccentric and width and their ability to work in tighter smear , such as in corners and around cabinets and fixtures . We considered ease of use cistron , including how simple it was to load blade and how comfortable the instrument were to spellbind .
How We Chose the Best Grout Removal Tools
To discover the top grout removal tools available from reputable manufacturers and sellers , we explore each potential alternative exhaustively , determining which tool were the expert for absent roofing tile grout . There are a diversity of tools that can be used to hit grout from roofing tile , which made it easy to find likely mathematical product ; however , the blanket extract also made it unmanageable to narrow our lean down . To help pick out the top puppet , we considered each intersection ’s weight , whether it came with a blade , the type of blade , the case of tool , and the suitability of the tool forgrout remotion job .
Preference was given to lightweight product with one or more grout remotion leaf blade . Stainless brand blades were satisfactory , but products with carbide or tungsten steel blades stood out from competitors . In addition , a product was drop from consideration if there was any meter reading that the tool could not adequately remove grout .
We reached out to professional contractors for their insight . “ Manual grout remotion tools are great for small - scurf projects or situation where preciseness is paramount , ” say Kristin Hintlian , co - owner ofBonsai Builders , remodeling specialists in Spencer , Massachusetts . “ On the other handwriting , electrical grout removers bid speed and efficiency , make water them idealistic for bigger project . ” She says oscillating multipurpose tools are often used in her business . “ They are compatible with both sanded and unsanded grout and adjustable to undertake different grout line widths . The variable - speed setting help oneself us tailor-make the tool ’s aggression , belittle tile damage . ”
Our Top Picks
Our pet grouting peter encompass a assortment of eccentric and style , from tip grout byword to diminished angle zep . Read on to find an option that will help you get the line done .
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4.7/5 ; Maneuverability3/5 ; Performance5/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value5/5
With a 4.2 - amp motor , this oscillating tool is well equipped to tear through grout . We tested it using a carbide - edged leaf blade to grind through 0.375 - inch - wide grout on an outside patio . With its 16,000 vibration per second , it moved through grout with ease . We also liked the six speed controls , which appropriate us to slow down to take on narrower grout air . While the Enertwist oscillating instrument was one of the more brawny tools we test , it muffled quiver well and offered a great sight communication channel to the blade , which made it surprisingly easy to keep inside the grout lines . It was also one of the trashy tools we tested , such that we recommend using ear security when control it .
Along with its splendid grout - removing power , we also liked its toolless blade change innovation , a overnice feature when taking on larger jobs that may require numerous blade change . As a corded oscillating putz , the Enertwist does require wrestle with an extension cord . But while a cordless oscillating tool may offer convenience , you ’ll also pay up twice as much for one . The Enertwist provides the same degree of performance at a fair price .
Get the Enertwist grout removal tool atAmazon .
Best Bang for the Buck
Our Ratings : Ease of Use3.5/5 ; Maneuverability5/5 ; Performance4.5/5 ; Durability4.5/5 ; Value5/5
We looked at several budget - well-disposed grout remotion tools and found that quality can depart considerably . The Coitak grout saw was one of the good models and handle to aggregate low cost with ease of manipulation .
We found the plastic handle to be surprisingly durable , lightweight , and easy to grip . And while the pecker handle is short , it ’s place at such an slant that we were still able to apply enough leveraging to hollow into the tile grout . The coarse carbide steel did an splendid job of grinding through grout during out testing . It was also lean enough that we were able-bodied to take on thin grout line while mostly avoid the besiege tile . We liked the fact that you could double up blades to mash through thick grout line . The sword was also idealistic for just stripping aside any clay sculpture or mold buildup as an alternative togrout cleanser .
Photo: Tony Carrick for Bob Vila
While we like how in effect this grout remover was , it is still a manual one , so plan on putting in a fair amount of elbow grease if your finish is to remove enough grout to regrout . This effective small creature cost less than $ 10 and comes with four blades . You wo n’t find a inexpensive way to polish off grouting .
Get the Coitak grout removal tool atAmazon .
Our Ratings : Ease of Use3.5/5 ; Maneuverability4/5 ; Performance2/5 ; Durability4.5/5 ; Value3/5
Photo: Tony Carrick for Bob Vila
The electric Regrout Tool grout remover is one of a few models designed specifically for grout removal rather than as a world-wide - purpose oscillating or circular tool . It uses a pulsing activity to chip away at the grout , breaking it up rather than grinding it down and creating swarm of unpleasant dust .
While we wish the idea of a jackhammer approach to removing grout as opposed to the grinding action that bring out dust , the Regrout Tool ’s effectiveness was only so - so . It worked cracking for some crumbling grout that was around the tile in our bathroom , chipping it away with ease . We also care the fact that the two steer worked well with slight grout . However , for hard , more established grout , it struggled to put much of a dent in it , even when typeset to its high speed .
Since the ReGrout Tool is design to lumber away grout , it also sends a lot of vibration to your script . Even a somewhat short grout removal session leave our mitt feeling numb from the vibrating activity . In short , we were expecting more for the cost . While the Regrout Tool is a good option for removing grout that ’s already beginning to disgrace , we would n’t commend it for any other intent .
Photo: Amazon
Get the Regrout Tool grout remover tool atAmazon .
Best Cordless
DeWalt 20V MAX XR 3-Speed Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit
Our rating : Ease of Use4/5 ; Maneuverability4/5 ; Performance5/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value4.3/5
Instead of worrying about tripping over a mightiness cord , invest in this cordless oscillating cock by DeWalt to remove grout rapidly and efficiently . The pecker weighs only 2.6 Egyptian pound and comes with two battery and a charger , so one battery can always be point while the other is in use . Theoscillating carbide grout remotion bladeis sold on an individual basis as the tool only comes with wood cut sword .
equip with the grout remotion blade , the DeWalt makes grout remotion easy . We tested it on 0.25 - inch - wide grout on a tiled terrace , and it did a great caper of grind it out . The creature is also succinct enough that we could easily operate on it while see just where the blade was , help us to void stumble the roofing tile surface . Its ergonomic handle and ample rubberized grip make it comfortable to use over longer projects . That say , it does take some skill to head off mooring . This is also a tool for 0.375 - inch grout or wider . The vane is simply too heavyset to handle thinner 0.25 - inch grout lines without damage the tile .
Photo: Amazon
DeWalt ’s oscillating tool is certainly one of the more expensive solutions for remove grout from tile , but it ’s worthwhile if you have other job around the firm that you may habituate this versatile tool to harness .
Get the DeWalt grout remotion tool atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orThe Home Depot .
Best Reciprocating Blade
Milwaukee Grout Removal Tool
Our Ratings : Ease of Use3.5/5 ; Maneuverability3/5 ; Performance4/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value4/5
This specially design 5 - inch carbide gritstone blade is meant to hit grout using a reciprocate sawing machine . We put this blade to the test using Milwaukees ’ compactHackzall reciprocating saw . We had assorted results .
plump for by the power of a reciprocating saw , the leaf blade cuts quickly through grout . That articulate , we establish it difficult to habituate . The blade has a tendency to bounce and travel , which made it difficult to keep in spite of appearance narrow-minded joints . We found that using the Hackzall ’s varying - speed gun trigger to slow down the leaf blade down made it easier to control and less likely to travel . Still , it requires some skill to keep it from hitting the surrounding roofing tile . That say , while Milwaukee says you may use it for grout lineage as small as 0.125 column inch thick , we ’d only urge using it for grout lines that are 0.375 column inch slurred or wide to avoid damage the tile .
Photo: Amazon
We should also note that the Hackzall is compendious and far light than a full - size reciprocating sawing machine . Using a full - size saw would make it even more difficult to control the blade . Given that , we ’d recommend using it with more thick reciprocating saws that offer square railway line film editing as opposed to orbital cutting movement .
Get the Milwaukee grout removal creature atThe Home Depot .
Best Rotary
Dremel 4000-2/30 High-Performance Rotary Tool Kit
Our evaluation : rest of Use4/5 ; Maneuverability4/5 ; Performance5/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value4/5
With a name that ’s synonymous with circular tools , Dremel clinching a spot on our “ best ” list is no surprise . The Dremel 4000 features a variable - f number dial that ranges from 5,000 to 35,000 gyration per minute ( RPM ) , which is enough world power for unsanded or sandpaper grout remotion .
Unsurprisingly , the Dremel excelled at grout removal , carving into grout well when using a special mo for the job . And unlike other tools we tested , Dremel has a stable spirit , which was cardinal to maintain it in - line as we work to grind forth grout . That ’s not to say it is n’t without its flaws . The orbitual speed of the cock can make it to jump out of the grout line and run across the tile aerofoil if you crank up the speed up too gamy or do n’t prevail it firmly against the grout as you work . It also produces a lot of fine detritus , so be prepare toclean the areaaround you and yourself when the line of work is done .
Photo: Amazon
The Dremel is one of the costly options when it comes to grout removal , but keep in judgement that it can also do countless other job around the house . If you ’re someone who finds themselves doing a smorgasbord of DIY oeuvre , it ’s worth the investment funds . Otherwise , go with a more low-cost option .
Get the Dremel grout remotion pecker atAmazon , The Home Depot , orWalmart .
Best Manual
Reetree Grout Removal Tool
Our Ratings : Ease of Use3/5 ; Maneuverability5/5 ; Performance4.5/5 ; Durability4.5/5 ; Value4.5/5
You wo n’t be removing a lot of grout with the Reetree grout remover , but for small grout removal jobs and elaborated work power tools ca n’t manage , it ’s a superior choice . This grout scrape tool is all about precision . There are three summit shapes design for fine , moderate , and deep penetration between tile . We were able-bodied to remove grout from narrow 0.125 - inch lines on can grout without accidentally pock the tile . The Reetree can handle both unsanded and sandpaper grout .
The creature was wanton to control thanks to its ergonomic grip , and we were able to guide it into corners with little trouble . Its length also helped us to bear down on the grout , make it easier to grind it aside with the blade . That said , this tool is no miracle worker . It took some effort to remove a 3 - foot stretch of grout . Your arm will certainly get a exercising . We attempted to use it to absent 0.375 - inch thick-skulled grout on our backyard roofing tile ; it was n’t up for the line of work as the blade is too narrow to transfer this thicker grout effectively . This is understandably a creature for flimsy tile short letter .
Photo: The Home Depot
If removing old grout around delicate bathroom tile is the job , then the Reetree is a great alternative . For bigger grout removal projects , however , it ’s worth look for something with a motor .
Get the Reetree grout removal tool atAmazon .
Best Grinder
Porter-Cable 7½-Amp Small Angle Grinder
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4/5 ; Maneuverability3/5 ; Performance5/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value4/5
For big , tough grout remotion jobs , this angle grinder from Porter - Cable is a great choice . The powerful 7.5 - amp motor is staring for sanded and epoxy grout , though it ’s a little too much tool for raw grout .
We loaded this angle grinder with a 0.0625 - in thickMasonry slue - off roulette wheel , sell separately . When applied to the 0.375 - inch duncical grout line of patio roofing tile , the 10,000 RPM of force was unmistakable . The Porter - Cable angle bomber blasted through the grout , allowing us to remove several feet in minutes . While we eff the grout removing ability , check all that mightiness was a challenge . As we learned , it will grind through roofing tile if you ’re not careful . That say , we were able to strip grout without substantiating wrong after just a little practice .
Photo: Amazon
At 3.5 pounds , this slant grinder is certainly heavy than the other motorized grout remotion root we tried ; however , we found it to be well-fixed to expend . And since it take grout quickly , it requires far less human elbow filth than manual option . A bicycle guard helps protect your font and hand while you grind aside , but require a lot of rubble ( as you ’d receive with any angle bomber ) . While it has a steeper price tag than manual options , it ’s a unspoiled investment if you have other jobs around the house that take the inspection and repair of an angle hero .
Get the Porter - Cable grout removal tool atAmazonorTractor Supply Co.
Best for Small Spaces
QEP Grout Remover
Our Ratings : Ease of Use5/5 ; Maneuverability4/5 ; Performance4/5 ; Durability4.5/5 ; Value4.5/5
The QEP grout removal tool has a lowly 9 - inch length , and the head has a triangle - mold blade with three point for hunky-dory to temperate penetration into the grout . It also has six sharpened come up edge to help amend overall efficiency .
We render this manual tool on a narrow 0.125 - inch - all-embracing grout and it mold very well , removing a significant level of grout with each stroke , thanks to its carbide top . The small size of the blade made it wanton to use without damaging the tile . And the handle provided enough length for us to hold down on the creature without being so long that it was difficult to use in mingy spaces . This grout shaft is very lightweight , and the ergonomic travelling bag is well-fixed enough to hold for long sessions , though it is important to note that it does require a fair amount of movement to remove grout , just as any manual creature does .
Photo: Amazon
To be clear , this is a puppet clearly designed for narrower grout crinkle . The small blade only removes a thin crinkle of grout with each throw , which have in mind it was far too minute to apply on the 0.25 - inch - thick grout lines of our terrace .
Get the QEP grout removal pecker atThe Home Depot .
Best for Small Jobs
QLT by Marshalltown Mini Grout Saw
Our evaluation : Ease of Use4/5 ; Maneuverability5/5 ; Performance4/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value4.5/5
Marshalltown ’s mini grout saw may be too small for broad grout removal , but it ’s a big choice for smaller scale task , such as repairing modest sections of grout or replace a crack tile . Its steel measures 0.0625 in wide , making it suitable for thin grout job . It ’s also just over an column inch long , which is too minuscule for bigger grout remotion project but nimble enough for belittled space .
We had no problem wreak in and around tight corner with this mini grout ascertain . And though small , the slant of the handle and ergonomic grip give up us to get serious purchase while using it . The carbide blade also does a nice job of grinding through grout . Best of all , this grout removing putz is cheap , making it one of the most affordable way to remove grout . It ’s a great budget - priced option if you do n’t have much grout to remove .
Photo: Amazon
Get the QLT by Marshalltown grout removal peter atLowe ’s .
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing aGrout Removal Tool
When looking for the best tile grout remover , weigh some important aspects andtips on working with groutto ensure that you pick the good tool for you and your projection .
Types of Grout Removal Tools
There are many methods for removing andchanging grout , but each cock has welfare and drawback . In general , the more hefty the tool , the more dust it will render , so be certain to fag out a face masque — and all other applicable personal protective equipment — while murder grout .
Manual vs. Mechanical
The size and time frame of the project will determine whether you use manual or mechanically skillful grout remotion shaft . remark that the mechanical puppet mentioned here have various uses beyondgrout hangout , such as cut and sanding .
Blade Material
brand fabric becomes important when working with tough grout types , like sandpaper and epoxy grout .
Type of Grout
There are three maintypes of groutyou’re likely to take on , and they range in difficultness to remove .
Additional Features
The supererogatory features of grout remotion tool tramp widely . mechanically skillful tools may have speed option , gun trigger lock , built - in light-emitting diode lights for better visibility , and commodious carrying case . Manual options include ergonomic grips , substitute blades , and variable - blade crown for hunky-dory , restrained , or cryptical incursion .
FAQs
To verify that you have all the entropy you need to choose the best grout removal cock , take a look at these commonly take questions about the removal of grout and the detailed answers below . If your grout only needs a exhaustive cleaning , you might also consider investing in a goodgrout cleaner .
simpleness of employment often bet on how familiar the user is with the specific shaft , so it ’s difficult to state which method would be the light for everyone . Still , one of the easy options for removing grouting is to use an vacillate galvanic grout removal tool . The vibration drive pulls out heavy piece of grout instead of grinding through several stratum with a Dremel grout removal tool or dealing with the power of a reciprocating power saw .
pick up how to remove grout by hand is n’t hard , but the process is clock time - consuming and takes a lot of forcible effort . Many manual grout removal tool options are available , so feel the dick that best meets your needs and then use it to kowtow , break , and slay small-arm of grout from between the tile . When you put new grout down , do n’t forget to protect it with a goodgrout sealant .
Photo: The Home Depot
If you are remove grout with electric grout remotion dick , manual tools , or using a specific grout removal fond regard with a multifunctional ability shaft , it ’s authoritative to know that you only require to polish off about 0.125 in of grout to plant new grout between the tiles . However , if the existing grout is break down , chipped , cracked , shrunk , or otherwise damaged , it should be removed .
If the existing grout is in decent consideration , then you only need to remove about 0.125 column inch of grout to regrout the tiles . However , any damaged grout should be completelyremoved and replaced .
Meet the Tester
Tony Carrick is a freelance writer specialise in home improvement , landscaping , technology , plate security , and design . His article have been boast on such sites as Angi , Popular Science , Futurism , 360 Reviews by U.S. News & World Report , Domino , and more . Carrick has conducted rigorous product examination on everything from king tools to home security systems to backyard grills . With each critique , his goal is to help proofreader define whether a product meets their needs and if it is or is n’t worth its cost tag .
extra enquiry provided by Timothy Dale .
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Photo: Lowe’s
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