Grout Saw: Types, How to Use, Best Tools & Tips for Safe Grout Removal (2026)

A grout saw is a specialized tool designed to cut, scrape, and remove old or damaged grout from the joints between tiles. Whether you are regrouting a shower, replacing a broken tile, changing grout color, or repairing cracked grout lines, a grout saw is the essential tool that makes the job possible without damaging the surrounding tile. Understanding which type of grout saw to use — and how to use it correctly — is the difference between a clean, professional-looking result and chipped, cracked tiles that create a bigger problem than the one you started with.

Part of our Tile & Grout guide — explore the full guide →

This guide covers every type of grout saw and grout removal tool, when to use each one, step-by-step removal techniques, the best brands and models (Dremel, Bosch, and manual options), and critical tips to protect your tiles during grout removal. For related tile care, see our guides on how to clean grout and tile flooring.

What Is a Grout Saw?

A grout saw is a hand tool or power tool with a carbide, diamond, or abrasive blade designed to cut through hardened grout without damaging adjacent tiles. The traditional manual grout saw looks like a small hacksaw with a short, carbide-grit blade that fits into narrow grout lines. You draw the blade back and forth through the grout joint, gradually grinding away the old grout until you reach the desired depth.

Modern grout removal has expanded beyond manual saws to include oscillating multi-tools and rotary tools fitted with grout-specific blades and bits. These power tools dramatically speed up the process, turning a full-day manual job into a task that takes a few hours. However, they also increase the risk of tile damage if used carelessly, making technique and tool selection critical.

Grout saws are used on sanded grout, unsanded grout, and epoxy grout — though epoxy grout is significantly harder to remove and typically requires power tools. The tool you choose depends on the grout type, the size of the grout joints, the amount of grout to be removed, and your comfort level with power tools.

Types of Grout Removal Tools

Manual Grout Saw

The manual grout saw is the simplest and safest option. It features a handle attached to a short, replaceable carbide-grit blade — typically 1/16 to 1/8 inch wide. You grip the handle and draw the blade back and forth through the grout joint, much like using a small handsaw. Manual grout saws give you complete control over pressure and depth, making them the least likely to damage tiles.

Manual saws are best for small repair jobs — a few cracked grout lines, a single tile replacement, or touch-up work around a shower tile repair. For large-scale regrouting (an entire floor or shower), manual saws are too slow and physically exhausting to be practical.

Oscillating Multi-Tool with Grout Blade

An oscillating multi-tool (also called an oscillating saw or multi-purpose tool) fitted with a grout removal blade is the most popular power tool option for grout removal. The tool vibrates the blade side to side at high speed (up to 20,000 oscillations per minute), grinding through grout quickly and efficiently. Grout-removal blades for oscillating tools are typically diamond-coated or carbide-grit and come in various widths to match different grout joint sizes.

Oscillating tools are excellent for medium to large grout removal jobs. They work well in both floor and wall tile applications and give good control compared to rotary tools. The side-to-side motion (rather than spinning) reduces the risk of the blade jumping out of the grout line and into the tile face. Popular oscillating tools for grout removal include the Fein MultiMaster, DeWalt oscillating multi-tool, and Milwaukee M18 oscillating tool.

Rotary Tool with Grout Attachment

A rotary tool — most commonly a Dremel — fitted with a grout removal bit is another power option. The Dremel grout removal attachment (Dremel 568 or 570 kit) includes a pointed carbide bit and a guide attachment that keeps the bit centered in the grout joint and prevents it from wandering into the tile. The bit spins at high speed, pulverizing the grout as you guide the tool along the joint.

Rotary tools work faster than manual saws but require more care than oscillating tools because the spinning bit can skip across the tile surface if the guide slips or if you encounter a hard spot in the grout. Dremel’s grout attachment with the adjustable guide makes this significantly safer, but attention and steady hands are still required.

Reciprocating Saw with Grout Blade

A reciprocating saw (Sawzall) with a carbide grout blade is the most aggressive option, suitable for large-scale commercial grout removal on floors. The back-and-forth motion removes grout rapidly but with less precision than oscillating or rotary tools. This method is not recommended for wall tiles, small grout lines, or anywhere that tile damage would be costly. It is primarily a demolition-speed tool.

When to Remove Grout

Understanding when a grout saw is needed helps you determine whether grout removal is the right approach for your situation.

Regrouting. When existing grout is cracked, crumbling, stained beyond cleaning, or missing in sections, removing the old grout and applying fresh grout is the standard repair. You need to remove at least two-thirds of the old grout depth to ensure the new grout bonds properly.

Tile replacement. Replacing a broken, cracked, or damaged tile requires removing the grout around that tile first. This frees the tile from its neighbors so you can pry it out without damaging adjacent tiles.

Grout color change. If you want to change your grout color — for example, from white to dark grey — removing the existing grout and regrouting with the new color produces the most permanent, authentic result. (Grout colorant or stain is a less labor-intensive alternative but may not last as long.)

Mold and mildew remediation. In severe cases where mold has penetrated deep into porous grout (common in showers and tub surrounds), removing the contaminated grout and regrouting with mold-resistant grout is more effective than surface cleaning alone. See our grout cleaning guide for when cleaning is sufficient versus when removal is needed.

Grout haze removal (not a grout saw job). If your issue is grout haze — a thin film of grout residue on tile surfaces from recent installation — you do not need a grout saw. Grout haze is removed with a grout haze remover solution or vinegar, not mechanical cutting.

How to Use a Grout Saw (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Protect the Work Area

Grout removal creates fine dust that spreads quickly. Cover nearby surfaces with drop cloths, tape off cabinets and fixtures, and open windows for ventilation. Wear safety glasses, a dust mask (N95 minimum), and hearing protection if using power tools. Grout dust contains silica, which is a respiratory hazard — do not skip the dust mask.

Step 2: Choose the Right Tool and Blade Width

Select a blade or bit that is narrower than your grout joint. If your grout lines are 1/8 inch wide, use a 1/16 inch blade. Going too wide risks cutting into tile edges. For most residential tile work, a 1/16 inch oscillating blade or manual saw blade handles standard grout joints.

Step 3: Start with a Test Section

Before committing to the entire project, practice on a small, inconspicuous section — behind a toilet, in a closet corner, or on a tile you plan to replace. This lets you calibrate your pressure, speed, and technique before working in visible areas.

Step 4: Score the Center of the Grout Line

With a manual grout saw, position the blade in the center of the grout joint and draw it back and forth with moderate, steady pressure. Let the blade do the work — pressing too hard increases the risk of slipping into tile. With an oscillating tool, guide the blade along the center of the joint at a slow, steady pace. With a Dremel, engage the guide attachment and move the tool along the joint at a consistent speed.

Step 5: Remove Grout to the Proper Depth

Remove grout to a depth of at least 2/3 of the tile thickness — typically 1/8 to 1/4 inch for standard wall tiles and 1/4 to 3/8 inch for floor tiles. You do not need to remove every last trace of grout from the bottom of the joint, but you need enough depth for the new grout to bond securely.

Step 6: Clean Out Debris

After sawing, use a stiff brush, a shop vacuum, or compressed air to remove all loose grout dust and debris from the joints. The joints must be clean and free of loose material before regrouting. Wipe down the tile faces to remove dust.

Step 7: Regrout

Mix new grout per the manufacturer’s instructions and apply with a grout float, pressing the grout firmly into the cleaned joints. Wipe excess grout from tile faces with a damp sponge before it hardens. Allow the grout to cure per the manufacturer’s recommended timeline (typically 24 to 72 hours before water exposure).

Best Grout Saws and Tools

Best Manual Grout Saw: Kraft Tool ST147

The Kraft Tool ST147 is a professional-grade manual grout saw with a comfortable handle and replaceable carbide blade. It provides excellent control for small jobs and costs around $8 to $12. For DIYers who need to remove a few feet of grout for a tile repair, this is all you need.

Best Oscillating Tool for Grout: Dremel Multi-Max MM50

The Dremel Multi-Max MM50 is a versatile oscillating tool that excels at grout removal when paired with a diamond or carbide grout blade. Variable speed control (10,000 to 21,000 OPM) lets you dial in the right aggressiveness. The tool accepts universal-fit blades from multiple manufacturers. Approximately $80 to $100 for the tool; grout blades cost $15 to $30.

Best Rotary Tool for Grout: Dremel 4300 with 568 Kit

The Dremel 4300 rotary tool with the 568 grout removal attachment is the most popular dedicated grout removal setup. The attachment includes a carbide grout removal bit and an adjustable depth guide that prevents the bit from cutting too deep or wandering into tile. The kit costs approximately $40 to $60 for the attachment (Dremel 4300 tool sold separately at $80 to $100).

Best Budget Option: QEP 10012Q Grout Saw

The QEP 10012Q is a simple, inexpensive manual grout saw with a comfortable grip and replaceable blade. At under $10, it handles occasional grout repairs without investing in power tools. The triangular blade design works well in narrow joints.

Best for Large Jobs: Bosch GOP55-36C StarlockMax

For large-scale regrouting projects (entire bathroom floors, full shower regrouting), the Bosch GOP55-36C StarlockMax oscillating tool delivers professional-grade power with low vibration and a tool-free blade change system. Paired with a Bosch or Diablo diamond grout blade, it makes fast work of extensive grout removal. Approximately $150 to $200 for the tool.

Tips to Avoid Tile Damage

The biggest risk when using a grout saw is chipping, cracking, or scratching adjacent tiles. Follow these precautions to minimize damage.

• Use a blade narrower than the grout joint. A blade that is the same width as the joint or wider will inevitably contact tile edges. Leave a tiny buffer of grout along each tile edge rather than trying to clean the joint all the way to the tile face.
• Start at low speed with power tools. Begin at the lowest speed setting and increase gradually. High speed creates more heat, vibration, and risk of blade skip.
• Keep the blade or bit centered. Focus on maintaining the tool in the center of the grout line. Most tile damage happens when the tool drifts to one side and contacts the tile edge.
• Apply light, consistent pressure. Let the tool’s cutting action do the work. Pressing hard forces the blade sideways and increases the chance of slipping into tile.
• Use the guide attachment on rotary tools. Never use a Dremel for grout removal without the guide attachment — the spinning bit will wander into tile almost immediately.
• Work in short sections. Remove grout in 6-inch to 12-inch passes rather than trying to run the length of a grout line in one continuous stroke. Short passes give you more control.
• Tape fragile tiles. If you are working near tiles that are already cracked or chipped, apply painter’s tape along the tile edge to provide a small buffer of protection.
• Stop if you feel resistance. Sudden resistance means the tool has hit the tile edge, a nail, or an unusually hard spot. Stop, reposition, and continue carefully.

Cost of Grout Removal Tools

Pros and Cons by Type

Manual Grout Saw

• Pros: Cheapest option, maximum control, lowest risk of tile damage, no electricity needed, quiet
• Cons: Very slow, physically tiring, impractical for large areas

Oscillating Tool

• Pros: Fast, good control, versatile (used for many other tasks), widely available blades
• Cons: Moderate tile damage risk, produces dust, blade wear requires replacements

Rotary Tool (Dremel)

• Pros: Fast, precise with guide attachment, good for detailed work and small grout lines
• Cons: Higher tile damage risk without guide, spinning bit can skip, more vibration and noise

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remove grout without a grout saw?

For very small areas, a flathead screwdriver or utility knife can scrape out soft, crumbling grout. However, for hardened sanded grout or any area larger than a single tile, a grout saw or power grout removal tool is necessary. Attempting to chisel out hard grout with inappropriate tools almost always results in chipped or cracked tiles.

How deep should I remove grout before regrouting?

Remove old grout to a depth of at least 2/3 of the tile thickness — typically 1/8 to 3/8 inch depending on the tile. The new grout needs sufficient depth to bond properly and resist cracking. If you only scrape the surface, the thin layer of new grout will crack and fail within months.

Can I use a grout saw on epoxy grout?

Epoxy grout is significantly harder than cement-based grout and resists manual grout saws. An oscillating tool with a diamond grout blade or a Dremel with a diamond-coated bit can cut through epoxy grout, but it takes longer and wears through blades faster. Budget for extra blades when removing epoxy grout.

Will removing grout damage my tiles?

It can, especially with power tools used carelessly. The risk is highest with rotary tools (spinning bits can skip into tile faces) and lowest with manual saws (complete user control). Using the correct blade width, light pressure, slow speed, and careful technique minimizes tile damage. Always test in an inconspicuous area first.

How long does it take to remove grout from a shower?

A standard bathtub shower surround (approximately 50 to 70 square feet of tile) takes 2 to 4 hours with an oscillating tool or Dremel, or 8 to 12+ hours with a manual grout saw. Smaller shower stalls take proportionally less time. Factor in additional time for cleanup and regrouting, which adds another 2 to 4 hours.

Is it better to regrout or use grout colorant?

If the existing grout is structurally sound (not cracking, crumbling, or missing) and you just want to change the color or refresh the appearance, grout colorant or stain is faster and easier than full removal and regrouting. If the grout is damaged, crumbling, or moldy below the surface, full removal with a grout saw and regrouting is the correct long-term fix.