There are a wide variety of tools used to remove grout. The right one for you depends on the size of your job, the amount of time and energy you want to spend, and whether or not you already have suitable power tools on hand. The type of grout is also important; any of the following tools can handle regular unsanded grout, but sanded or epoxy-based grouts are much harder and require equally strong removal tools.

The double steel blades include one with deep serrations and one with carbide bits for extra effectiveness. Use both blades in tandem for most projects, but if working with very thin grout lines, you can remove the serrated blade to thin the tool down.Deane Biermeier, a licensed contractor and contractor as well as member of The Spruce's Home Improvement Review Board. Depending on your proficiency with various tools, one method may be easier than another, but typically one of the easiest ways is to use a reciprocating saw equipped with a grout rake. Grinders and electric grout removal tools are also highly effective, but reciprocating saws are commonly used in DIYer workshops, so it's likely that the average DIYer would be more familiar with a reciprocating saw than a grinder or electric grout removal tool. While this isn’t the tool for major projects, such as removing all the grout from a large counter in preparation for laying new tile, it’s perfect when you just want to scrape away some old grout around a few tiles, or even remove all the grout on a small counter. You could also use it to scrape and lift away old caulk around tubs, sinks, or toilets. This isn’t the right choice for large projects, but if you just want to scrape away the grout from between a few broken tiles slated for replacement or remove chipped grout from a small counter or wall before regrouting the space, the M-D Building Products Heavy-Duty Grout Saw gets the job done, albeit with some effort on your part. There are a variety of manual tools designed to chip, scrape, or saw through grout. “A grout saw is a hand instrument that has a narrow, toothed blade that is designed to fit inside grout lines. It is best suited for small to medium-sized regions and precision work. Other types of manual grout scrapers are available in a variety of forms and sizes, but these hand tools are best suited only for tiny areas or touch-up work," according to Matthew DiBara, CEO of DiBara Masonry.

Although admittedly your arms and hands are going to get a workout, the QEP Grout Removal Tool’s rubber grip, with its comfortable, ergonomic design, helps to reduce hand fatigue as much as possible. But it’s the business end of the tool that gets the job done quite effectively. The Coitak Angled Grout Saw is 5.3 inches along the straight part of the handle, with an additional 3.75 inches of angled handle, so even large hands should easily be able to hold it comfortably. It has a hanging hole at the base of the handle, so you can hang it on a hook in your workshop, where it will be easy to find the next time you need it.

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The two most common designs are a jagged-edged blade attached to a handle—we recommend the M-D Building Products Grout Saw for this design—or a screwdriver-shaped device with a triangular or pointed tip, such as the QEP Grout Removal Tool. Whatever you choose, be prepared for a workout, as manual grout removal is a tedious, dusty, and slow job. Still, these tools are typically quite inexpensive, and if you only need to remove a small area of unsanded grout, this may well be all you need to get the job done. Whatever the reason you need to remove grout, it's a time-intensive, dusty, and admittedly tedious job. But with the right grout removal tool, the process is well within the capabilities of the typical DIYer. There are quite a few different types of tools designed to remove grout, some powered by electricity and some by your own muscle exertion. Deane Biermeier, a general contractor and lead carpenter, as well as a member of The Spruce's Home Improvement Review Board, recommends, "Power tools for grout removal, such as reciprocating saws or oscillating tools with grout blades, are great for removing the bulk of the grout. To remove grout from small tiles or tiles in close quarters, use a manual grout removal tool. The extra time removing grout will be less time than it takes to replace damaged tiles."