Remove Grout Faster With a Reciprocating Saw or an Oscillating Tool

Removing grout is tedious, but it can be simplified with the right tool. Next time you need to get grout out from between tiles, use one of the two methods demonstrated below to get the job done quickly and efficiently.

Best Tools for Grout Removal

If you don’t have a recip saw, aka a reciprocating saw, or you’re dying to get your hands on a new oscillating tool, this is your chance to find a grout removal tool. While either is a solid choice for chewing through old grout, both come with their own pros and cons.

A recip saw is best suited for less dainty jobs that require a large amount of demolition. An oscillating tool, on the other hand, is a bit easier to control than a 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, but the oscillating tool does get you a bit tighter into corners. With either method, you’ll still have to scrape some areas by hand.

Grout Removal Method #1: Reciprocating Saw

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• Install the carbide-grit grout blade into your recip saw so it points down while the saw handle is pointing up.
• Apply power and “saw” out the grout.

Grout Removal Method #2: Oscillating Tool

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• Chuck up either a 1/16-in. or 1/8-in.-wide blade (depending on the grout width) and go to town.
• Rotate the blade and rechuck it to maneuver into tight corners.