A grout saw is a hand tool used to remove old grout from between tiles. It usually has a small carbide, diamond-grit, or abrasive blade that scrapes grout out of the joint without removing the tile.
You may also hear it called a manual grout removal tool, grout rake, or grout scraper.
How a Grout Saw Works
A grout saw works by abrasion. The blade or grit edge grinds away the grout as you pull or push it through the joint.
Unlike a utility knife, a grout saw is designed to handle hard cement-based grout. Unlike an oscillating tool, it is slow but controlled. That makes it useful for small repairs or delicate areas where you do not want to risk chipping tile.
What a Grout Saw Is Used For
Use a grout saw for:
- Removing cracked or stained grout
- Preparing a small area for regrouting
- Cleaning out grout around loose tile
- Removing grout in corners or edges
- Touch-up work after using an oscillating grout blade
- Shower, backsplash, and floor repairs
A grout saw is not the fastest choice for a whole bathroom floor. For large regrouting jobs, an oscillating multi-tool with a grout removal blade is much faster.
How to Choose a Grout Saw or Grout Removal Tool
Basic manual grout saw
This is the standard handle with a replaceable abrasive or carbide blade.
Best for:
- Small repairs
- Beginner DIY use
- Shower corners
- Backsplashes
- Controlled grout removal
This is the safest starting point for most homeowners.
Carbide grout rake
A grout rake has a narrow carbide tip or blade that scrapes the joint.
Best for:
- Narrow grout lines
- Detail work
- Corners
- Touch-ups
Diamond-grit grout blade
Diamond-grit blades cut harder grout more effectively.
Best for:
- Tough grout
- Longer removal sessions
- More durable cutting edge
Oscillating grout removal blade
This attaches to an oscillating multi-tool.
Best for:
- Larger jobs
- Faster grout removal
- Floor tile
- Long grout lines
Use caution. Power tools remove grout quickly, but they can also chip tile quickly.
How to Use a Grout Saw
Protect nearby surfaces
Tape delicate tile edges if needed and clear the work area.Start in the center of the grout line
Keep the blade centered so you do not scrape the tile edge.Use light, repeated strokes
Do not force the tool. Let the grit do the work.Remove enough depth for new grout to bond
The new grout needs room to grab. For most repairs, remove the damaged or loose grout until you reach solid material.Vacuum the joints
Remove dust and loose particles before regrouting.Wipe clean before new grout
Dust left in the joint can weaken the new grout bond.
Common Mistakes
Using a utility knife instead
A utility knife can slip, dull quickly, and damage tile. It is not the right tool for hard grout.
Scraping the tile edges
Keep the blade centered in the joint. Tile edges can chip.
Removing only the surface stain
If grout is cracked or loose, remove enough depth for new grout to bond properly.
Damaging waterproofing
In showers, do not dig aggressively behind the tile. If grout failure is widespread, there may be a bigger moisture problem.
Skipping dust cleanup
New grout needs a clean joint. Vacuum first.
Grout Saw vs Oscillating Tool
| Tool | Best For | Tradeoff |
|---|---|---|
| Manual grout saw | Small repairs, control, delicate tile | Slow |
| Oscillating tool with grout blade | Larger areas, faster removal | Easier to chip tile |
| Rotary tool grout bit | Detail work, narrow spaces | Can be jumpy and dusty |
For one cracked grout line, use a manual grout saw. For an entire shower wall, consider an oscillating tool or a pro.
Recommendations
Overall DIY Recommendation
Use a manual grout saw with replaceable carbide or diamond-grit blades.
Best for:
- Small repairs
- Shower touch-ups
- Backsplash grout
- Learning without damaging tile
Best Value Recommendation
Buy a grout saw that accepts replacement blades.
Grout removal dulls blades. A cheap fixed-blade tool may not last through more than one project.
Prosumer Recommendation
For frequent work, keep both:
- A manual grout saw for detail and control
- An oscillating multi-tool grout blade for longer runs
This combination gives you speed and control.
Fixers Club Tip
Before regrouting, ask why the grout failed. A small cracked area may just be old grout. But repeated cracking, loose tile, soft walls, or shower leaks can point to movement or water damage. In that case, regrouting may only hide the problem for a little while.
Related Tool Pages
- What Is a Grout Float?
- What Is a Grout Sponge?
- What Is an Oscillating Multi-Tool?
- What Is a Utility Knife?