What is the easiest way to remove the old grout?

Question

I am going to regrout the tile in the bath/shower area. What is the easiest way to remove the old grout?

Jackhammer works great. – Engineer2021 Mar 04 '13 at 18:42 — Engineer2021, Mar 04 '13 at 18:42

score 12 · Answer 1 · edited Feb 28 '13 at 06:53

12

Easiest:

Easy:

A rotary tool (e.g. Dremel) with a grout removal bit:

Rotary tool

Also Easy:

An oscillating multi-tool with a grout bit:

Oscillating multi-tool

Least easy:

A grout saw:

Grout saw

Downright Painful:

Dr. Pickems approach:

Dental tools

edited Feb 28 '13 at 06:53

Michael Karas

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answered Feb 27 '13 at 01:23

BMitch

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The new style ultrasonic saws have nice grout removal blades. I use a SonicCrafter by Rockwell See: www.rockwelltools.com/en-US/SC-Hyperlock-RK5140K.aspx?gclid=CMz2woGp1rUCFY6e4AodWREAXw – shirlock homes Feb 27 '13 at 10:53
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oscillating multitools usually have a grout bit that works well. – Tester101 Feb 27 '13 at 12:31
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Dremel has 2 grout bits, 1/8 and 1/16. The 1/16 is very delicate and breakable with side pressure, so go very lightly, if you need to use it for tightly spaced joints. – HerrBag Feb 27 '13 at 13:28
Unless your God, I think the C4 would damage the tiles (and the house). +1 for the laugh and an answer! – Jason Feb 27 '13 at 20:24
@Monso Yes, blowing up your home is an unfortunate side effect, but the grout would be "removed." :) – BMitch Feb 27 '13 at 20:35
Sorry to hijack your answer but I could not resist. Feel free to edit it back off. – Michael Karas Feb 28 '13 at 06:50
What about using a reciprocating saw with a grout removal bit? – sversch Jun 16 '13 at 10:22

score 2 · Answer 2 · answered Mar 01 '13 at 05:56

2

Ok... this question asked easiest. (And also a method that I have successfully used).

Get a good quality breathing mask, stainless steel wire brush, some gloves and some pool acid (Hydrochloric Acid)

If you have normal tiles (porcelain or ceramic) you can simply pour the acid onto the shower floor... will eat away the grout in no time. I would also use small amounts at a time so that you are not overwhelmed by the noxious gasses.

Please ensure that you have made your bathroom well ventilated at all times.

Wash away the small portion of acid with water after every application.

answered Mar 01 '13 at 05:56

Hightower

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This doesn't sound very safe, even compared to the C4... – Steven Mar 02 '13 at 03:23
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OP didn't ask for safest. He asked for easiest. :) – lecrank Mar 06 '13 at 02:20