# How to remove grout with a multi-tool

Source: https://drillandbit.co.uk/blog/how-to-remove-grout-with-a-multi-tool
Published: 2026-10-12
Publisher: Drill and Bit

**In short:** Fit a carbide or diamond grout blade the same width as or slightly narrower than the joint, set a medium speed and draw the blade along the grout line with light pressure, keeping it centred. Remove grout to about two thirds of the tile depth, vacuum the joints and regrout. Wear eye protection and a dust mask, and keep the blade off the tile edges.

Cracked, stained or crumbling grout ruins an otherwise good tiled wall or floor. Raking it out by hand is slow and tiring. An oscillating multi-tool with a grout blade does the same job in a fraction of the time, with good control. This guide covers blades, technique, dust and how to avoid chipping the tiles.

## Choosing a grout blade

Grout blades are segment shaped with a coated edge. **Carbide grit** blades are common and work well on cement grout. **Diamond** blades last longer and handle harder or epoxy grouts better. Pick a blade thickness close to, but no wider than, your grout joint, often 1.5 to 3 mm for wall tiles.

Make sure the blade fitting matches your tool: OIS, Starlock, StarlockPlus or StarlockMax. See [are multi-tool blades universal](https://drillandbit.co.uk/blog/multi-tool-blade-fittings).

| Grout | Blade | Note |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Standard cement grout | Carbide grit or diamond | Carbide is usually enough |
| Hard or old grout | Diamond | Longer life |
| Epoxy grout | Diamond | Slow, check the tile maker's advice |
| Silicone in corners | Scraper or knife, not grout blade | Remove separately |

Blade choice

## Preparation

Cover baths, shower trays and drains to catch grit. Lay dust sheets and tape the edges of nearby surfaces. Turn off underfloor heating on floors and let it cool. Cut out silicone sealant first with a sharp knife.

Put on safety glasses, a suitable dust mask and gloves. Grout dust is fine and gets everywhere, so keep a vacuum close and the room ventilated.

Note: Grout and tile dust can contain silica. Use dust extraction where possible and wear an FFP3 mask. Keep children and pets out of the room.

## Step by step

Start on a less visible area to get a feel for the blade and speed before moving to the main wall or floor.

1. Fit the blade so the curved edge faces the joint and lock it firmly.
2. Set a medium speed. Too high a speed makes the blade skate and can chip tiles.
3. Rest the blade in the joint and switch on, holding the tool with both hands.
4. Draw the blade slowly along the line, keeping it centred and upright.
5. Work down to about two thirds of the tile depth, not all the way to the backing.
6. Vacuum the joints, then finish corners and edges with a hand grout rake.

[See multi-tools](https://drillandbit.co.uk/best/best-oscillating-multi-tools)

## Avoiding chipped tiles

Most damage comes from letting the blade wander onto the tile edge or from tilting it. Keep the tool steady and let the oscillation do the work. Light pressure is better than force. Some people run masking tape along tile edges as a visual guide.

Glazed ceramic tiles chip easily at the edge; natural stone and porcelain can too. If a joint is narrower than your thinnest blade, use a hand rake instead.

- Use a blade no wider than the joint.
- Medium speed, light pressure.
- Keep the blade upright and centred.
- Finish corners by hand.

## After removal

Vacuum and wipe the joints with a damp sponge so the new grout bonds. Let them dry before regrouting. Choose a grout suited to the location; wet areas such as showers need a flexible, water resistant grout.

Grout blades wear quickly. When the grit is worn smooth, cutting slows and heat builds up, so swap the blade rather than pushing harder.

Clean the tool afterwards too. Grout dust gets into the vents and the blade clamp, so blow or vacuum it out and wipe the body before you put it away. A cordless multi-tool draws little power, so one charged pack usually covers a bathroom wall.

## Other ways a multi-tool helps

The same tool can cut out a damaged tile by removing its grout, trim tile adhesive, and with a scraper blade remove old sealant and flooring adhesive. For full renovation, see [what is a multi-tool used for](https://drillandbit.co.uk/blog/what-is-a-multi-tool-used-for).

If you are removing whole walls of tiles, an SDS drill with a tile chisel is faster; see [how to break up concrete with an SDS drill](https://drillandbit.co.uk/blog/how-to-break-up-concrete-with-an-sds-drill).

## Frequently asked questions

**How deep should I remove grout?** About two thirds of the tile depth is a common rule, so the new grout has enough to grip.

**Can I use a multi-tool on epoxy grout?** Yes, with a diamond blade, but it is slow and wears blades faster.

**Will a multi-tool crack my tiles?** Not if you keep the blade centred and use light pressure. Chips usually come from the blade touching the tile edge.

**Which multi-tool blade removes grout?** A segment shaped carbide or diamond grout blade with the right fitting for your tool.

## Buying guides on this topic

- https://drillandbit.co.uk/best/best-oscillating-multi-tools
- https://drillandbit.co.uk/best/best-power-tool-kits
- https://drillandbit.co.uk/best/best-combi-drill-kits