Grout removal tools sears

For other chores around the house, if you need precision plunge cuts in a variety of materials, the Fein can't be beat.

If you go to their site, you can locate a local dealer by zip code. They aren't sold at Home Depot-type stores, they're typically sold at specialty tool and woodworking suppliers. Of course, they're also available online from a number of e-tailers. The price is pretty much the same no matter where you buy it. All this "grout grabber" fluff looks suspiciously like a commercial endorsement. I second Bill's recommendation of the Dremmel grout saw. And I can affirm that I received no compensation from the Dremmel Corporation.

Hey, I'm still peeved about the failure of my cordless Dremmel after only a year of use. Hey, I'm just trying to share information here. My tiler bought a Dremel drill-like version, not the oscillating version with the special Dremel grout attachment. I saw him try it out. In my opinion, it simply didn't seem to be the best tool for the job.

He tried it--didn't like it, and returned it. My GF is de-grouting the shower surround tile as I write this--she's almost half-done! Plus, I don't have to worry about her fingers getting cut. I have no affiliation with any home remodeling company or tool manufacturing company I work in entertainment for a major television network.

I'm a homeowner just trying to figure this stuff out. I found the hand tool online, ordered it, and tried it out. I posted an end-user report, which I thought would be useful to others. My posts were specific and detailed so that the information would be clear, and hopefully helpful to some.

If you're happy with the Dremel, great! I have a similar kind of tool, a Rotozip. I have the full "kit. Funny you should mention that, Bill I recently decided to replace a few cracked tiles in my kitchen. Actually, I hate the tile but can't afford to do the whole thing right now and the previous owners had some leftover tiles in the garage.

And there was also one small area where the grout had mysteriously worn away. I discovered that this tile was laid directly on plywood! So I might end up with the same problem again but it's just a short term fix for me until I can re-do the whole thing. What thinset should they have used? Now I can't remember which one I used, except that it was probably Laticrete since I got it at Lowe's.

It also got me to thinking Will all the plywood have to be taken up first? With the small amount I had to do, I was able to chip it off and clean it up, but I can't imagine doing a whole floor and would guess that you couldn't put Ditra or Hardibacker right over old thinset?

It seems like this plywood goes all the way under the cabinets as well I've got the Dremel Multi-Max and grout cutter accessory and that worked well, though as others have said the blades are pricey! I notice Harbor Freight Chicago Tools has a knockoff now for much cheaper - wonder if the accessories are interchangeable?

While effective, the Dremel isn't exactly the most powerful tool, and I suspect it could drive you nuts if you had a whole room of grout to remove. Wouldn't an angle grinder with a diamond blade work as well?

We finished de-grouting the tub surround's 12" x 12" porcelain tilework last night. However, there remains a thin layer of excess cementatious grout over the top of the tiles. These are mainly present on the tiles that meet the ceiling. We're basically dealing with a sloppy grout job by the tiler's crew plus the fact that I subsequently changed my mind on the grout color.

What's the best method to remove this? I was planning to use a scraping blade on an oscillating tool Fein , since it seems pretty hard to get off. It's almost as thin as paint, but it's black grout over light gray tile, so we absolutely have to completely remove it somehow. Should we use a metal spatula, sandpaper, what? Thanks for any replies! I'm clearly no tile expert! But, FWIW, when we demo'd our kitchen, I couldn't believe how strongly attached the original-tiled counters were to their plywood substrates.

All of the existing tilework on the kitchen counters, including all of the grout work, was all completely intact. Never had a problem with those counters at all, which I assume were installed at least years ago. About the tools: Most people I know who own Harbor Freight tools only buy them if they need it for one specific, short-term job. If you're not happy with the MultiMax, I would guess the Harbor Freight brand may be less than satisfactory as well.

HF does operate retail locations, and you could simply call them to find out about blade compatibility. They're generally pretty willing to help over the phone. I would imagine any "spinning" type tool with a diamond blade would work well.

But with a high-torque tool like an angle grinder, and a super-hard diamond blade, I would fear that you might risk damaging the tile. Again, I'm no expert--maybe it works great, I don't know. I'm sure if I threw a diamond blade onto my Rotozip, that would probably do a pretty good job of removing grout as well. The nice thing about oscillating tools Dremel MulitMax, Rockwell, Fein , is that they aren't as likely to damage the surrounding surfaces as much as a traditional power tool, due to their unique design.

Clean-brand MagicErasers. There's a lot of thinly smeared, excess black grout over the face of the tiles. The grout has been there for about three weeks now. We'll see how this works remember, these are porcelain tiles, so they're pretty durable, not too porous, and have color all-the-way-through.

If anyone has any better suggestions, please post! A light buffing with a MagicEraser totally did the trick for the tile faces! Worked like, uh.

A metal spatula behind a piece of grit, wet sandpaper worked for the tough corner overgrout areas our tile is matte-finished porcelain--don't try this with glazed or shiny tile or marble! Thanks, Bill! Was wondering about that, but wasn't sure. Don't mean to get the thread too off-topic, but while I'm at it: We have two products already, but both contain acid: TileLab's Grout Haze Remover which contains glycolic acid , and Miracle-brand, MiraClean 1, all-purpose cleaner, which doesn't say what it contains, but looks yellow.

Is there a specific brand of non-acidic haze remover that you would recommend? If you can't find that, you said in another thread you're using Hydroment grout.

Go to wherever you got the grout and pick up Hydroment's "Remove". Same thing. Would recommend the Fein if possible to buy or rent, if they do rent these. I just removed all of my grout from a bathroom and did buy the grout removal attachment for my dremel. Go for the Fein!!!

Plus, as a general rule, reciprocating blades produce much less dust than most other types of grout-removing tools. Both are made from carbon steel with a carbide grit edge for maximum ability to chew through even tough epoxy or urethane grout. If you are not just replacing grout, but are also laying a new tile surface, heed the advice of Thomas Hawkins, handyman, master electrician, and owner of Electrician Apprentice HQ , who recommends, "For DIY tiling, get a whisk attachment for your corded or cordless drill so you can properly mix your grout and mortar, be sure to seal your tile when your project is complete, and use a mortar that is self-leveling so you're starting off with a completely flat surface before you set the first piece of tile.

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. A reciprocating saw with a grout-removal attachment is one of the best ways to attack very tough grout, including sanded or epoxy-based grout.

If you just have a small counter or wall to de-grout, a rotary tool with the appropriate attachment will get the job done, albeit much more slowly than a oscillating tool or reciprocating saw. It will also create quite a bit more dust than either of those options. Still, for small jobs, this is an effective way to remove grout without using your own muscle power.

These one-trick electric tools are basically small grinders designed to wear away grout without a lot of effort. Note that electric grout removers work best on unsanded or sanded grout, but struggle a bit with epoxy-based grout.

There are a variety of manual tools designed to chip, scrape, or saw through grout. The two most common designs are a jagged-edged blade attached to a handle, or a screwdriver-shaped device with a triangular or pointed tip. 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. This article is edited and updated by Michelle Ullman , the tool expert for The Spruce. She has extensive experience not only in writing about all things related to the home, but also in carrying out various DIY projects, including landscaping, painting, flooring, wallpapering, furniture makeovers, and simple repairs.

For this roundup, she considered dozens of grout removal tools, evaluating each for basic features, extras, and customer feedback. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data. Select personalised content. Create a personalised content profile. Measure ad performance. Select basic ads. Create a personalised ads profile. Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products.

List of Partners vendors. The 7 Best Grout Removal Tools of Get an admittedly tedious job done faster and with less effort. By Michelle Ullman. And if you need to change the blades, you have to use a chuck key like on a power drill. There are variables with all tools that make them the right one for the job.

Things like:. Speed of motor and variable speed options Power of motor and level of vibration Versatility of the unit Size of the unit Ease of switching blades when one breaks or becomes ineffective That is why picking the right tool is of paramount importance to the task at hand.

Choose a tool with too high of an RPM and your tile shatters from the vibrations, choose one that is too low and the grout just laughs at you. What is the application? We know you are removing grout, but were, and how big are the tiles, and how long have they been in place? All of these variables factor into which tool is best. If you are removing tile and grout that has been in place for many years, then the more powerful options are the best bet.

Just make sure you have the best blades available because cheap ones will not work here. If you are swapping out the tiles in your shower and your home is only a few years old, a less powerful tool, or a variable speed tool that has a lower setting will work perfectly.

The grout is like cement, but just like cement, it becomes more hardened with age. Grout that is only a few years old has some give in it.

So, a lighter touch is fine. After you figure out where the grout is being removed from, picking the right power source is next on the list. The options are:. Where you are planning to do the work will help determine what power source you need, given what you have at your disposal.

Price is also a factor. Buying a grout remover , or any multi-tool that can be used as a grout remover, is an investment. But remember, you get what you pay for. If you need replacement blades, sanding wheels, etc. If you are a brand-loyalty kind of DIYer, then there are always replacement options through your local home improvement store or online marketplace.

However, if you love your model of grout remover, and the blades are always a little shoddy, it might be time to reconsider where your loyalty lies. It had the right history of quality units, the right construction, the right level of versatility, and the durability that will make it last for plenty of years removing grout.

The best option for the price was the GALAX PRO Oscillating tool , which had many of the features a grout removal professional wants, with a price point they will love.

A very economical choice, and a great unit to have, even if you have never heard of the brand before now. When the batteries are toast in your devices, do you throw them unashamedly in the trash, or feel bad for two minutes then throw them. Pete Ortiz Last updated: Jan 10 We have some reviews of top grout removal tools that might help. Check Latest Price. Powerful 5-amp motor Compact size Push-down mechanism to remove tool heads Long cord Carry bag.

Expensive Short warranty. Option for corded and cordless Huge quick-charge battery Ergonomic handle Wide array of blade options Low price for high quality. No carry bag for unit and accessories Run time on cordless is about an hour. Powerful motor 7 speed settings Molded grip for comfortable use Keyless tool changing Universal tool compatibility Hard-shell carrying case for everything.