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

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Jackhammer works great. – 0A0D Mar 4 at 18:42

2 Answers

up vote 12 down vote

Easiest:

C4

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

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+1 for the Easiest method... – tegbains Feb 27 at 6:04
2  
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=CMz2woGp1rUCFY6e4Aod‌​WREAXw – shirlock homes Feb 27 at 10:53
+1 upvote for C4. lol – shirlock homes Feb 27 at 10:54
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oscillating multitools usually have a grout bit that works well. – Tester101♦ Feb 27 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 at 13:28
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up vote 1 down vote

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.

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This doesn't sound very safe, even compared to the C4... – Steven Mar 2 at 3:23
OP didn't ask for safest. He asked for easiest. :) – lecrank Mar 6 at 2:20

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