A grout removal tool incorporates a case (12) carrying a reciprocating motor (20) and having an external contoured finger grip (14). A drive shaft (28) extends from the motor to engage a chuck drive rod (30). A cooling piston (40) is concentrically carried by the drive shaft for reciprocating motion. A chuck (18) is attached to the chuck drive rod for removably constraining a carbide tipped bit (16).