When working with tile you will often need to make cuts. There are a few different tools you can use depending on what you are doing. Here’s what you need to know about the three most useful choices.
Tile Nippers
Sometimes you may need to take small chunks out of a tile. This can be the case when installing tile around obstructions such as pipes or toilets. Tile nippers are the best tool for this type of job. They are also handy for making all types of irregular cuts.
Nippers look like pliers but have a set of strong carbide jaws. There are several different types designed to be able to handle various materials such as porcelain, ceramic, and even glass. In fact, many mosaic tile artists use nippers to help them cut their tiles for their projects. Since they are so inexpensive, versatile, and easy to use they make a smart addition to any toolbox.
Tile Cutter
This tool is often used by those who need to cut small amounts of tile. They are also a cheap alternative to an actual saw. Different from a saw they actually are used to snap or break tiles into the size you need. For this reason, they are also called snap cutters.
The tiles are first scored with a carbide wheel and then snapped using a breaker bar. Some models can handle very large size tiles but don’t forget to make sure when buying one that it will be able to fit the biggest ones you have to cut. While they are not designed for heavy tiles they can be used to cut those that are light to medium weight.
Tile Saw
The most precise way to cut tile is with a tile saw. With a saw, you will be able to cut through all tile materials even those made from stone. They use a diamond-coated blade that is cooled by water. The water also helps to minimize debris and dust. There are several different types and sizes to pick from depending on your needs and preferences. On the smaller end, there are saws that are ideal for small jobs or for someone who enjoys DIY.
These are usually very affordable. Bigger saws are more geared for professionals and larger installations where more cutting is needed. Many will have extra features like lasers that make them incredibly accurate along with very large cutting capacities. Some saws may have their own water reservoir with a pump that re-circulates the water.
Others may need to be attached to a water source like a faucet. While a tile saw’s blade does not have sharp teeth as other saws do, you will still need to make sure you have all the property safety equipment and follow the correct precautions when using one because they are power tools.
Each of these options can help you to cut tile and complete your project. Depending on the job at hand you may want to consider one, two, or all three of them!
What To Use To Cut Tile
Buy on Amazon Most tile projects will require cutting of some type. There are a few different tools to help you get the job done quickly and easily. So if you’re wondering what to use to cut tile, here are your options. Tile Nippers One of the most basic tools for...
Grout Pen Basics For Guaranteed Success
Buy on Amazon Dirty and dingy grout lines are an unsightly problem. They take from the look of any space and can be downright embarrassing. But with the help of a handy little tool, anyone can make them look like new. A grout pen will give those lines a fresh and...
The Insider’s Guide To Glitter Grout
Buy on Amazon How can you bring your dull-looking grout to life and make it sparkle and glimmer with style? With glitter grout of course! Here’s what you need to know about this wildly popular new option that’s taking walls and floors by storm. Standard Grout Has A...
Add Extra Color To Your Tile Installation With These DIY Tools
Buy on Amazon There are quite a few different ways to add that extra touch of color to your tile project. This could be to make an old installation look new or make sure a new installation looks fantastic from the start. Here are the top tools you can use to get the...
Stay Safe And Keep Tile Smooth With A Rubbing Stone
Buy on Amazon A tile that has just been cut can have razor-sharp edges. These edges can produce some very painful injuries if not handled with care, and even when they are, accidents can happen. You can help to avoid injury by using a simple tool known as a rubbing...
The Essentials Of Tile Spacers
Buy on Amazon In the past rope, nails, screws, and even sticks were used to keep tiles equidistant from each other during installation. Luckily by the nineteen fifties the need for much more reliable and convenient spacers for tiles helped to bring about the creation...
Caulk For Tile Projects
Buy on Amazon In the main body of a tile installation grout is used in-between the tiles. However different materials naturally expand, contract, and move. These processes can cause tile grout to crack or even cracked tile if the grout is used where two different...
Tile Trowels To Get The Job Done Right
Buy on Amazon Trowels are a necessity for completing all tiling projects. But of course, you will have to make sure you have the right one for the job at hand to make sure it is a success. So here’s what you need to know about tile trowels before getting started....
Your Basic Tile Safety Kit
Buy on Amazon When working on any kind of home improvement project safety should always be taken seriously and with tile, it is no different. This should be the case regardless of how big or small the job. In fact, more often than not, it is when completing smaller...
Tile Nippers A Must Have Tool For Every Project
Buy on Amazon Every tile setting kit needs a pair of nippers. These basic hand tools are a necessity since virtually every project will need at least a few simple curved cuts. When you need to accommodate things like toilet flanges, faucet valves, doorcases or any...
A Tile Cutter Makes Cutting A Snap
Buy on Amazon Just about all tile installations will require cutting. However, you don’t necessarily need to purchase a tile saw if you will be completing the project yourself. For jobs that won’t demand an extremely large quantity of cuts or very heavy tile, a tile...
Tile Grout: The All-In-One Guide On How To Grout Tile and Clean Tile Grout
Buy on Amazon The spaces in-between tiles need to be protected so that moisture does not get into the backing of the tiles causing damage and ultimately the tiles having to be replaced. This could mean just a few tiles being removed or with a lot of damage all of...
Bring New Life To Your Tile Grout With Grout Colorant
Buy on Amazon As your tile floor, wall, or countertop ages it’s inevitable that at some point its grout will become stained or discolored to the point that no amount of scrubbing or cleaning will help. Light or white-colored grout is particularly vulnerable and this...
Tile Adhesive: Everything You Need To Know!
When installing tile, you'll need to use the appropriate tile adhesive. So here is your complete guide, with everything you'll need to know in order to make sure you choose the right one and ensure your project is a success. Tile Adhesive Basics Tile adhesive is...
The Tile Saw: A Quick Start Guide!
Buy on Amazon Just about every tiling job requires cutting tile. What you will be cutting, how much, and in what manner will determine the tool you use to cut with. Most of the time the easiest and most efficient option is a tile saw. While they may look similar to...