How to Use Ceramic Tile Cutters

Ceramic tile can be cut with ceramic saws, but usually when carpenters talk about "cutting" tile, they're actually talking about a controlled break. There are several kinds of non-powered ceramic tile cutters that you might need when laying a ceramic floor or wall, depending on the size of the tile and the nature of the cut. Larger tiles are set on platform tile cutters that drag a blade across the surface the score the glaze, then break it with two metal prongs for a long, straight cut. Hand-held tile cutters employ the same process on a smaller scale for smaller cuts. Tile nippers--basically pliers with sharp claws--are used literally for chipping away pieces of the tile for small, irregular cuts.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure Pencil Platform-style ceramic tile cutter Hand-held tile cutter Tile nippers

Instructions

1. For a straight cut on a medium or large tile, measure the size you need on the floor or wall. With your tape measure and pencil, measure and mark the tile near the edge of the piece. It isn't necessary to run the line all the way across the tile, all you need is a mark that indicates where the cut should be and which direction it should run.

2. Lay the marked tile on your platform tile cutter, so that the line you want cut is going in the same direction as the overhead track that holds that blade. The mark should be on the edge closest to you as you hold the handle of the cutter. Make sure the tile is sitting squarely on the platform.

3. Set the small, circular blade of the cutter right on the marked line. Press the blade down, and push it forward across the tile in one smooth, steady motion. It will score a line across the surface. Pull the handle back, and set the two metal prongs of the handle down on either side of the cut. Press down firmly and the tile should snap cleanly in two.

4. For small tiles, or cuts at the very edge of bigger tiles, use your hand-held tile cutters. Score the piece on your platform cutter in the same way as with larger cuts, but instead of snapping with the platform cutter, take it off the platform and hold it in your hand. With your other hand, position the two prongs of the cutters on either side of the scored line on top, with the single miniplatform of the cutter sitting underneath. Firmly squeeze the cutters and the piece should snap off at the line.

5. For small, irregular cuts from the corners or the very edges of tiles that don't have to be perfect (for example, fitting tiles around a toilet drain that's going to be covered by the toilet), use the nippers. Just position the claw on the part of the tile you want chipped off and squeeze.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember when cutting tiles for floor edges that the cut side faces the wall and the factory edges face the adjacent tiles.

• You should wear eye protection when cutting tile by any method, as ceramic chips sometimes fly when the cuts are made.

References

• Tile cutters and nippers.