How to use a tile cutter: best practice(1)

Did you know that you have more than one option when it comes to cutting tiles for a tile installation? You can use either a hand or a power tool. While both tools can get the job done, your success with either tool depends on how well you know how to use a tile cutter. For the novice or experienced DIYer, a best practice guide is a must. Here's what you need to know before you cut your first tile.

Does it matter which tile cutter you use?

Whether or not you're up to speed on the latest and greatest DIY home improvement tools, you'll appreciate a little knowledge about the most popular tile cutters on the market today. Yes, it matters which one you choose for your project.

Manual tile cutters

A manual tile cutter is the most basic tool you can use to cut tiles, but just because it's basic doesn't mean you can just put tiles on it and be done with it. There is a trick that we will cover in a minute.

In a nutshell, a manual tile cutter scribes lines on the tiles and then you apply pressure with a breaker or separator to finish the cut.

Electric tile saws or electric tile cutters

Electric tile saws, also known as wet saws, use a diamond blade cooled by water. They are available as hand-held or stand-up versions. Wet saws are operated by electricity.

Picking the best tool for the job

Even the most experienced tile installation specialist will plan the project properly before digging and cutting the tiles. It may be second nature to the experienced, but they will still figure out how to handle the necessary cuts ahead of time.

For smaller tile cutting projects, a manual tile cutter is a good choice as it is portable, although there are small and light electric cutters on the market if you are looking for one.

For larger jobs or those requiring mitred cuts, a wet saw is the best option.

Before you make your first cut

Whether you need to cut straight or mitre, there is a general process you go through before you touch your cutting tools. It starts with a tape measure and a pencil. However, there are other ways to do this than hauling out the old tape measure.

First, decide how big you want your grout joints to be. Next, for those tiles against the wall, add 1/8" to accommodate the tile/wall gap. Finally, mark the glazed surface of the tiles with a pencil or water-soluble marker.

Tip: Power cutting tiles produces dust and debris, so it is important to wear a mask and eye protection, as well as gloves to protect yourself from accidental contact with the diamond blades. Manual cutting of tiles produces sharp edges, so gloves are essential.

Ready to score

You can't just put the tiles on the cutter and go. First, make sure you push the tiles firmly onto the fence. Next, check that the line you have marked on the tile lies exactly under the marking wheel.

Think pizza! Scribing tiles is a bit like slicing. Apply a little pressure to the handle and let the scribing wheel move forward on the tiles. Just don't be too aggressive as this can cause the tiles to crack.

Just like with pizza, you may want to scratch twice so that the mark is clearly visible. Imagine what a piece of pizza looks like after cutting it too many times with a pizza cutter. The cheese would become loose and the other toppings would be messed up.

Over-zealous scratching will damage the edges of the glaze and you will end up with a rough edge.

You also want to make sure you use the correct size scoring wheel. Scoring wheels range in size from 6 mm to 22 mm.