Tile Cutting Made Easy!

A tile cutter is a type of tool that is used to cut tiles into the required shape or size. They are used by both professionals and laymen wishing to carry out tiling projects. They enable you to cut tiles with quite a good degree of accuracy while making the overall process easier and less wasteful.

Tile cutters come in a number of different forms from complex power tools attachments to more simple manual hand tools. The hand tool variations are the most commonly used type of tile cutter and can handle most tasks that the layman would expect from them. The powered tile cutters are possibly geared more towards the professional who uses a tile cutter on a regular basis therefore needs a tool that can handle a high workload with accuracy.

The type or grade of tile you are intending to cut is also a factor when choosing which type of tile cutter is best for you. Most mass produced tiles are medium to soft grades and can easily be cut using the hand powered tile cutter. A handheld tile cutter functions by first, scoring a line or cut in the glazed side of the tile using the hardened metal wheel. After this pressure is applied evenly on either side of the cut and the tile should snap in half perfectly. A tile nipper, or tile snips that look very similar to a pair of pliers or pincers and can then be used to break off small edges of tiles that have been scored.

Harder grade tiles require the more powerful tile cutter that cuts through them with a diamond blade. Fully vitrified porcelain tiles, stone tiles and clay tiles are all examples of tiles that require power tools, in order to cut them. Diamond blades can be used in tile saws and angle grinders with tile saws being the most popular due to their water coolant features that keep the blade cool whilst it is working in order to ensure that the heat and friction generated by the saw does not damage the tile.  These are becoming more popular due to the use of hard grade porcelain tiles which are experiencing growth in both the domestic and commercial market.

Tile files can be used after the cutting process to smooth off any rough areas or edges that are left. This enables you to get a nice smooth finish before actually fitting the tiles. Also, small hand saws and hole saws are available for tricky areas such as around sinks or toilets. These items are usually smaller in size than the larger tile cutters and can easily be fitted into your toolbox.

For a comprehensive list of tools and equipment that can tackle almost every home or professional project, visit diytools.com.

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Powertek Tools Ltd (Bushey) Pinner Road Opposite Bushey Train Station Watford WD19 4EB United Kingdom