How to Use a Manual Tile Cutter

Introduction

If you intend to cut your tiles manually, then a manual tile cutter can make a good start because it is safer, cheaper, and easy to use. How to use a manual tile cutter is what I thought you should know before making any move. These tools are useful for making straight cuts on ceramic tiles. Unfortunately, it is more challenging to get mixed cuts with this type of tile cutter.

The first score is always crucial when operating your tile cutter. Its concrete and continuous motion will enable you to cut your tile easily. Sometimes you may require two or one passes for snapping the tile; more than two passes may leave you with uneven tile pieces.

Moreover, it is recommendable to apply less pressure while cutting tiles to avoid tile breakage and internal cracks that might arise while snapping.

What is a Manual Tile Cutter?

Manual tile cutter remain famous tools in the tile cutting sector, providing an effective and efficient way to give you even cuts. This equipment features a hardened wheel responsible for scoring a straight line on any place you wish to cut a tile.

Then you exert some pressure directly above and below the line to carefully snap the tile into sizes of your desires.

How to use a manual tile cutter steps by steps guide

Before we get into today’s discussion, the first thing to do is to get yourself an appropriate tile cutter. For example, if you wish to do diagonal cuts, I would recommend you but a more width tool than a corner distance. You can use the rotating guide to have as many cut angles as possible.

It is the only right tile cutter that can enhance better results. Therefore, be careful while making a choice.

Step 1: Cutting trials

Now that you have your tool, it is advisable to carry out some practice before getting into a challenging tile cutting task. You can use some scrap or inexpensive tile pieces to carry out the course.

The prior training will enable you to know whether the cutter is in good working condition or not. Also, you will know if the equipment needs adjustments or not.

This step is optional for professionals but a must for beginners. Amateurs not only require some skills but also to get familiar with the tile cutter. So, knowing how to operate the tool is the first and foremost step to get started.

Step 2: Marking where to cut

Where do I want to cut? How can I make a straight and visible mark? These are some of the fundamental questions that will be running in your mind. Yes, you can use a pencil to make a mark on both sides of your tile. These markings may run along or across on the tile.

Furthermore, you may use any markings, but I still prefer a pencil because it is cheaper and available. You may also use a rule or a square to make a straight line. It would help if you made the correct measurement to cut your tile efficiently. Making exact measurements will also save you time.

Step 3: Sliding the level

Sliding the level is crucial for comfortable task performance. So, if you want to carry out the task with a lot of ease, try to put this art in place. There is a need to slide the tile cutter’s level to draw the blade closer to you.

Step 4: Setting up the tile cutter

For smooth tile cutting, you have to place your tile cutter on any flat surface; on a workbench or flat floor. Try to position it well to avoid unnecessary slides that can lead to tile cracks or damages. Stick it to one place and go on with your tile cutting process.

Step 5: Inserting the tile in the cutter

It would help if you were much keen under this step to avoid uneven cuts. Insert your tile into the equipment on a glazed side. Make sure that your markings are accurately over the line.

You can similarly cut various tiles by twisting the protractor gauge. You only need to be careful when placing the tile on the cutter considering the measurements.

Step 6: Moving your level

Twist the level until the carbide or tungsten wheel falls over the marking line. Push your lever down on the tile’s edge by nonstop exertion of equal pressure. Doing so will weaken the edges of the tile, allowing you to cut it easily. Remember, only one pass is enough for snapping the tile. However, sometimes you may need to move two passes if the tile is stiff or your equipment’s settings are not ok.

Step 7: Cutting your tile into two pieces

Under this step, it is advisable to exert pressure near the weak point on both sides of your line score. You can achieve this by pushing the lever down.

Step 8: Smoothening the sides

After all the above steps are successful, it is now time to make the sides of your tiles smooth. You can use sandpaper or sharpening stone to do so. You may only smoothen the tile’s top edge because the bottom one will be under the ground, and no one will see it.

Frequently asked questions

What can I use to make markings on the tile?

Using a pencil is the best option; use a pencil to mark both sides of your tile. These markings may run along or across on the tile. Alternatively, you may use any marking if available. You may also use a rule or a square to make a straight line.

Why is it advisable to slide the tile cutter’s level?

There is a need to slide the tile cutter’s level to draw the blade closer to you. So, if you want to carry out the task with a lot of ease, try to put this art in place.

Conclusion

Here we are, using a manual tile cutter is just as simple as that. You should know how to use a manual tile cutter for DIY projects. Tile cutting may be more challenging if you don’t know how to operate the tool, resulting in unnecessary cuts and sometimes injuries. It is good to have clean and correct tile cuts for easy installation.