Find the perfect ceramic tile cutting tool for your project. Explore our wide selection of wet saws, scoring cutters, nippers, and more. Top brands, expert advice.
You’re ready to start that ceramic tile project but don’t know where to begin when it comes to the right tools. We get it – there are so many options for cutting tile out there from basic snap tile cutters to fancy electric wet saws. It can be confusing trying to figure out exactly what you need. But have no fear, we’ve got your back.
In this complete guide, we’ll walk through the different tile-cutting tool types so you can find the perfect match for your skill level and project. Whether you’re tiling a small bathroom or large kitchen backsplash, we’ll explore high-quality tile cutters, nippers, and saws from trusted brands. With our insider tips and recommendations, you’ll be equipped with the right tile-cutting tools for flawless results. Let’s dive in and get you prepped for tiling success!
Types of Ceramic Tile Cutting Tools
| Tool | Description | Best Uses | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manual Tile Cutter | Uses a scoring wheel and lever to snap tiles along a straight line | Straight cuts on ceramic and porcelain tiles | Easy to use, portable, quiet | Limited to straight cuts, may chip thicker tiles |
| Wet Tile Saw | Motorized saw with a water-cooled diamond blade | Cuts all tile types, including thick or hard materials | Precise cuts, can make complex cuts | Messy, requires water source, more expensive |
| Tile Nippers | Precise cuts can make complex cuts | Shaping tiles around curves or fixtures | Good for small adjustments, intricate cuts | Slow, requires some practice |
| Tile Scribe | A handheld tool resembling pliers, used to nibble away small pieces | Preparing tiles for snapping along a line | Inexpensive, simple to use | Limited to straight cuts, requires additional tools for breaking tiles |
| Angle Grinder (with diamond blade) | A handheld tool with a carbide tip for scoring tile surfaces | Cutting curves, complex shapes, and various hard materials | Powerful, adaptable | Requires skill and safety precautions, can be dusty |
Wet Saws
Wet saws, also known as tile saws or masonry saws, are a versatile tool for cutting ceramic tile. They feature a diamond blade that cuts through the tile. As the name suggests, water is continuously sprayed onto the blade to prevent overheating and keep the tile cool. Wet saws can make straight cuts, angled cuts, notches, and cutouts. For most DIYers and professionals, a wet saw is the best all-purpose tool for cutting tile.
Tile Nippers
Tile nippers are plier-like tools designed specifically for cutting ceramic tiles. They have hardened jaws with carbide tips that can snap tile up to 1/4-inch thick. Tile nippers require a score or notch to start the break and take practice to use accurately. They are best for small, irregular cuts and notches in tile. Tile nippers can also be useful for smoothing and shaping cut edges.
Glass Cutters
Though designed for cutting glass, many glass cutters can also score and cut ceramic tiles. They have a small cutting wheel that scratches a deep line in the glazed surface of the tile. The tile is then snapped along the scored line. Glass cutters require a steady hand and multiple passes of the cutting wheel to cut through some tiles. They are best used on smooth, glazed tiles for relatively straight cuts. Curved or notched cuts can be difficult with a glass cutter.
Manual Tile Cutters
Manual tile cutters, also known as tile snappers or tile guillotines, are a handy tool for cutting multiple tiles to the same size. They feature a scored cutting wheel and a breaking bar. The tile is placed in the cutter at the desired measurement, the scoring wheel is rolled across the tile surface, and the tile is snapped in half by bringing down the breaking bar. Manual tile cutters can typically cut up to 24-inch tiles. For larger format tiles, an electric tile cutter is a better choice.
Wet Saws – The Workhorse for Cutting Ceramic Tiles
If you have a serious tile-cutting job on your hands, a wet saw is an essential tool. These powerful saws use a diamond blade and water to provide clean, chip-free cuts in ceramic, porcelain, stone, and glass tiles. Versatility and Precision Wet saws can handle straight cuts, diagonal cuts, square cuts, and even curved cuts with precision. They allow you to cut tiles to fit around obstacles like pipes or make custom shapes.
Types of Wet Saws
There are a few options when it comes to wet saws. Portable wet saws are compact, affordable, and ideal for small jobs. Tabletop saws provide a sturdy work surface but still need to be placed on a table. Freestanding models have a built-in stand and wheels for mobility. For heavy-duty needs, a cabinet saw offers maximum stability and cutting power.
Using a Wet Saw
Operating a wet saw is pretty straightforward, but safety is key. Always wear proper protective gear like safety glasses, earplugs, steel-toe boots, and work gloves. Place the tile on the cutting table and secure it in place to ensure clean cuts. Slowly guide the diamond blade through the tile using the cutting guide for perfectly straight edges. Apply firm and even pressure, letting the blade do the work.
Rinse the blade and table surface when done and you’ll be rewarded with a pile of custom-cut tiles, ready for your installation. While wet saws require an investment, for a DIYer or professional, the versatility, precision, and efficiency they provide make these tools worth the splurge.
Handheld Tile Cutters for Quick and Easy Cuts
When it comes to cutting ceramic tiles, handheld tile cutters are convenient, low-cost tools that can make quick work of small jobs. These compact cutters are easy to maneuver and require no setup, so they’re perfect for DIYers and small tile projects.
Wheel Cutters
The most common type of handheld cutter is the wheel cutter. It features a sharp wheel that scores and cuts the tile. To use, simply position the cutter over your tile and apply firm pressure while rolling the wheel to score a line. Then bend the tile over this scored line to snap it cleanly. Wheel cutters can cut tile up to 1/4 inch thick. Popular brands include QEP and Roberts.
Snap Cutters
For cutting tile without needing to bend and snap it, a snap cutter is a great option. It works using a spring-loaded handle and cutting wheel to score the tile. Once scored, simply push down on the handle to snap the tile instantly. Snap cutters typically cut up to 1/4 inch thick tile. They do require more hand pressure than wheel cutters but eliminate the need to bend the tile.
Nippers
If you need to cut tile at odd angles or curves, consider a pair of tile nippers. These plier-like tools have hardened jaws that can cut and shape tile. To use nippers, grip the area you want to cut and apply firm pressure to snap the tile. Multiple cuts may be needed for curves. Nippers work best on thinner tile, up to about 1/8 inch thick. They do require some practice to master.
Using a handheld tile cutter, you can make all the cuts needed for a small tile project. For larger jobs or cuts in harder, thicker tile, you’ll want to consider a more powerful tool like a wet saw. But for do-it-yourselfers looking to spruce up a bathroom or kitchen backsplash, a compact handheld cutter can be a very useful tool to have.
Tile Nippers and Pliers for Detail Work
Tile nippers and pliers are essential for cutting and shaping ceramic tiles to fit around corners, edges, and pipes. These tools give you precision and control for detailed work.
Tile Nippers
Tile nippers resemble pruning shears and are designed specifically for cutting ceramic tile. They have hardened jaws that can snap tile cleanly without cracking it. Look for nippers that feel comfortable in your hand and have a spring-loaded action to reduce fatigue. Tile nippers take practice to master but are invaluable for curved cuts and notches.
Pliers
Basic pliers can also be useful when installing tile. Slip joint pliers have adjustable jaws to grip the tile firmly without breaking it. You can use them to turn the tile to the desired angle for cutting. Needle nose pliers are ideal for manipulating small tile pieces into place in tight areas or for removing broken bits of tile from the work area.
Using the Tools
To cut a tile with nippers, position the tile between the jaws and apply firm and even pressure while squeezing the handles. Make multiple passes over the cut line until the tile snaps. File the cut edge smooth with a rubbing stone.
For curved cuts, score a cutting line on the glazed side of the tile with a glass cutter. Then use the nippers to snap small sections from the edge of the tile along the scored line. Check your progress frequently, filling the edge with a stone to refine the curve. Work slowly and be patient—curved cuts can take time.
With some practice, tile nippers and pliers will become natural extensions of your hands. Keep a firm grip, move deliberately, and always cut into a sturdy surface like a tile backer board. These tools, combined with a steady hand, allow you to achieve truly custom results in your tile installation.
Additional Ceramic Tile Cutting Tools and Accessories
Tile Nippers
Tile nippers are plier-like tools designed specifically for nipping ceramic tile. They feature hardened cutting wheels that make clean cuts in tile. Tile nippers are great for small, curved cuts and fitting tile around fixtures or pipes. For small jobs, a basic set of tile nippers can be very useful. Look for nippers that are specifically rated for cutting ceramic tiles.
Tile Scorers
Tile scorers, also known as tile cutters or score and snap cutters, are hand tools used to score and cut ceramic tile. They feature a cutting wheel that is rolled across the tile surface to score a cut line. The tile is then snapped along this line. Tile scorers require a straight edge to guide the cutting wheel and produce clean cuts. They are best for cutting tile in straight lines. Tile scorers are very affordable but can require some practice to master.
Wet Saws
Wet saws, also known as tile saws, are power tools used to cut ceramic tile. They feature a diamond blade that cuts through tile while water is pumped over the blade to cool and lubricate the cut. Wet saws can be used to make both straight and curved cuts in tile. They are available in a range of sizes, from small portable models to large table saws designed for professional use. Wet saws require an investment but are extremely useful and versatile for most tile projects.
Conclusion
So there you have it – everything you need to know to pick the perfect ceramic tile cutting tools for your project. With the wide range of options we covered, you’re sure to find just the right saw, cutter, or nipper that fits your budget and needs. And don’t forget about safety – take the time to learn how to properly use any new tool before diving in.
We want your tiling project to turn out beautifully, not end up in the ER! Our expert tips and top brand recommendations give you a head start, but the rest is up to you. Choose your tools wisely and work carefully. Before you know it, you’ll have a gorgeous new backsplash, floor, or wall that you installed yourself. Pretty sweet!
