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How to Use a Manual Tile Cutter

Cutting tile is an integral part of any tile installation project. As a DIY home renovator, you may be looking for a way to do this that allows you to cut tile without a wet saw, a tool which can be expensive to buy, messy to use and take up a lot of room to store.

The solution in most instances is a manual tile cutter, a specialized tool designed to score and snap tiles to achieve clean, straight cuts.

In this article, we will go over the steps involved in using a manual tile cutter, as well as some tips for getting the best results.

How a Manual Tile Cutter Works

A manual tile cutter consists of a base to support the tile, a scoring wheel that makes a shallow incision along the marked cutting line, and a snapping mechanism that applies pressure to snap the tile along the scored line.

Even though the tile is being broken rather than cut, this design still provides precise, controlled breaks without the need for electricity or water. The simplicity and portability of a manual tile cutter makes it an ideal choice for both professional tile installers and DIY enthusiasts to ensure they are able to fit the edge of the tile precisely within the project space.

When to Use a Manual Tile Cutter

As with any DIY project, using the right tool is critical for getting the job done right. With that in mind, let's look at the scenarios where a manual tile cutter may be your best option:

Small and midsize tiling jobs

While there are only a few steps involved in manually cutting tile, those steps require care and cannot be rushed. Because of this, cutting tiles with a manual tile is best for smaller or medium-sized projects. For large-scale projects, using a wet saw would be a more appropriate choice.

When only straight cuts are needed

Manual tile cutters are only able to make straight cuts. You can change the orientation of the tile that the cutter cuts diagonally, but this is still a straight cut. Manual tile cutters are not suitable for curved or intricate cuts, nor are they effective on very hard materials like granite or thick porcelain tiles. Again, for these types of cutting needs, a wet saw is your best bet.

Cutting ceramic and porcelain tiles

Manual tile cutters allow you to cut ceramic and porcelain tile without a wet saw, but they are generally not designed for other materials. Some heavier duty manual tile cutters can also handle tiles made of glass, but you should check the product specification before cutting glass tiles. Any other material, such as natural stone or metal, should be cut with a wet saw.

What You'll Need

Safety glasses
Work gloves
Dust mask
Tile cutter
Measuring tape
Straight edge
Pen or pencil
Tile polishing stone

Safety First

While using a manual tile cutter is simple and does not pose any immediate dangers, there are still a few considerations to ensure you stay safe. Even the most seasoned professionals can make mistakes, and even the best equipment can misfire. Keep yourself safe with these simple precautions.

Safety glasses

Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from tile shards and dust that can be created during the cutting process.

Work gloves

Use cut-resistant gloves to protect your hands from sharp tile edges and the scoring wheel.

Dust mask

Although manual tile cutters produce less dust than electric saws, wearing a dust mask can help protect your lungs from any fine particles that may be released.

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Step-by-Step: How to Use a Manual Tile Cutter

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Prepare the Tile

Use a pencil and straightedge to mark the cutting line on the glazed surface of the tile. Double-check your measurements for accuracy.

Once marked, place the tile on the base of the cutter, aligning the marked line with the scoring wheel. Ensure the tile is flat against the base and positioned straight.

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Score the Tile

Lower the handle to bring the scoring wheel into contact with the tile. Position the tungsten carbide scoring wheel directly over the start of your cutting line. Hold the handle firmly and slide the scoring wheel along the cutting line using even, moderate pressure. You should hear a scratching sound as the wheel scores the tile.

Only make one pass with the scoring wheel. Do not go back and forth, as this can weaken the tile and lead to uneven cuts.

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Snap the Tile

Once the tile has been scored, keep the carriage in place and lift the handle so the breaker is resting on the tile. The breaker is a small foot that hangs off the bottom side of the carriage behind the scoring wheel. This piece is what will apply the pressure to the tile.

With the breaker in place, press down firmly on the handle. The breaker will press down on the tile, snapping it cleanly in two along the scored line.

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Polish any Rough Edges

Most of the time the edges of each piece should be clean. However, sometimes there will be slight imperfections in the break, resulting in a rough edge. In those instances, you can use a tile polishing stone or sandpaper to clean up the edge of the tile.

Keeping your tile edges smooth is a good idea for both aesthetics and safety. Clean edges will make your tiling job look clean and professional, while rough edges can pose a risk of cutting your hand when you install the tile. Check out our article on how to finish tile edges for more tile edge finishing tips.

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Top Tips for Manually Cutting Tile

Measure twice, cut once

Manual tile cutters are generally unable to make cuts very close to the edge of the tile; you will need to leave approximately 3/4" of tile between the edge and the cut. Because of this, it is important to be sure you have drawn the cutting line exactly where the tile needs to be cut, otherwise your risk wasting a tile.

Sharp and steady

Before you begin, ensure the scoring wheel is sharp. A dull wheel can cause uneven scores and increase the risk of the tile breaking unpredictably. Always maintain a firm grip on the cutter's handle to ensure controlled scoring and snapping.

Mind your fingers

Keep your fingers well away from the scoring wheel and snapping mechanism while operating the cutter. Never attempt to reach under the handle while scoring or snapping the tile.

Score once, snap once

Resist the urge to go over the score line multiple times. A single, clean score is all that's needed for a proper break. Multiple scorings weakens the tile and can lead to unexpected breaks, which can ruin the tile.

Controlled break

When applying pressure to break the tile, do so slowly and in a controlled manner. This will help ensure a clean break along the scored line. If you move too quickly or without care, there is a risk that you will create breaks that fall outside the scored line, creating sharp edges and making the tile unusable.

How to Use a Manual Tile Cutter

How a Manual Tile Cutter Works

When to Use a Manual Tile Cutter

Small and midsize tiling jobs

When only straight cuts are needed

Cutting ceramic and porcelain tiles

What You'll Need

Safety First

Safety glasses

Work gloves

Dust mask

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Step-by-Step: How to Use a Manual Tile Cutter

Prepare the Tile

Score the Tile

Snap the Tile

Polish any Rough Edges

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Top Tips for Manually Cutting Tile

Measure twice, cut once

Sharp and steady

Mind your fingers

Score once, snap once

Controlled break

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How to Use a Manual Tile Cutter

How a Manual Tile Cutter Works

When to Use a Manual Tile Cutter

Small and midsize tiling jobs

When only straight cuts are needed

Cutting ceramic and porcelain tiles

What You'll Need

Safety First

Safety glasses

Work gloves

Dust mask

Polish any Rough Edges

Top Tips for Manually Cutting Tile

Measure twice, cut once

Sharp and steady

Mind your fingers

Score once, snap once

Controlled break

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