Does anyone know how to use a tile cutter?

Question

My tile cutter won't seem to cut tiles where i score a line on them. It doesnt score deep enough to break the tile easily in the right place. Does anyone know why this is?

Answer 1

In most home improvement stores you will be able to get a wet saw for under 100.00 As someone pointed out you are most likely trying to cut floor tiles, not likely, return the tool and get a basic wet saw. You will love it. Good Luck and Have Fun!

Answer 2

How To Use Tile Cutter

Answer 3

If ceramic or porcelain and 1/4" or so thick, it should work easily. Shouldn't require much pressure to score and snap. Perhaps you are using too much pressure. Most people who use the cutter first time, use too much pressure. Try scoring lightly and trying to snap. Perhaps you need a new scoring wheel. Get a new one, if you can't get it to work better. Another tip, if the slight pressure and new wheel doesn't work. Try scoring the tile, place the score over a pencil on the floor and snap by hand. That is how I do diagonal cuts, and sometimes thick ceramic. Once you get the hang of it, it the best way to cut straight pieces where the baseboard will hide the cut. I only use the wet saw on L-shape cuts, or where the cut is exposed, like against a tub or door.

One thing softer stones like travertine, I use the wet saw exclusively, unfortunately, the slight pressure crushes the stone rather snaps it.

Answer 4

What you did is correct. Make sure the cutter is sharp so that a deep and straight scratch could be marked on the tile. Place a thin piece of wood or metal under and across the tile and give a slight knock on the middle end of the upper side of the tile. It should give a clean cut along the line then smooth out with any stone grinder.

Answer 5

I've never liked a BREAK, and no longer use one. After multiple thousands of sq. ft. of tile installed; I use a wet saw and/or a Diag. grinder with a diamond blade.

I read the other same Q and answers, and have a suggestion or two.

Depending on the price... a break might be largely an ineffective rip off. Certainly if it isn't new, the scoring blade might be dulled. It also might depend on the "grade" of durability number your tile was given at the time/purpose of manufacture. The number equates to durability. In any case, other suggestions offer valid clues. The "score" would have to breach the tile entirely across the desired cut area. You might also try; when Snapping; to have that cut line, face up, and on a HARD straight edge of something, like a work bench, etc. Using some pressure on the side left on the surface; lift up and snap down; keeping the cut line just at that sharp edge.

If you're ending up with jagged edges, or ruined pieces I suggest investing in a diag. Grinder and at least one diamond wheel. Certainly that would allow that you won't break anymore, and it may salvage some that you've been unsuccesful with.

Steven Wolf

Not knowing the size or type of the tile; even a ballpark figure of $2.00 each is more than I'd want to waste more than a couple times. Hopefully you bought at least one extra box of tiles, or still can. I aloow no less than 10 % for waste, and
10 % after to save for any future OOOPS.

Answer 6

Use both! Use the manual on the easy straight cuts and the power saw on the trickier cuts. At least that's how I've been doing it for years. Some tile is very difficult to cut with a manual cutter. If you go manual make sure you buy a quality cutter - don't go cheap! Good luck

Answer 7

Its not how deep you score the tile. it is where u apply the pressure to crack it clean. when you score the line gently apply the pressure on the bottom of the tile. make sure the tile is sitting square on your tile cutter.

Answer 8

it's true if your tile doesn't break easily when scored , odds are it won't ...only thin tiles work that way easily
they do make very cheap wet tile cutters which will work fine for small DIYers...you can also rent wet saws from rental places...they are well worth it,
I recommend using them outside, especially if you do buy a cheap one...you will have water everywhere

Answer 9

the scoring tile cutter is mainly used for thinner tiles and straight cuts, for floor tiles (thicker ones) you may need a tile wet saw

Answer 10

Those type of tile cutters suck. Can rent a wet saw, you will love how it works.