While doing home renovation projects in the bathroom or kitchen, you would have to cut a tile at some point. For that, you need to know how to cut tile without a wet saw as wet saws are a little complicated to handle.
In this guide, you will learn how you can cut different kinds of tiles such as porcelain, glass, or ceramic ones. Even though a wet saw is the easiest way to cut any tile, it is not always the most convenient one.
Thus, you can use other tools for cutting tiles. These ways might not be as quick, but they are definitely easier.
Table of Contents
How to Cut Ceramic Tiles without a Wet Saw?
A method to cut tile without saw is by using a glass cutter. For this method, you will need a glass cutter and the tile that you need to cut.
Step 1: Scoring
First of all, you need to mark a straight line on the tile that you are going to cut. For this, you can use a tile marker. If you do not have one, just use a visible crayon.
To make a straight line, use a square. Squares are available at most hardware stores. If you do not have a square, use a ruler or anything else with a straight edge.
Step 2: Cutting
The next step is to make the cut along the line you have made. Glass cutters are available for about $10 at the hardware store.
Place it on the line you made on the tile and press the glass cutter on it. Drag it straight to the other end of the tile. Do not cut fully. Just cut partially and do not cut entirely through the tile till the bottom.
When you use the glass cutter, it will sound like a scratch or a crackle. Guide the tool by pressing it on the tile and dragging it.
Step 3: Breaking
Now, keep a clothes hanger under the partially cut portion of the tile. It is better if you keep the materials on a workbench.
Keep the long side of the clothes hanger underneath the line you have made. Press on each side of the hanger wire to break the tile.
Keep the push strong enough to break the tile, but be gentle enough that you do not cause any splintering.
Tips
- If the tile does not break in the first go, use the glass cutter on the marked line again and then try to break the tile.
- Wear goggles on your eyes to protect them from pieces of the tile.
- If the edges are rough, smoothen them out by sanding it on a brick. An oscillating tool may also be used for the purpose.
How to cut tiles with a Grinder?
A grinder can also help in cutting tiles or trimming them to fit into a particular space, room, or wall. Sometimes, you might not have to cut the whole tile, but just trim it to fit a corner.
Using a grinder makes the job easier in this situation. Just like you would with a glasscutter, you have to make a line on the tile using a marker or crayon. Do not use a permanent marker.
If the tile is of a darker color, such as black, put tape on the tile first and then draw the line on the tape.
Step 1: Preparing the Grinder
Before you start the grinder, keep the tile on a flat surface and secure it in place using a clamp. When you cut a tile, a lot of dust flies, so make sure you are working in the outdoors.
Even if you are working inside, the ventilation should be sufficient for such work. Keep the area of the tile to be cut off the work table, hanging off the table’s edge, so that you do not cut the work table too.
Step 2: Cutting
For the grinder, use the blade that has a continuous rim. It will not create uneven or jagged corners on the tile. This kind of blade gives a smooth cut. Wear your protective equipment, such as glasses, and set to work.
When making the first cut, simply score the line you made earlier. Do not cut the tile in the first go. After scoring an outline, go over the tile again. A skill saw may also be used for cutting ceramic tiles.
Step 3: Getting a Smooth Edge
To completely cut the tile, go over it with the grinder a few times. This will differ with the thickness of the tile. Also, the material will determine how many times you have to go over the tile.
Do not rush or try to get the job done in a few rounds. If you want the edges to be smooth, be gradual in your working.
How to Cut Edges of Tiles without a Wet Saw?
This method is suitable for those people who do not want to create smooth edges and just want to nip off the edge. You simply have to mark the area that you want to nip off using a market and then nip.
Use the tile nipper to nip off the tile piece by piece. Do not cut off too much of it as you might go beyond the mark you have made. After trimming, use a brick to sand the edges.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you would have learned how to cut tile without a wet saw. You have to keep in mind that all methods are not suitable for all materials or sizes of tiles.
If you are working on a large number of tiles or tiles that are bigger in size, it is wiser to use a wet saw. However, if you are working with a few tiles and you do not have the money or expertise for a wet saw, you can use one of the methods in this guide to cut a tile for your home-improvement projects.
Let us know how you used these methods for cutting tiles in your home.
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Learn how to use tools other than a wet saw to cut, trim or nip off tiles for home-renovation or home-improvement projects.