|
Home:
About Tile Saws ::
Measurement converter
Circular cuts can be
made in ceramic tile with the use of tile nippers. While it is possible
to also use them to make angled or straight cuts, these cuts are much
more simply made with a tile cutter or wet saw.
When you use nippers small, sharp fragments
of tile can go flying, so always wear eye protection. It will not always
to practical to mark the tile directly. In these cases you will need to
create a cardboard template that can then be used to mark your tile. For
tiles with very slick surfaces you will want to use a pencil and mark
the tiles bottom, as most pens will just wipe right off.
Using a Tile Nipper
After marking the tile you will want to take very small pieces of
material off at a time using the nippers. It makes clean up easier if
you place the tile over an empty bucket so you can collect the pieces.
You may break the tile if you take off too much material at one time, so
always take small “bites”. Exercise caution as you near your marked line
so that you do not remove more material than you had planned. Nippers
tend to leave jagged edges, so you will want to use either 60 grit
sandpaper or a tile sanding stone to smooth the surface.
Conclusion
Tile nippers work best for unusual cuts. Use a utility knife or glass
cutter to score your marked line prior to using your nipper. Take off
only very small pieces of tile at a time. Always be very patient when
using a tile nipper, as you don’t want to remove more than you had
planned and have to begin all over again. Since nippers tend to leave
jagged edges you will want to sand them smooth or cover them with tile
trim or place them in less visible areas.
Terms of use |
