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How to cut tiles without breaking them?

DIYHaveaCrack

Okay so I'm a novice at tile cutting which is becoming obvious as I'm trying to cut my first lot of tiles! Part of the problem is that the tiles are rectangular so 160mm long and 52mm wide (and are being laid vertically so the short end is horizontal). Even if trying to cut in half (thought I'd start with an even width) they are breaking horizontally across the tile. I'm using the DTA 300mm Tile Cutter but maybe that's just not a good enough product as well as my inexperience. I do have a multitool and a diamond blade so that's my next thought but any guidance re the correct use of the tile cutter or assistance would be appreciated. There are lots of videos and it looks easy enough but obviously not! Thanks.

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EricL

Hello @DIYHaveaCrack

Thank you for sharing a photo of your tile. I've run into a similar issue with my tile cutter in the beginning. I suggest trying these two techniques and see which one suits you. First, I suggest running the cutting wheel over the tile several times to create a positive cutting line. Make sure that the tile is on the raised ledge in the middle of the tool. Place the pushing foot of the tool with the lever on the end of the tile and not in the middle of it. Some slowly push the lever until the tile snaps in half. Others prefer a quick sudden push to create sudden force to snap the tile in half. I've done both and I prefer doing the second method.

I've noticed that sometimes if the cutting line is not deep enough you get irregular cuts or it snaps in the middle. The position of the pushing foot is also critical; make sure it's at the end and not in the middle. Give it a go and let us know if you get better results. My best advice is to use a https://www.bunnings.com.au/qep-60-grit-diamond-sanding-block_p0738424 to get a smooth edge on the cut section of the tile.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1, @Noyade and @DIY4Knuckleheds for their recommendations.

Please remember to wear personal protection such as gloves and goggles.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

DIYHaveaCrack

Okay I feel 'encouraged'. I scored it several times and then put the cross bar closer to the top and tried the quick sharp method. It's not perfect but I feel possibility of success. :) Onward and upward rather than forget it and leave the room haha.

EricL

Hello @DIYHaveaCrack

I propose putting the foot at the other end of the tile (bottom end, not the top) and see if you get better results.

Eric

Dave-1

Good afternoon @DIYHaveaCrack

I havnt cut tiles as yet :) So watching and reading your post to file it away for future ref :)

Dave

MitchellMc

Hi @DIYHaveaCrack,

Instead of several passes at scoring you can also try one. If you’re scoring more than once, it can, in some instances, actually weaken the line in different directions. Score once, firmly and evenly.

If the pressure isn’t consistent from start to finish, the score line varies in depth. The tile will then “wander” slightly when it snaps, giving you that wavy edge.

Just so you know, we hire tile cutters, which are of a professional grade. We have the https://www.bunnings.com.au/for-hire-600mm-hand-tile-cutter-4hr_p5470022 and https://www.bunnings.com.au/for-hire-electric-tile-saw-table-4hr_p5470035 . These will often give better results than the DIY models.

Mitchell

DIY4Knuckleheds

G'day DIYHaveaCrack, a long cut on a narrow tile can be a little tricky. I'd be tempted to go with the advice from MitchellMc and look at hiring an electric Tile Saw. Just my two cents worth here but this is one of those things that you will be looking at for years to come so getting that line nice and straight is pretty important l reckon. Good luck!

MitchellMc

Hi @DIYHaveaCrack,

Just checking in to see how you ended up going with the tile cutting. It sounded like you were starting to get the hang of it in your last update.

Did you stick with the manual cutter in the end or end up trying another method? Would be great to see how the tiling is coming along if you’ve made some more progress.

Mitchell