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How do you cut tile without a cutter?

Ryaan Tuttle
Home Improvement Specialist
Ryaan Tuttle is a Home Improvement Specialist and the CEO of Best Handyman, Inc. in Boston, Massachusetts. With over 17 years of experience, he specializes in building home service businesses, focusing on creating scalable and efficient brands. With the help of his global team, the companies have achieved over 10+ million in sales and received recognition through magazine features, and enjoy partnerships with wikiHow and Jobber field service software. Boston Magazine and LocalBest.com have named Best Handyman Boston the Best Handyman in Boston. Ryaan holds Construction Supervisor and Home Improvement Contractor Licenses.

Ryaan Tuttle

Home Improvement Specialist

Expert Answer

Try using a wedge saw or a 4 in (10.2 cm) angle grinder with a masonry blade in it.

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Question

How do I make a cutout for an electrical outlet on a wall from a piece of tile that would encapsulate the box?

Community Answer

You'll have to cut the tile into four pieces to fit against each side of the outlet. Then work your way outwards from there.

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Question

How do I do a bullnose edge on tile?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Buy bullnose pieces, and treat them the way you'd treat any other pieces.

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Question

How do I cut out a section of a tile?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Cut or snap the tile in half, and repeat the process until you've eliminated whatever part you don't want.

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Question

How can I keep the tile from breaking before I get the cut made?

CurtM

Community Answer

Double-check that you're using your tile cutter or wet saw according to the manufacturer's instructions. Incorrect operation could cause tiles to break, as could worn or faulty parts. It's also possible that you're using a tool that's too forceful for the type of tile you're cutting. Keep in mind that manual tile cutters are the best choice for achieving straight, clean cuts on ceramic and porcelain tile.

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Question

What is the best way to cut porcelain mosaic tiles to a curve?

CurtM

Community Answer

The simplest way to cut curves is to score a series of parallel lines to various lengths to create the desired curve, then snap off the thin scored sections using a pair of tile nippers. Just because this method is simple, however, doesn't mean it's quick--cutting tile to a curve can be very time consuming!

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Question

Why is my tile getting jagged edges with the wet saw?

CurtM

Community Answer

It's possible that the material is too soft to withstand the force of the saw blade. For softer or thin tiles made from standard ceramic or porcelain, it's usually best to use a manual tile cutter or pair of handheld tile nippers.

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Question

How do I cut a 45 degree angle with a wet saw?

CurtM

Community Answer

Most newer models come with either adjustable or attachable guides that make it possible to rip tiles at specific angles. Look for a saw that includes one of these features.

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Question

If the cut from scoring isn't too deep, does that mean I need to replace the blade?

CurtM

Community Answer

It depends on exactly how deep the cut is. As the name suggest, scoring isn't supposed to cut all the way through the tile. If the cut looks particularly shallow, however, it may be time to invest in a replacement wheel.

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