A good tool for cutting ceramic tile is important because it can make the difference between a clean, professional looking tile job and a sloppy, amateurish one. The right tool will make the backsplash tile cutting more clean and accurate, and will also help to avoid chipping and breaking the tiles.
No matter which type of tile cutting power tools you choose, it is important to read the instructions carefully and practice on a piece of scrap tile before starting your project. With a little practice, you will be able to cut ceramic tile like a pro.
7 Best Tile Cutting Hand Tools Reviewed
- DEWALT Angle Grinder Tool — Premium Choice
- SKIL 7-Inch Wet Tile Saw — Best Overall
- HYCHIKA Compact Circular Saw — Great value
- DEWALT Wet Tile Saw
- WORX Compact Circular Saw
- Hilitchi 5Pcs Wheeled Glass Tile Nipper
- QEP 10630Q 24-Inch Manual Tile Cutter
1. DEWALT Angle Grinder Tool
Key characteristics
- Brand: DEWALT
- Type: Angle Grinder
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Maximum Rotational Speed: 11000 RPM
- Size: 4-1/2-inch (115mm)
- Weight: 1 pounds
The Dewalt Angle Grinder Tool is a powerful and versatile tool that is perfect for a variety of applications. The three powerful systems (Dust Ejection System, One-Touch Guard, and Quick-Change Wheel Release) make this tool easy to use and perfect for anyone who needs a powerful grinder. The user review is positive and confirms that this tool is perfect for anyone who needs an angle grinder.
- Powerful
- Dust Ejection System
- One-Touch Guard
- Quick-Change Wheel Release
- Pricy
2. SKIL 7-Inch Wet Tile Saw
Key characteristics
- Brand: SKIL
- Type: Tile Saw
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Maximum Rotational Speed: 3600 RPM
- Size: 7-Inch
- Weight: 15.81 pounds
The SKIL 7-Inch Wet Tile Saw is a great tool for anyone looking to complete a tiling project. The saw to cut ceramic tile is easy to use and comes with an adjustable rip fence and a miter gauge for accurate cuts. The blade is also 7 inches in diameter, making for quick and smooth cuts.
One user did caution that the saw should be used on sawhorses, not on the ground, as the water reservoir can get filled with tile silt after a few feet of cutting. Additionally, the user recommended wearing long pants and sleeves while using the saw, as the blade can fling shards of tile.
Overall, the SKIL 7-Inch Wet Tile Saw is a great tool for anyone looking to do a tiling project. It is easy to use and comes with everything you need to make accurate cuts.
- It’s very easy to use
- The rip fence with miter gauge is great for accuracy
- The blade cooling water reservoir is a great feature
- The diamond blade is fast and smooth
- You have to be careful of tile shards
- The water reservoir gets filled up quickly
What types of tiles are suitable for: ceramic, marble, porcelain, glass
3. HYCHIKA Compact Circular Saw
Key characteristics
- Brand: HYCHIKA
- Type: Circular Saw Tile
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Maximum Rotational Speed: 4500RPM
- Size: 3-3/8”
- Weight: 6.33 Pounds
The HYCHIKA Compact Circular Saw is a great hand tool for cutting tile for a variety of projects, big and small.
This compact circular saw to cut tile is featured with a 4 Amps copper motor, meaning it can reach a high cutting speed of 4500RPM – making quick work of tile, wood, plastics, plasterboard, and PVC. Plus, the heavy gauge iron wraparound base and aluminum upper cover add extra durability and safety.
One user bought this saw to cut really difficult pieces of porcelain tile and was pleasantly surprised when he found out it could also handle granite. With the HYCHIKA Compact Circular Saw, we were able to do the job ourselves and saved a ton of money in the process.
Whether you’re a seasoned home improvement professional or a DIY-er, the HYCHIKA Compact Circular Saw is a great tool to have in your arsenal.
- High cutting speed
- Durable
- Inexpensive
- Can cut a variety of materials
- Blade need to be replaced often
4. DEWALT Wet Tile Saw
Key characteristics
- Brand: DEWALT
- Type: Tile Saw
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Maximum Rotational Speed: 13000 RPM
- Size: 4-3/8-Inch
- Weight: 9.95 Pounds
The DEWALT Wet Tile Saw is a powerful and compact tool that is perfect for a range of tile and stone cutting applications. The saw features a powerful 10.8 amp motor that can easily cut through tough materials like granite and porcelain, and the compact design makes it easy to maneuver and use in tight spaces.
The included diamond blade is perfect for making clean, precise cuts in ceramic and stone materials, and the built-in water line and regulator help to keep the blade cool and eliminate dust.
The saw also features a lock-on button to reduce user fatigue, and the rubber grip provides increased comfort and ergonomics. Overall, the DEWALT Wet Tile Saw is a great choice for anyone looking for a versatile and powerful tile cutting solution.
- Powerful motor for cutting through tough materials
- Lightweight and compact
- Dust-sealed switch prolongs unit life
- Lock-on button reduces user fatigue
- Rubber grip for increased comfort
- Water coupler/sprayer has been known to leak
What types of tiles are suitable for: ceramic, marble, porcelain, glass
5. WORX Compact Circular Saw
Key characteristics
- Brand: WORX
- Type: Compact Circular Saw
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Maximum Rotational Speed: 4000 RPM
- Size: 1-11/16″ (90°) and 1-1/8″ (45°)
- Weight: 5.07 lbs
The WORX Compact Circular Saw is extremely lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it perfect for extended use. The high speed motor easily cuts through a variety of materials, and the depth and angle adjustments make it simple to get the perfect cut every time.
The laser guide is incredibly helpful for ensuring precise cuts, and the dust port helps to keep the workspace clean. The saw comes with six blades, making it a great value for the price. Overall, the WORX Compact Circular Saw is an excellent choice for anyone in need of a reliable and versatile saw.
- Lightweight and easy to grab with one hand
- Easy depth adjustments
- Laser guide function for great cut-line visibility
- Slim handle for precise control
- The saw is a little underpowered for some materials
6. Hilitchi 5Pcs Wheeled Glass Tile Nipper
Key characteristics
- Brand: Hilitchi
- Type: Tools Assortment Kit for Stained Glass and Tile
- Number of items: 5pcs
- Weight: 2.34 pounds
If you’re looking for a great set of nippers for cutting glass tiles, the Hilitchi 5Pcs Wheeled Glass Tile Nipper is a great option. These nippers are made of high-quality materials and feature a dual carbide cutting wheel that is extremely hard and resistant to wear. This makes them perfect for cutting a variety of materials, including ceramic, glass, and even ice jade.
What does this tile cutting kit include:
- mosaic glass cutting nippers ×1pcs
- pistol grip cutter – 1pcs
- hex wrench – 1pcs
- breaking pliers – 1pcs
- running pliers – 1pcs
- black leather zipper bag – 1pcs
The Hilitchi nippers are also designed for comfort and ease of use. They feature a comfortable grip and an easy-to-use cutting mechanism that makes it simple to get clean, precise cuts. Plus, the wheeled design means you can quickly and easily move them around as you work.
Overall, the Hilitchi 5Pcs Wheeled Glass Tile Nipper is a great option for anyone looking for a high-quality, durable set of nippers. They’re perfect for a variety of applications and will make it easy to get clean, precise cuts every time.
- Well made
- Strong and durable
- Easy to use
- Some users found that the nippers were not as sharp as they would have liked
What types of tiles is it suitable for: mosaic, crystal mosaic, quartz mosaic, ice jade, ceramic, or glass tile.
7. QEP 10630Q 24-Inch Manual Tile Cutter
Key characteristics
- Brand: QEP
- Type: Manual Tile Cutter
- Power Source: –
- Maximum Rotational Speed: –
- Size: 24-Inches and 16-Inches
- Weight: 16.2 pounds
The QEP 10630Q is a great machine for cutting tiles for anyone who needs to quickly and easily cut tiles. The simple score and snap process is a quick way to rip and diagonally cut tiles, and the dual, chrome-plated steel rails and linear ball bearing slides make it easy to score even the largest and heaviest tiles.
The high leverage bicycle grip handle makes cutting even easier, and the titanium-coated tungsten-carbide scoring wheel ensures a clean, precise cut every time. This manual tile cutter is a great choice for anyone who wants a durable, easy-to-use tile cutter that can handle even the toughest tiles.
- Can cut both ceramic and porcelain tile
- Straight edge adjustable measurement guide included
- 7/8-Inch titanium-coated tungsten-carbide cutting wheel included
- Easily cleaned with compressed air or soap and water
- May be difficult to use for larger tiles
What types of tiles is it suitable for: best for porcelain and ceramic tiles.
Product Buyer’s Guide
What is a Tool for Cutting Ceramic Tile?
A tool for cutting ceramic tile is typically a handheld tool that has a blade or a cutting wheel. The blade or cutting wheel is used to score the tile, which helps to create a clean, straight line.
How to Pick a Tool for Cutting Ceramic Tiles?
Size
The size of the cutting tool will be determined by the size of the ceramic tiles you need to cut. If you only need to make small cuts, then a handheld tile cutter will be sufficient. For larger cuts, you will need a wet saw.
Type
There are two main types of tile cutters: manual and power. Manual tile cutters are less expensive and can be used for small projects. Power tile cutters are more expensive but can make larger and more precise cuts.
Blade
The type of blade you need will be determined by the type of ceramic tile you are cutting. For glazed tiles, you will need a diamond blade. For unglazed tiles, you will need a carbide-tipped blade.
How to Use a Tool for Cutting Ceramic Tiles?
To use a tool for cutting ceramic tiles, first mark the tile where you want to make your cut. Then, using a tile cutter, score the tile along your marked line. Finally, snap the tile along the scored line to break it.
| Type | Power Source | Rotational Speed, max | Size | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEWALT Angle Grinder Tool | Angle Grinder | Corded Electric | 11000 RPM | 4-1/2-inch (115mm) |
| SKIL 7-Inch Wet Tile Saw - 3540-02 | Tile Saw | Corded Electric | 3600 RPM | 7-Inch |
| HYCHIKA Compact Circular Saw | Circular Saw | Corded Electric | 4500RPM | 3-3/8” |
| DEWALT Wet Tile Saw, Masonry | Tile Saw | Corded Electric | 13000 RPM | 4-3/8-Inch |
| WORX WX427L 6A Compact Circular Saw | Circular Saw | Corded Electric | 4000 RPM | 4-1/2" |
| Hilitchi 5Pcs Wheeled Glass Tile Nipper | Tools Assortment Kit for Stained Glass and Tile | Manual | - | - |
| QEP 10630Q 24-Inch | Tile Cutter | Manual | - | 24-Inches and 16-Inches |
What Are the Benefits of Tool for Cutting Ceramic Tiles for Home Use?
Tool for cutting ceramic tiles for home use can be very beneficial. They can help make clean and precise cuts, and they can also help to protect your hands from the sharp edges of the tile. If you are looking for other tools for home use, so check our other articles like this.
Tool for Cutting Ceramic Tiles for Home Use FAQ
Should you tape tile before cutting?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on personal preference and the type of tile you are working with. Some people prefer to tape the tile before cutting it to help prevent chipping or cracking, while others find that taping makes the cutting process more difficult.
If you are working with a particularly brittle tile, it may be worth considering taping the tile before cutting it. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide whether or not to tape the tile before cutting it.
How do I stop my tiles from chipping when I cut them?
Use a tile saw with a wet blade to avoid chipping.
Can I cut ceramic tiles with a multi tool?
You can cut ceramic tiles with a multi tool, but it is not the ideal tool for the job. A tile saw or a wet saw would be a better choice.
Do you cut ceramic tile facing up or down?
Ceramic tile is typically cut face down so that the tile does not crack from the pressure of the blade.
What are the best tile cutters for professionals?
Some of the best tile cutters for professionals are those that offer a laser guide for precision cuts, a sturdy build for durability, and a comfortable grip for easy maneuvering.
Conclusion
A good quality tile cutter is an important tool when cutting ceramic tile. Tile cutters come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but all perform the same basic function. They have a cutting wheel that scores the tile, and then a breaking plunger that snaps the tile along the score line.
Tile cutters are an essential tool for anyone who wants to install ceramic tile. They are also useful for making repairs to existing tile installations. While ceramic tile can be cut with a variety of different tools, a tile cutter will give you the cleanest, most accurate cuts.
There are a few things to keep in mind when using a tile cutter. First, always use a cutting wheel that is specifically designed for ceramic tile. Second, make sure the tile cutter is properly lubricated before using it. And finally, always wear safety glasses when using a tile cutter.
