Tile Cutters

About Tile Cutters

Tile cutters are essential tools for achieving clean, precise cuts in ceramic, porcelain, and stone tiles without the dust and noise of power tools. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of manual tile cutters from leading manufacturers including Rubi, Vitrex, Faithfull, and Draper, suitable for both professional tilers and DIY enthusiasts. These tools use a scoring wheel and breaking mechanism to snap tiles cleanly along marked lines, making them ideal for straight cuts in wall and floor tiles.

From compact flat bed cutters for small bathroom projects to heavy-duty professional models capable of cutting tiles up to 900mm, the selection at MyToolShed includes entry-level options for occasional use and robust trade-quality cutters designed for daily site work. Manual tile cutters offer excellent portability, require no power source, and produce no flying debris, making them the preferred choice for many tiling applications.

Applications

• Professional tilers – daily cutting of ceramic and porcelain tiles on residential and commercial projects
• Bathroom fitters – precise cutting of wall tiles around fixtures and fittings
• Kitchen installers – cutting splashback tiles and floor tiles during renovations
• General builders – occasional tiling work on refurbishment and new build projects
• DIY enthusiasts – home improvement projects including bathroom and kitchen tiling
• Property maintenance – repair work and tile replacement in rental properties
• Shopfitters – commercial tiling applications in retail environments

Choosing The Right Tile Cutters

The maximum cutting length is the most important specification – consider the largest tile you'll work with regularly. Models range from 300mm cuters for basic splashback work up to 900mm professional cutters for large format floor tiles. For occasional DIY use, a 400-600mm cutter handles most standard wall and floor tiles, whilst trade professionals typically require 600-900mm capacity.

Build quality varies significantly between budget and professional models. Trade-quality cutters from Rubi and Vitrex feature reinforced bases, precision scoring wheels, and adjustable cutting heads that maintain accuracy over thousands of cuts. Consider a heavy-duty model if cutting porcelain or harder materials regularly, as these require more robust breaking mechanisms.

Additional features to evaluate include measurement guides for repetitive cuts, angular cutting capabilities for diagonal work, and carry cases for site transportation. MyToolShed.co.uk also stocks replacement cutting wheels, ensuring your tile cutter maintains peak performance throughout its working life.

Safety Information

Always wear safety glasses when using tile cutters, as the breaking action can occasionally cause small chips to fly off. Ensure the tile is properly positioned and secured before scoring to prevent slipping. Keep fingers clear of the breaking mechanism during operation, and maintain cutting wheels in good condition to avoid uneven breaks that may create sharp edges. Work on a stable surface and store tile cutters safely when not in use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can manual tile cutters cut porcelain tiles?

Yes, quality manual tile cutters can cut porcelain tiles, though they require a sharper, well-maintained cutting wheel and more pressure than ceramic tiles. Professional-grade models from Rubi and Vitrex are specifically designed to handle the hardness of porcelain. For very thick or extremely hard porcelain, a wet tile saw may be more suitable.

What's the difference between a flat bed and standard tile cutter?

Flat bed tile cutters support the entire tile on a flat surface, making them ideal for smaller tiles and providing better stability. Standard rail-mounted cutters use guide bars and are typically preferred for larger format tiles. Both types are available at MyToolShed.co.uk depending on your specific requirements.

How do I maintain my tile cutter?

Regularly clean the cutting track and breaking mechanism to remove tile dust and debris. Apply a small amount of light oil to moving parts occasionally. Replace the cutting wheel when it becomes worn or chipped – replacement wheels are available for most models, ensuring consistent cutting performance over many years of use.