Tile Gauges

About Tile Gauges

Tile gauges, more commonly known as profile gauges or contour gauges, are essential measuring tools for tilers, carpenters, and DIY enthusiasts working with tiles, laminate, vinyl, and other fitted materials. These precision instruments feature a series of movable pins or teeth that conform to the exact shape of any profile, enabling accurate transfer of complex contours onto materials for cutting. Available in various sizes and pin densities, tile gauges eliminate guesswork when fitting around pipes, architraves, skirting boards, and irregular surfaces.

MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of tile gauges from trusted brands including Sealey, Draper, Faithfull, Vitrex, and Festool. Whether you need a compact pocket-sized gauge for occasional jobs or a professional-grade locking contour gauge for demanding commercial projects, you'll find reliable tools designed to improve accuracy and reduce material waste on every installation.

Applications

Tile gauges are invaluable across multiple trades and applications:

• Tiling: Cutting tiles to fit around pipes, radiator brackets, toilet pedestals, and doorframes
• Carpentry and joinery: Scribing skirting boards, architraves, worktops, and laminate flooring
• Plumbing: Marking pipe positions and creating accurate cut-outs in panels
• Kitchen and bathroom fitting: Templating splashbacks and countertop cut-outs
• Flooring installation: Fitting vinyl, laminate, and engineered wood around irregular edges
• DIY home improvement: Any project requiring precise pattern transfer and contour matching

Choosing The Right Tile Gauges

Consider these key factors when selecting a tile gauge from MyToolShed.co.uk:

Pin density and spacing: Finer pins provide more detailed contours for intricate shapes, whilst wider spacing suits larger, simpler profiles. Standard gauges typically range from 150mm to 300mm in length.

Locking mechanism: Professional locking gauges maintain the captured profile during transfer, preventing accidental movement. Essential for complex or multiple repetitive measurements.

Material construction: Steel profile gauges offer superior durability for trade use, whilst plastic models provide lightweight portability for occasional applications.

Width and capacity: Choose a gauge width that matches your typical project requirements. Larger gauges capture more extensive profiles in a single pass, reducing the need for multiple measurements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can profile gauges be used on curved surfaces?

Yes, quality tile gauges conform to both straight and curved profiles. Press the tool firmly against the contour, and the pins will adjust to match the exact shape, whether it's a pipe, moulding, or irregular edge.

Do I need different gauges for different materials?

A single versatile profile gauge works across tiles, wood, laminate, vinyl, and most other materials. The gauge captures the shape only – the cutting method varies by material, not the measuring tool.

How accurate are tile gauges compared to traditional scribing methods?

Profile gauges provide significantly greater accuracy than manual scribing, particularly around complex curves and irregular shapes. They eliminate human error in transferring measurements and reduce material waste from incorrect cuts.