What tiling tools will I need?
Website design By BotEap.comThe tools needed for a mosaic project can be many. This depends on the type of work involved, the type of tile and the preparation method.
Website design By BotEap.comHere is a list detailing the tools and their purpose on the job.
Website design By BotEap.comFor a small kitchen wall tile, you will probably need:
Website design By BotEap.comDust sheets. Dust caps can save you a huge amount of money by preventing damage to surfaces like countertops and soft floor coverings, especially natural wood countertops, as they can be easily scratched and prone to staining (especially if they haven’t been sealed yet).
Website design By BotEap.comPaint brush. The brush is for applying tile primer (not always required). Although a mini roller can also be used, for small areas, with obstacles like electrical outlets in the way, I think the brush is a better candidate. Be sure to keep an eye out for primer races! This can be very dangerous if the liquid comes into contact with electrical outlets. ALWAYS TURN OFF ELECTRICITY BEFORE BEGINNING. Even if there is no power, you should avoid or minimize runs.
Website design By BotEap.comManual tile cutter. The type of cutter needed depends largely on the type and thickness of the tiles to be installed. You can buy some very cheap (disposable) tile cutters, and many manufacturers will tell you that they can cope with a certain amount of tile thickness. It’s been a long time since the advice to use a match to break tiles. There are not many companies that still produce very thin tiles; instead, because the demand is for larger tiles, the thickness of the tile has to change accordingly to give it strength.
Website design By BotEap.comFor thin ceramic tiles up to 6mm thick, most plastic cutters will get by and should complete the job. Thicker tiles such as floor tile, porcelain tile, glass tile would be best cut with a metal or alloy cutter. The cost of these cutters will go up considerably compared to plastic ones, but these should cope with a wider range of tiles. Be careful when choosing a manual cutter; buy one that is compatible with the tile size you intend to use it with. Your cutter will be useless if the tiles you intend to use fit into it when cut at 90°, but not if you intend to have a 45° cutting feature.
Website design By BotEap.comTile nippers. There are a few different tile nippers on the market; each best suited to tile types and combination applications. ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION WHEN USING TILE CLAMPS.
Website design By BotEap.comThe standard and most commonly used tile nipper is the one with the 90° flat cutting edge. It is generally used to cut and shape tiles. In general use, it is not really suitable for cutting mosaics, as these would break the tiles. The cutting edge is usually made of tungsten carbide with some pliers having an extra hard tip that is better suited for some porcelain tiles. Larger clamps for use with quarry tile are also available; these have wider jaws than standard and a longer handle for more leverage/pressure.
Website design By BotEap.comOther types include a parrot clip and a mosaic clip. The parrot nibble nipper is very useful for nibbling off a section of tile, such as when enlarging a hole or more intricate cuts with the cutting end that resembles a parrot’s beak. Mosaic pliers have slightly rounded jaws and are designed to give a straighter cut.
Website design By BotEap.comWheeled tongs are also ideal for mosaics. There are other pliers that have other characteristics such as the line cutting pliers, with a slight curvature on the edge that will facilitate cutting curved shapes. Dual-use pliers allow you to score tiles with one side and split them with the opposite side, but will not allow tiles to be shaped. Another for mosaic use has a small bag attached to one side. This will capture the cut tile and reduce wasted time trying to find small pieces that could fly across the room.
Website design By BotEap.comWatch out for the tweezers pinching the side of your thumb. This often happens if you have not used this tool before. Many tilers I know have been given this little bite of the tool. If someone is pinched once, it is highly unlikely that they will be pinched again, because they will remember! 😉
Website design By BotEap.comScrewdriver. Usually a small to medium flat head screwdriver is needed to loosen the screws on the electrical points, although it may be better to use a small slow electric screwdriver as some screws are really long. This is a very useful and time-saving tool, especially since in some kitchens you may find more than 8 sockets.
Website design By BotEap.comWater-cooled diamond cutter (wear ear protectors). This tool is a must when you need to cut around objects or very small strips of tiles.
Website design By BotEap.comBe sure to protect the surrounding area from splashing water and chipping tiles. Be sure to use an electrical circuit breaker as this is a potentially dangerous environment.
Website design By BotEap.comHammer, nails and lath. These will be needed if you need to bridge the gap between the base units (where the freestanding kitchen fits).
Website design By BotEap.comPencil and tile marker. The pencil is mainly for marking the tile guide level or plumb and the tile marker is a better and more visible way of marking tiles, especially if the glaze is very smooth as some pencils will not mark some tiles easily .
Website design By BotEap.comThe tile markers are really great to use on polished marbles and granites and won’t come off when they get wet with the water cooled cutter.
Website design By BotEap.comBubble level or 600 mm laser level. This is necessary to make sure the tile is level and plumb, to check the countertop, underside of cabinets, and to mark the center line on the kitchen (if applicable).
Website design By BotEap.comThe laser level is most useful (sometimes essential) if there are obstacles in the way, making it impossible to use the spirit level.
Website design By BotEap.comFine tooth hacksaw. This is necessary to cut the batten and, if used, the shingle trim. If tile trim is being installed, you will also need a miter box.
Website design By BotEap.comType of measure.
Website design By BotEap.comPaddles for spreading and mixing. It is important to use the correct depth and type of adhesive spreader. There are several variables that will determine the type of spreader needed for the job at hand. Things to consider are:
Website design By BotEap.comtile type, tile size, tile thickness, tile background, surface to be coated, indoor or outdoor location, home or community application, type of adhesive, and even temperature condition. Your tile store should give you some advice based on these variables. In case of doubt, contact the technical department of the adhesive supplier.
Website design By BotEap.comWhen buying a mixing trowel, get one that has a flat end and not a pointed one, as you will be able to remove more of the mixed material.
Website design By BotEap.comGrout floats (squeegee) or putty knife. This is for applying the grout or cement into the tile joints. These tools have a very limited lifespan, sometimes only lasting one job (depending on the texture of the tile). For a better job my advice is to get the float as you can work the grout much faster with less mess.
Website design By BotEap.comScotch tape. Very useful for placing a cut tile on top of an electrical socket (to prevent it from sliding down inside the socket). Or when mosaics are placed on a window.
Website design By BotEap.com2 clean buckets and a sponge. One for the slurry and one for clean water.
Website design By BotEap.comClean clothes. Dust grout residue from tiles and adjacent surroundings.
Website design By BotEap.comDust mask.
Website design By BotEap.comProtective glasses.
Website design By BotEap.comRubber or latex gloves.
Website design By BotEap.comSilicone applicator.
Website design By BotEap.comDustpan and brush.
Website design By BotEap.comTools for tiling floors.
Website design By BotEap.comIf you need to tile a concrete-based floor, you’ll need many of the above tools, plus:
Website design By BotEap.comPossibly a manual and electric tile cutter of different sizes (to accommodate different tile sizes).
Website design By BotEap.comStraight edge to align tiles.
Website design By BotEap.comRubber hammer. For helping the bed some tiles.
Website design By BotEap.comChalk line or laser level to mark a starting point.
Website design By BotEap.comsquare, knee pads, dust mask, broom.
Website design By BotEap.comArchitrave cutting saw. If you have a lot of architrave to cut, you may want to invest in a Multimaster.
Website design By BotEap.comThis multi-versatile tool has many uses, including specialty kits for plumbing, tiling, and carpentry. It’s also great for many jobs around the home and hobbies.
Website design By BotEap.comElectrical extension (with RCD circuit breaker).
Website design By BotEap.comSuction cups. To help lift, carry and even adjust larger tiles during installation.
Website design By BotEap.comIf you need to tile a wood floor with the need for an overlay, then you will also need some carpenter’s tools to cut and install plywood or other types of overlay. These are:
Website design By BotEap.comJigsaw or manual.
Website design By BotEap.comworkbench
Website design By BotEap.comclamps.
Website design By BotEap.comPower drill/driver (buy a decent one with good torque and long battery life).
Website design By BotEap.comCircular saw.
Website design By BotEap.comVacuum cleaner.
Website design By BotEap.comThe list can continue depending on the floor preparation required.
Website design By BotEap.comIf the project is unique, then it may be better to hire some of the more expensive tools. If that’s the case, be sure to get full instructions on how to operate them.
Website design By BotEap.comBefore using power tools, always read the instruction manuals that came with that tool and apply any necessary safety protections.