How To Use A Ceramic Tile Cutter
08/05/2025When working with tiles, precision is everything, which is why you need a reliable tile cutter. Knowing how to use a ceramic tile cutter correctly can save time, reduce waste, and deliver a cleaner, more professional finish. In this guide, we explore the different types of ceramic tile cutters available and walk you through step-by-step instructions to ensure perfect cuts every time.
Understanding the Different Types of Ceramic Tile Cutters
Before diving into the "how-to," it helps to understand the various types of ceramic tile cutters available:
Manual Ceramic Tile Cutter: Ideal for straightforward, straight cuts. These are operated by scoring the tile surface and snapping it along the score line. Popular brands include Rubi ceramic tile cutter ranges, such as the Rubi TX-MAX Range, and Sigma ceramic tile cutters, such as Sigma Series 4 NEX Tile Cutters.
Electric Ceramic Tile Cutter: These are perfect for cutting thicker tiles or making curved and angled cuts. They use a powered blade to slice through the material. Go-tos include the Bihui Automatic Electric Tile Cutting Machine 230v BU-TCSA1200 or Rubi DC-250 1200 Python.
Find out more: The Best Electric Tile Cutter.
Wet Ceramic Tile Cutter / Wet Saw Ceramic Tile Cutter: These electric cutters use water to cool the blade, reducing dust and preventing tile cracking. They are particularly effective for dense or delicate tiles. Also, cutting tiles thicker than 15mm is not always possible using a manual cutter. For tiles thicker than 15mm a wet saw should be considered. Suggestions include the Raimondi Pikus 150 Advanced Bridge Wet Saw, Montolit Brooklyn F1 Bridge Wet Saw, Battipav Class Plus 1300S Laser & Level Bridge Saw, Battipav VIP 2110 Bridge Saw
Small Ceramic Tile Cutter: Compact and portable, best for smaller tiles or confined workspaces. A popular option would be the Mini Montolit, and here’s a guide on the Best Small Tile Cutter: A Guide On How To Cut Small Tiles.
Choosing the best ceramic tile cutter depends on your project size, tile material, and desired cut precision.
Read more: The Best Drill Bits For Ceramic Tile
How To Use a Ceramic Tile Cutter Step-By-Step
1. Setting Out & Marking The Tile
Use a pencil or tile marker to mark the cut line. A ruler, chalk lines, or tiling squares ensure accuracy.
Read more: How To Read A Tape Measure
2. Position the Tile
Place the tile onto the cutter base, aligning the marked line with the scoring wheel.
3. Score the Tile
Firmly guide the scoring wheel across the tile in a single, consistent motion.
Read more: Best Scoring Wheel for Porcelain Tile
4. Snap the Tile
Once scored, apply pressure using the cutter's breaking mechanism. The tile should snap cleanly along the scored line.
5. Using an Electric or Wet Ceramic Tile Cutter
If using an electric ceramic tile cutter, ensure it is set up with personal protective equipment (PPE), such as work gloves and safety glasses. For wet saw ceramic tile cutters, fill the reservoir with water before cutting. Slowly guide the tile through the blade for smooth, accurate cuts.
Tips for Best Results When Cutting Ceramic Tiles
Always wear safety gear.
Use a sharp scoring wheel for manual cutters.
Clean your cutter after each use to maintain efficiency.
Practice on spare tiles to build confidence before making final cuts.
Recommended Ceramic Tile Cutters from Pro Tiler Tools
At Pro Tiler Tools, we stock a wide range of high-performance ceramic tile cutters. Whether you need a large ceramic tile cutter for commercial jobs or a small ceramic tile cutter for home DIY, we have the right tool to meet your needs. Here are some high-quality, popular ceramic tile cutter options:
Ceramic Tile Cutter | Image | Description |
 | Mini Montolits are a great compact tile cutter for kitchens, cloakrooms, bathrooms and other small areas. Options include: | |
 | The Montolit P5 range is designed to tackle the most recent and innovative ceramic materials (including new formats of increasingly tough porcelain but also extremely delicate vitrified tiles). Options include:
Read more: Exclusive Montolit Masterpiuma 63P5XL Black Edition Tile Cutter For Black Friday | |
 | Precision, practical use, and low weight are the main characteristics of Sigma tile cutters. Suitable for cutting all types of commercially available tiles. Here are popular options from the Sigma NEX range: | |
 | The "UP" handle on this range is designed for pulling incisions that are quick and easy for cutting tiles. Here are the options available: | |
 | TS-MAX manual cutters offer professionals a light and functional tool. They are generally ideal for the intensive cutting of ceramic tiles, and especially for the frequent cutting of porcelain tiles (BIa type). Here are the different models in the range: | |
 | The TX-MAX range of professional manual cutters are perfect for INTENSIVE cutting of all types of ceramic tiles. Thanks to its high-performance MULTIPOINT separator and its rotating square system, the TX-MAX models allow quick and easy execution of angular cuts. Here are the options: | |
 | Super professional tile cutter “TO PUSH” for diagonal and straight cuts on single-double-fired ceramic and porcelain stoneware tiles. Options include: | |
 | For diagonal and straight cuts on single-double-fired ceramic and porcelain stoneware tiles. Super lightweight, for maximum portability. The range:
Read more: Best Rated Tile Cutters: Everything You Need To Know About Battipav Tile Cutters |
Mastering how to use a ceramic tile cutter starts with understanding your tools. With the right cutter and a little practice, even complex tiling jobs can be tackled with confidence. As there is such a wide variety of choices when it comes to finding the best tile cutter for your project, it’s worth noting that if you require guidance when placing an order, our expert team is ready to help. Contact us at 01604 859800 today.