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Tools for Tiling

There are quite a number of tools that can be used for a tiling project as it depends on the type of work, the tiles used as well as the preparation method. Here are some of the basic tools:

Dust Sheets

These items help you save a lot of money by avoiding damage to surfaces such as worktops and soft floor coverings, especially surfaces that can be easily scratched and stained such as natural wood.

Paintbrush

The paintbrush is used to apply tile primer. Some use a mini roller but for smaller areas, brush works better. Brushes also allow you to control primer runs as these can be dangerous if it comes into contact with electrical sockets.

Manual Cutter

The type of cutter used depends on the type and thickness of the tiles that you are using. For thin ceramic tiles, most plastic cutters can do whereas for thicker tiles such as porcelain and glass tiles, a metal or alloy cutter should see the job through. These cutters are more expensive than the plastic ones but copes better from thin to thick tiles. Purchase cutters that are compatible with the tile size you intend to use with.

Tile Nippers

There are several different nippers being sold and as with the cutters, nippers also depend on the tile type and its application. Standard tile nippers come with a flat 90° cutting edge which is generally used to cut and shape the tiles though it is not recommended for mosaic tiles as it will shatter when cut. The cutting end of the nipper is usually made from tungsten carbide. Other common types of nippers are the parrot nipper and mosaic nipper as well as wheeled nippers.

Screw Driver

A small to medium flat head screwdriver is usually used in tiling for loosening electrical point screws. A small electrical screwdriver is commonly used as it is useful and time saving especially in areas with more than 8 sockets.

Water cooled diamond cutter

This tool needs ear defenders and it is a must have tool in tiling to cut around objects of very small strips of tiles.

Pencil and tile marker

These items are needed in not only tiling but practically any DIY or home improvement job. The pencil is used mainly to mark areas such as the plumb line whereas the tile marker creates a more visible way for marking tiles especially if the glaze is really smooth as it won’t come off when wet. These surfaces don’t go well with pencil marking.

Grout floats (squeegee) or spatula

This tool is used for applying group or cement for the tile joints.

Apart from the items above, you would also need tape measure, masking tape, sponges and buckets and a clean cloth for dusting off grout residue, cleaning access dust and other stains.

For safety, the equipment you would need is protective gloves, silicon applicators, dustpans and brushes, as well as an eye mask. It also helps if you used a face mask.

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