Tile spike
This sharp tool has a tungsten-carbide tip used for scoring a line across a tile before snapping it along the line.
Tile file
A file for smoothing rough edges on cut tiles.
Tile saw
A deep frame handsaw fitted with a tungsten-carbide rod for cutting curves and other irregular shapes in ceramic tiles. As the rod is circular in section the saw can cut in any direction, making it ideal for accurately cutting tiles to fit around pipes, washbasins and baths. When the cutting rod is worn it can be replaced.
Powered wet saw
An electric power saw fitted with a diamond cutting disc that produces a constant cutting speed, resulting in extremely smooth cuts. Excellent for cutting terracotta and quarry tiles.
Circular tile cutter
A circular attachment for a power drill for cutting holes in tiles that need to have pipes passed through.
Platform tile cutter
A score-and-snap cutter with a measuring gauge that allows you to score and cut tiles accurately. It is advisable to buy a heavy-duty platform tile cutter as the cheaper models are less accurate and cannot be used to cut floor tiles. With the tile positioned on the bed, lower the scoring wheel onto the surface of the tile and draw it along the glazed surface. Press the leaver down and the pressure will cause the tile to snap cleanly along the scored line.
Tile nibblers
Resembling pliers, this tool is used for breaking off small amounts of tile along a scored line.
Cutting wheel and snapper
This is a hand-held tile cutter that works on the same principle as the score-and-snap cutter. Use the blade to score a line on the tile, then position it securely between the tool’s jaws and apply downward pressure on either side. The tile will snap cleanly in two.
Adhesive spreader
A small plastic trowel with serrated edges used to apply tile adhesive evenly to walls. The serrated edges create a ridged bed of adhesive. An adhesive spreader is often supplied with the tile adhesive.
Adhesive spreader and grouter
A plastic, dual-purpose tool used for both applying adhesive and spreading grout. One edge is notched to apply adhesive evenly to the walls, while the opposite edge consists of a rubber blade which is excellent for forcing grout into the narrow gaps between the tiles.
Grout rake
A small hand tool fitted with a blade that is used to remove old grout that needs to be replaced.
Grout shaper
By running the grout shaper along the grout line you create a neat, smooth finish.
Tile gauge
A gauge made from a length of batten used to ensure that rows of tiles on either side of an obstacle – such as a window – are symmetrical. Holding the batten up against the laid tiles on one side of the object, mark the width of the tiles plus the gaps for the spacers on the batten. Moving to the other side of the object you will now be able to accurately mark the position of the tiles.
Chinagraph pencil
A pencil made from pigmented grease for marking smooth surfaces like ceramic tiles, glass or laminated surfaces. Never use a felt-tipped pen to indicate the line where a tile needs to be cut; because if the ink gets on the back of the tile it can penetrate and show beneath the glazed surface.
Tile spacers
Small plastic spacers in the form of a cross, used to produce a uniform gap between straight-edged tiles. As the tiles are stuck to the wall the spacers are inserted at the corners of tiles. The spacers are removed before grouting.
Profile gauge
More commonly used when laying floor tiles. Press the gauge up against any edge and the shape will be replicated, so it can be transferred onto a tile. A profile gauge is ideal for cutting out the exact shape of the architrave at the bottom of a doorframe.