How to Cut Ceramic Tile

[NBEVAN]

Just use a pair of Parrot Nippers or normal nippers.

[kcklam]

Hey Tim, love the can do attitude, keep up the great videos!

[regfarwell]

Never mind DIY GSI works for me that is get someone in!

[immo121]

another quick and easy method i find works is to chip away at it with a pair of pliers ;)

[951700983]

Tim, It's Perfect, Thanks.

[RyanBhoy92]

use a grinder lol you'll be there all day with a saw

[Taxminia0311]

purchase or rent a Dremel tool w/ the cutting guide attachment, #565 & tile cutting bit, #562. Don't cut into the tile straight in w/ the tip of the bit, angle the bit into the tile so as to start your hole.Guide gives more control & keeps you at a 90 degree angle w/ the surface your cutting. You can adjust the depth of the guide.

To cut the green board, you can use a drywall bit, #560, that comes #565.

Take your time & stay on the line you have marked and let the speed do the work.

[Slic3R1]

or you can just use a dremel tool lol

thanks for the vid

[95090978]

every video i have seen is about laying tile putting the sub floor down and all that other stuf,,,,problem is they buzz right threw the grout process or they do it in time laps so there no good videos......

[AsktheBuilder]

@95090978 Are you kidding me? I have an entire SERIES of videos showing you how to grout floor tile. Did you type into the YouTube search engine:  Grout Tile Tim Carter

Do it and see what happens. Jeeeeesh...... Heavy Sigh.....

[mikeyc05]

another way if you are a professional that tiles on a daily basis is to use an angle grinder with a diamond edged blade and mark it on the back of the tile and cut. its a lot faster and easier

[AsktheBuilder]

@mikeyc05 Correct. But you sort of missed the point. Many DIYrs only have to make one or two cuts like this in a lifetime. Since most already have a hacksaw, it's far cheaper for them to buy the carbide rod saw blade than an expensive grinder.

[rsfeller]

These videos are great for DIYers who will not obsess over every detail. You so called "pros" on here need to relax. If we wanted your incredible quality and could afford to do it "just right"...we would have called you. Just relax...why are you even here if you are an expert?

[AsktheBuilder]

@rsfeller Thanks for this great comment. You hear from the *pros* typically because they fear for their jobs. The young pups that often comment are worried to death about secrets getting out. What they don't understand is that the vast majority of people are not DIYrs. There's plenty of work out there for the pros that are truly professional. They never have to advertise.

[8anos7]

@rsfeller we are here to see if something new has been invented.

[AsktheBuilder]

@flicked1969 Uh, that was not an option. The pattern was centered in the opening of the exhaust hood. Moving that one tile would have messed up the vertical grout lines. I suggest you do your own video showing your Moving Method being sure to cover all the things that happen when you move just the one tile. Once you've posted this video on your channel, come back and add it here as a Video Response.

[harrie2007]

How do one make a hole @ bottom end of a ceramic or porcelain mug

[KoreyBigchild]

could you of just used some nips?

[AsktheBuilder]

Yes. This video shows a rod saw. Another video can show nips. If you're a tile setter, we'd love to see you produce and put that video on your channel! :->

[stilln68la]

good vid,i luv you tim.

[stilln68la]

score the cut with an angle grinder from the back side of the tile and trim with the nips.doing it this way can be fun also.

[haggis]

ahhh I see the cost thing has been addressed. Well good on your for having a cheap method. I am simply pleased that there are some cheaper options available now for hard to cut tile like Porcelain.

Good vid. Cheers

[AsktheBuilder]

I agree. Porcelain would be a bear to cut by hand.

[haggis]

ROTO ZIP.

The tile cutting model R5-T is dirt cheap. The diamond bit is included and is worth about half the price of the saw *Canadian* 84cdn with a 40$ bit is not bad. Anyhow worth a look since it's good for so many other projects.

[dustydawg42]

Rod Saw - About $3.  Depends on length.

[speedygonzalez22222]

and from one thing to another that tile bit sux i bought one to do a small hole and that dam thing jammed in the hole and broke off right away, the thing is to brittel i think , enyway i also had one of those things to put in the drill with a carbid tip and you can adjust the diameter that saved my day. So tile bit 13.00 $ canadien broken, adjustabel carbid whole saw 5.00$ canadien winner

Thank you for some nice tips and trix tim :D

[javieradrianchomer]

Could you write down the name of the material of the tool that you are using ,

thanks a lot, great video

[AsktheBuilder]

You mean the rod saw? The tool that's in the hacksaw frame?

[rekkhabusy]

Tim, This is an excellent inexpensive idea to cut the tile. Thanks for your time & I love u tim.

[Drennan3]

I think I've just seen it all....hope your not paid by the ft.

[AsktheBuilder]

You may have seen it all, but you surely haven't read it all. It really pays to *read* all the comments before you leave yours. Had you done that, you would have never typed what you did.

[diahni]

I have some small tile cutting jobs to do. I'm glad I don't have to rent a big tile cutter.

Thanks! There is more than one way to skin a cat, not that I'd want to!

[teshnic]

Thanks for your vids. Got a Question?

Have you tried using a High-speed Dremel tool for those cuts?

[AsktheBuilder]

No. Wrong tool..... The best analogy I can offer at this moment would be like using a 7 1/4-inch circular saw to cut down a 24-inch diameter tree.

[auzziman911]

all tile cutting should be done with low speed, as high speed will over heat the tile and cause it to break

[Lengsel7]

A Dremel with a tile bit is about 10,000 times better than your hack-saw.

[AsktheBuilder]

And what about all those thousands of homeowners that can't afford the Dremel? But happen to have a hacksaw frame at their workbench? You need to realize that not everyone has the same tools. I could have done this video with my Dremel, or my expensive DeWalt wet saw. That wasn't the point......

[usaearthling]

that's what I'm talking about. I have a hacksaw handy and want to do this right now, not when I think I can afford a Dremel. Which is why this video is so helpful versus some idiot's ideas that doesn't have a video, but think they need to come on here and put in their two cents worth. Thanks Tim this was a great quick and inexpensive idea.

[shmocko22]

If the tile does not have a hole in it already, should you drill one then do this process?

[AsktheBuilder]

Yes, if you don't own a circular saw or grinder as discussed in other comments about this video.

[bullterrier84]

You are a champion mate, good on you for providing us with awsome and very educational videos, i realy enjoy them, good on you once again and keep up the good work =)))))

[AsktheBuilder]

Thanks. I try. There are many ways to accomplish a task. I try to show ones that the common man can do.

[bullterrier84]

Yep you are absolutely right. Thank you for yourtime. Big HELLO from Sydney,AUS

[AsktheBuilder]

Thanks again. Come visit us here in New Hampshire, USA.

[AsktheBuilder]

None taken.

[dec6816]

what about the gap on the left,tile layed out wrong builder man,,

[AsktheBuilder]

I hate to say it, but you're 100% wrong. The tile is centered in the opening so the framed pattern is exactly where it is supposed to be. All gaps are/were filled with the needed cut pieces. Watch my Remodeling Kitchen video to see the completed tilework backsplash.

[tsiemens1]

I use an angle grinder with a dry diamond blade for that at work, if you mark it from the back, you can see when you're through the surface. It takes a steady hand but its faster than the hacksaw

[Nebrox]

Will this blade work with harder tiles for instance porcelain tiles?

[AsktheBuilder]

Absolutely yes. It will cut any tile or natural stone.

[RealBigR]

Nice tip.

[beentryin]

a roto zip or a dremel with the right attachment works great for that

[AsktheBuilder]

Indeed it does. I couldn't agree more. This video was for a homeowner who doesn't want to spend that kind of money on a tool they might use one time. The point was to show you could cut a hole or shape with a rod saw - a very inexpensive blade that fits in a hack-saw frame that most homeowners own. Thanks for your comment!

[ballsniff13]

how much is the rod saw blade

[AsktheBuilder]

Can you type:

rod saw price

into Google????  :->

[SucceedsAtWill]

hahaha I watch you vids just to see another persons methods once in a while. I was wondering if you ever get fed up with stupid questions

[AsktheBuilder]

There are no stupid questions. But useless comments? You bet I get my fair share.

[gaura]

but what's with that tile with a square  in it then when you covered it, it looked like a mistake

[AsktheBuilder]

Those are special tiles that accept small square accent tiles that have different designs. You can see these small tiles in adjacent places on the wall.

[bmvj0213]

I read through all the comments just to see if anyone else caught that. The big square did leave a whole bigger than the trim could cover. Has nothing to do with the hole cutting method, but makes the video look sloppy. I love to watch TV goobs make mistakes and not acknowledge it. Just watch Flip This House for about 3 minutes. LOL.

[auzziman911]

that aquare is for the tozzetto insert

(another seperate tile) yet to be cut

[rolficus]

thanks for the tips its great my bathroom will be like the cisteen chapple cheers

[stevo6728]

Can you put a hole in the middle of the tile with a dremmel tool? Can you trill the hole with one of the big circle drill bits?

[AsktheBuilder]

Yes, you can do both with the right tool and bits.

[bswetnam]

The tile had a hole in it to begin with. What common tools can you use to start the initial hole?

[AsktheBuilder]

Great question. Common tools being the key word! I would have to say the most common tool a homeowner might have would be a sharp masonry bit. Maybe one that drilled a 3/8-inch hole. That might be large enough to allow you to insert the carbide rod-saw blade.

[bombarderoazul]

Just use a grinder with a 4 inch diamond blade, it's a lot faster. I work for a tile company and that's what we use, just cut it from the back of the tile.

[AsktheBuilder]

Thanks for your comment. This video is primarily for homeowners who don't own an expensive grinder, but likely have a hacksaw. All the pros watching this video have either a grinder, a wet saw, a RotoZip tool with the diamond bits, etc. Homeowners rarely have these great tools.

[auzziman911]

:D now you can get a grinder for as little as $10aud thats about $7 usd

[AsktheBuilder]

Maybe you can is Australia, but not here. I don't know of any power tool that can be bought for $7

[nuffnuffs]

Thanks...very helpful

[astchiefy]

Good Tip. Doing tile now and this is just what the doctor ordered

[casino007007]

why you don't drill the hole much faster???

[AsktheBuilder]

It's called Hollywood slow....

[Masowai]

casino007007 wrote: why you don't drill the hole much faster???

Masowai responded: Dude, he didn't drill it.  In fact, a drill never made an appearance in this clip. You're retarded.

[AsktheBuilder]

Furthermore, the purpose of the video was to show the average *homeowner* an inexpensive way to create the hole. Homeowners don't own expensive wet saws nor do they own a set of diamond-bit hole saws. They can buy a rod saw blade for next to nothing however. Thanks for jumping in with your comment.

[AsktheBuilder]

No doubt. Earlier in the comments I mentioned how this video is for homeowners, not pros. Homeowners do not own grinders, wet saws and even nippers. But for *very* little money, they can buy a rod saw. Homeowners often have far more time than money, so they are reluctant to buy a tool for one-time use. And the cost to rent can be very high - to them - as well.

[gluebagblues]

i think a grinder and nippers would be a lot

faster .

[suprmario96]

exacto knifes are for paper only

[wannaseesumfun]

Use a lockboy.

[gav4010]

It is alot easier to use a drill. You can pick up an arrow head as the attachment and simply drill the hole.

[drummerdude6485]

I have been wondering how they get those pipes, tubes, etc. through the tile. And would it be possible to use an "Exacto Knife?"

[AsktheBuilder]

I don't think so. Those are razor knifes for artists.

[drummerdude6485]

OKAY, thanks alot! I was just wandering.

[drummerdude6485]

Wow, thanks so much for this very cool video. I have been wondering how they get those pipes, tubes, etc. through the tile. And would it be possible to use an "Exacto Knife?" It is weird because I never seen them put on The Backsplash and have pipes, and tubes in the way!

[TileMasterGa]

it takes 10 secounds 4 me!!!

[spermbank1]

Surely it would have been quicker to use a diamond drill bit the same size as the notch??

[Paveliux123]

I love your videos, You Sir help a lot for people ;)

[21brian12]

How long would it take to cut out an opening for a toilet flange using this method? Would it even be feasible? Or would I be better off borrowing my fathers grinder? I need it to be as close to the flange as possible so I can use a super ring to tie the toilet down since the original flange is shot.

[AsktheBuilder]

It depends how hard the tile is and how far away the grinder is. If it was soft tile, the cut would be made it 10 minutes with the rod saw.

[canofwhipass]

OMG.A ROD Saw ? Try a angle grinder with daimond blade.Cut lots of small lines into the area you want to remove & then use Ceramic Tile Snips. These Snips are also available in specail shape for round shapes. By doing this you will get job done a couple of days faster.

[AsktheBuilder]

I agree on all points. Many homeowners can't afford a grinder. The rod saw, though slower, is affordable. The nippers or snips can have a tough time doing an inner-circle cut. They are fine for outside cuts, but you need a starting hole to be able to do an inside cut.

[asher1112]

Tim,

I enjoyed your video and it will come in handy when I tackle my bathroom soon.

Do you make house calls?

Just joking and keep up with the great videos.

Do you have any videos on pouring concrete,preforms and such?

[AsktheBuilder]

If you live in New Hampshire, I might consider it..... I am getting ready to do a video on a small concrete walkway.

[nioe1]

im a tiler and thats the way you should not do cut a tile you nip it out with a parrot beak snips it would take 2sec. to do and not 30mins. why dont you make another vid doing it the right way.

[AsktheBuilder]

Nioe1, Thanks for your comment. With all due respect, you have a YouTube account..... Why don't *you* make the video showing how to use nippers....... :->

[jocky102]

i think the easiest way if you dont know how to use the nippers is to take the guard off the wet cutter, everyone uses a wet cutter when tiling (diy or professional) and plunge the tile onto the blade, take your time though, if it is like your tile it is easy because you can see through the tile, then you can slowly turn the tile to create the curve your looking for.

the nippers CAN be messy if you haven't already scored the tile with a rubi cutter.

[daswaed1]

Tim, I'm thinking about doing a backsplash w/a stone tile. Do I need to rent a tile cutter or can I use a rod saw?

[AsktheBuilder]

If you can get up as many field tile as possible leaving only all the cuts, it is really worth renting a wet saw.

[jocky102]

im a self employed tiler and was wondering whether or not the tiling stores in America actually offer to cut tiles for you at a cost of course (when i say *at a cost* i mean they do it for nearly free because they are making money from the sale anyway, you mark on the tile where it should be cut and take it into them, they cut it you save the cost of a cutter hire and get the cut you want.

[stanger77]

This was awesome!!!!!

[humynism]

Awesome! I love your videos!!! I wish you were my neighbor.

[AsktheBuilder]

Move to New Hampshire.

[amen2233]

I'm sure dynamite would have made a neater job......

[lisafish]

any tiler worth his salt would just nip that hole out with a pair of parrot beak snips.  its not exactly a hard cut

[AsktheBuilder]

Lisa,

Are you one of those???? If so, get out that video camera and show everyone. My video above was just showing *one* way to do it, not saying it is the *best* way......

[marmanson96]

I think the video was good and very helpful for me as a homeowner, at the beginning i was skeptical and was going to purchase a Roto Zip or grinder but why spend over $50 on tools to cut ONLY ONE HOLE if i can do the same with a rod-saw blade. This video is addressed to people like me, not to those who spend hours at HD looking for fancy tools. Kudos, for the video. TX.

[AsktheBuilder]

You are most welcome. That was the point when I taped it. I realize homeowners can't always afford the tools I have, so I try to show alternative methods. But I always get spanked by some who think I show the wrong or slowest method. Oh well, you can't please everyone!

[azproject]

honestly the tile looks thick for a rotorzip bit.. I rememebr using dremel tile and burnt that 8 dollar bit cutting similiar thick tile. For what it's worth ...the roto zip is best ..I used ryobi ( not as good) forget the dremel for cutting any tile. Again this method is cheapest and no every tool box can use such a blade altogether.

[AsktheBuilder]

Good job WS510510! I have done that many times. Wet saws are amazing. The by-hand method I show in my video is for all the homeowners out there that can't afford the $1,000 wet saws you and I have. The rod-saw blade is less than 10 bucks. Thanks for doing this demo!

[noddy1972uk]

no its not u cut thru the back of the tile with a 4inch blade iw ould posta vid but im 2 busy tiling

[AsktheBuilder]

That's too bad for all of us. I guess people will just have to do it the way I show..... Heavy Sigh....... We were counting on you.......

[AsktheBuilder]

Excellent! Please do us a favor and make the identical cut in the same location on a large piece of tile. My hole was about 7/8 inch in diameter.

[noddy1972uk]

lmao wat a cock...thats the way 2 do it if u wanna take all week to tile the kitchen...wat u do is use an angle grinder with a 4 inch diamond blade and notch it out with that

[AsktheBuilder]

Thanks for the comment. Read all of the comments and my replies to see why that will not work. If you think you can do it, then make the identical cut and tape a video showing us. The blade diameter is too large for that small of a cut.

[ws510510]

Actually you can cut a really small hole with a grinder(4 inch blade) or a tile saw with a ten inch blade if you cut it from the back. Not a problem. Helps to have experiance (20 years for me) Roto zip works well as long as it's not Porcelain tile.

[AsktheBuilder]

I agree you can use grinders and saws to make cuts from behind. All of us are waiting to see the videos from those of you who say it can be done. Share your knowledge visually so we can *see* it......

[KanoakaVirus]

lol

[blaster2163]

I do tile and stone for a living. You dont cut it that way because if you did we would be there a year trying that. You take your angle grinder with a 4" blade which is any true tile mans best friend and cut from the back side of the tile, then pop off with nips if needed...who has time to stop and hacksaw tile?

[AsktheBuilder]

You missed the point. Many homeowners do not own an expensive grinder. But millions own a hacksaw and can buy an inexpensive rod blade. I urge you to tape your own videos showing your methods.

[xXsnitchyXx]

you missed the point totaly

any handy man with a 4 inch grinder (with the gaurd off as u have to to such work )is an accindent waiting to happen

Tim has done a great job in 90 sec's mate ,you need to broaden your horizon's son

[AsktheBuilder]

xXsnitghyXx- You are correct. Plus, you need a very-small diameter grinding wheel to make the cut in this video. If someone thinks they can do an interior cut as shown with a 4-inch grinder, I wish they would tape a video showing us how.

[Skunk980]

will a jig saw work. there is a ceramic blade, it looks just like the rod saw. please respond. thanks.

[AsktheBuilder]

Yes, but you need to create a hole to insert the blade.

[izla5]

just use a ROTO ZIP.

[Skunk980]

I agree with you.

[2882890]

Hold on a second. It's easy because there is a big square (well not big) in the middle of the tile. How would you do this if the tile was solid?

[AsktheBuilder]

Drill, use a grinder with a VERY small diameter wheel, rod saw, etc.

[djnikyc]

You have lost the plot! use a angle grinder from the back of the tile of use some nipers parot nipers work good!!!

[AsktheBuilder]

Tape a video showing that method. Keep in mind the hole can't be any bigger than 1" x 1" when done....... :-) Your angle grinder better have a tiny wheel....... :-)

[auzziman911]

i use a 4inch grinder to cut hole's in tiles as you can do this buy cutting the face of the tile and then cut throught the back of the tile, vis this method i can cut holes easily 10mmx 10mm but the way you showed people is great for handy men around the home.. :D but you should show them how to do it when you dont have a hole in the middle to start with

[AsktheBuilder]

Thanks for your comment. You have a YouTube channel. How about *you* tape the video and post it to show your method as well as doing it with no starter hole.

[bwh82]

Tim is a god. lol

[AsktheBuilder]

Uh, I wouldn't go quite that far.... :-)

[ryanbrownnew]

He used a wet saw and it didnt work? (causing the grooves) what is he on about? you hold the tile over the top of a wet saw until it goes righ through - do it 4 times and you have a square - called drop cuts and you can do it in half the time than a saw.

[mosaicmeneac]

Yep I did the same by using a small angle grinder, making a cross first, then cutting the sides - the triangular bits came out easily, then I used pincers to finish off curves - that way the corners were quite neat. A trick I learned from cutting cloth or paper in craft work....but I'm going to try Tim's saw way next time (girls CAN build 2)

[1ToNJaB]

well done Tim, youve done it again!!

This guy rocks.

[MuhsinTheMomin]

i just use ceramic hole cutting saw bit. costs around 9 quid. you'll need em. especially if your fitting around plumbing fixtures, tilling a bathroom etc. comes in 15 mm and 22 mm.

[ZodiacKilah]

Oh great thats a really good tip never new it before :)

[123TauruZ321]

This is also a way to do it - i doubt many professionals use this method. The positive side of it is that it creates little dust and noise

Firstly, one can use the smallest type of angle grinder. Mark the tile the way shown in the video, then start tearing at the BACK of the tile. One might have to tear at it for a while. Remember safety goggles and ear protection.

Secondly, there is a type of machine that drive holes into tiles with special diamond circular shaped cutting devices.

[ThisNamesNowTaken]

Nice... I just got home from helping a handyman put floor tile and grouting it. It was my first time doing that sort of thing and the guy was patient enough to teach me. It was sort of tiresome work but the feeling I got looking at the end result at the end of the day was priceless.

[wbradd3797]

repost?????

[AsktheBuilder]

Confused........ :-/

[ForceUser]

He thinks you've posted the video before. But anyway I haven't seen it yet, nice vid.