Like any job or project cutting, setting, or repairing tiles requires the correct tools. The following are the most essential tools used by tile professionals, DIY homeowner’s, and anyone working with tile.
Tile Cutter: Also called a snap cutter, this is an inexpensive way to cut tile. It’s a useful tool if you need to cut a few tiles for smaller jobs in which the tiles aren’t too big, heavy, or made from stone.
Tile Stone: It’s always a smart idea to use one of these to smooth over sharp edges of tiles cut from a snap cutter. It can also be used to take off small pieces or edges so that tiles can fit.
Wet Tile Saw: This is the best way to cut tile, but also the most expensive. Wet tile saws use a diamond blade cooled by water to effortlessly slice through large quantities of any material tile.
Tile Grinder: A very useful tool for making odd cuts as well as being great for removing old tile. This tool is less accurate than a wet saw because it is hand held.
Trowel: The trowel is used to spread and apply mortar on the surface which the tile will be laid. It also is used to apply mortar to the back of the tiles.
Tile Spacers: These are an extremely important tool. Tile spacers are used to space tiles evenly. They are used in the corners of the tile.
Rubber Mallet: This is the perfect tool to softly set tiles into the mortar without damaging them.
Needle nose Pliers: While not essential, these are a great tool to have on hand when removing tile spacers.
Grout Float: While it looks almost like a trowel, this tool is used for apply grout into the joints. It is also used to get rid of extra grout on the surface of the tiles and can be used to push tile into the mortar as well.
Grout Sponge: This sponge is used to help wipe off extra grout from the tile.
Buff Rags: These are handy for buffing out grout haze.
Caulk Gun: The perfect tool for filling in expansion joints and where the tile meets other material.
With the exception of the wet tile saw (which not every project will need) these tools are pretty much all essential as well as inexpensive. Before starting any tiling job it would be wise to have all of these tools on hand before you start your project to ensure properly cut, laid, or repaired tiles which will be enjoyed for years to come.
For a good article to get you started tiling click here:http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/12/garden/learning-to-tile-and-taking-it-slow-the-pragmatist.html?pagewanted=all
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