What tools are used
The following types of devices are used to install ceramic decor.
These include:
- Tile cutter;
- Mixer;
- Building level;
- Chisel;
- Roulette;
- Marker;
- Notched trowel;
- Silicone spatula.
Thanks to these components, it is possible to quickly decorate the bathroom space. Experts recommend not saving on purchasing these tools. The final result depends on their quality.
Tool for removing old tiles
This type of tool is intended for preparatory work. The metal rod at the bottom has a flattened base that allows you to remove old tiles.
In addition, the tool can be used to dismantle wall structures and floor coverings.
The speed of work depends on the length of the tool handle. Products with a short lever are recommended to be used for mosaic coverings. To prevent the chisel from slipping out of your hand during use, it is recommended to purchase models with a rubberized handle.
Wire cutters
An additional production tool for tiling is nippers. When the cutting tool cannot cope with the scorched tiles, then the nippers are very helpful. They must be powerful, with pobedite teeth, and not necessarily with a metal cutting surface. Their task is to break the tile along the cut made by the cutter. For fine work, when it is necessary to make openings for switches, sockets or holes for pipes, narrow nippers are used, which are called “parrots” in tiler slang. They can also come in handy when refinishing tiles when large nippers are no longer useful.
Mixer for preparing glue
Professional installers prefer to work with a special mixer, which allows them to quickly prepare the working composition. Unlike a conventional drill, the design of the mechanism allows you to minimize the load on the motor area, thereby preventing it from burning out.
After starting, it ensures uniform rotation of the metal nozzle.
- The mixer operates at minimum speed.
- As a result, the nozzle can thoroughly mix different types of building mixtures.
- The working composition is homogeneous without large particles.
- Domestic models are distinguished by good performance.
- The cost of such mixers is an order of magnitude lower than that of imported products.
The mixer can be used to create small holes. After clamping the cartridge, indentations appear in the plane, the size of which can range from 5 to 10 cm.
As a result, the multifunctional device is capable of performing multiple tasks. Purchasing a high-quality mixer allows you to save on construction work.
Tile cutter
This type of tool is considered the main component of the installation process. Thanks to this equipment, it is possible to create an ideal surface. The design of the mechanism allows you to accurately adjust the size of the ceramic decor in the corner area.
- The advantage of a tile cutter is its low cost and good performance.
- The guide tubes of high-quality options are made of stainless steel, due to which their surface is not formed.
- Budget tool models are made from low-grade raw materials.
- After just a few uses, the metal frame bends and the play of the cutting base is unable to make the correct size.
When choosing a tool, you need to rely on its cost. Professional tilers prefer to choose products whose price can reach up to 10,000 rubles.
Today in construction departments you can find models from Austria, Germany and Italy. According to the expert, the design of the tool from a foreign manufacturer will last a long time.
Products from China quickly become deformed with regular use. The cutting play is designed to process 900 sq.m. The advantage of such models is their ability to handle porcelain tiles.
Glass cutter
Previously, every owner had this hand tool at home, but even now buying it is not a problem. If you need to cut several tiles at home, then you can easily get by with a glass cutter, because in fact it is not much different from a mechanical tile cutter or pliers.
To divide the tile into two fragments, you just need to draw it once across the glaze, and then break the lining on a nail or on the corner of the table. By the way, if it’s really bad, but you don’t have anything like that at hand, then you can try to mark the tiles with the tip of a nail/screw - many types of tiles cannot resist this.
Building level
This design is designed to adjust the angle of inclination. A metal or plastic rail with balancing beacons allows you to create smooth surfaces. In addition, the construction level prevents the appearance of unevenness during the installation of ceramic tiles.
Today in construction departments you can find models of different sizes. Experts recommend purchasing models whose length is 100 cm.
Bulgarian
This is one of the most important tools for a tiler, along with a tile cutter and a mixer. 90% of the costs will go towards their purchase.
The Makita 9554 grinder (costs about 2.5-3 thousand rubles) is well suited for cutting tiles - it has a narrow, comfortable handle, but due to this, reduced power. Among the more expensive models is the Hilti AG 125-A22 cordless angle grinder (the full set costs about 26 thousand). Its weight, good balance and comfortable handle allow you to work even with one hand, and the power is not inferior to network analogues.
You need to buy special discs for the grinder, made from diamond-coated tiles. Many store sellers do not know what kind of discs are needed for ceramic tiles and try to sell you discs for cutting stone or concrete. They can be distinguished by the absence of holes and notches on the cutting part. The tile discs are completely smooth and without holes, this helps reduce the number of chips.
what does a proper diamond wheel on tiles look like?
Wire cutters
An auxiliary tool for cutting tiles is nippers. They help out when the tile cannot be broken off along the cut. They are especially often needed when cutting durable floor tiles or if the tile cutter wheel is worn out.
There are several types of tile nippers.
- Powerful wire cutters with pobedite surfacing. But they do not necessarily have to have a hard cutting part, since the tiles can be easily broken off along the finished cutting line.
- Parrot nippers. They sometimes come in handy when creating round cutouts in tiles for sockets and pipes. If you cut a hole incorrectly, you can use pliers to correct it so as not to cut a new tile.
Parrot nippers
Notched trowel
A construction spatula with iron teeth is designed for uniform distribution of tile adhesive. Thanks to this tool, the ceramic decor will be firmly fixed on vertical and horizontal surfaces.
Construction departments offer several types of products. They differ in letter and number markings. For example, products with the letter A are designed to work with porcelain stoneware. Category B models have square teeth. They are chosen for working with small mosaics.
Professional qualities of a tiler
When choosing a tile laying specialist, you need to focus on the following qualities:
- Using quality tools;
- Correct use of materials and technology;
- Technical knowledge and creativity;
Professionalism and serious attitude to work are the key to successful repairs.
Grouting joints
What will you need to grout the space between the tiles? For this use:
- Deep container for preparing the composition;
- Grouting spatula. It is made of silicone or flexible plastic. Thanks to such materials, it is possible to evenly distribute the grout mixture on the surface of the ceramic;
- Protective gloves. They prevent the mixture from coming into contact with the surface of the skin. The fact is that the grout uses chemical components that negatively affect the condition of the epidermis;
- Soft cloth and sponge. These components are used to remove cloudy deposits on the surface of glossy and matte tiles.
Means for protection
Safety precautions play a major role when performing any work, especially when you have piercing and cutting tools in your arsenal. Basic means of protection:
- Protective glasses. Always work only with safety glasses, especially when you are holding an angle grinder. Fine dust or chips from tiles can easily fly into your eyes. Glasses should be stored in special packaging and cleaned of dirt every day. You can make your own glasses packaging.
- Respirator. As a rule, there is a lot of dust or even debris on the floor before installation, which may contain pieces of insulation. To protect your respiratory system, we recommend working exclusively with a respirator.
- Gloves. Necessary when working with a mixture that may contain alkali, which in turn can irritate and corrode the skin of the hands.
We have looked at what tools are needed if you decide to lay tiles. Always follow safety precautions and don’t rely on chance when it comes to your health. Good luck in all your endeavors.
Construction tape and marker
Such tools are used to create markup. In addition, it is possible to accurately measure the distance between parts or prepare an element of the required size.
Professional tilers prefer to work with tape measure models, the rod of which is made of soft sheet metal.
Some versions of the tool have a laser level. Thus, when purchasing this tool, you can save on purchasing a guide level.
