Wall and floor tiling tools and equipment

©TAFE NSW South Western Sydney Institute Wall and Floor Tiling Version 1 –February 2010

Use Wall and Floor tiling tools and equipment 1

This unit of competency will address the following elements

• Plan and prepare.

•Identify hand and power tools.

•Select tools for project

•Use tools

•Select plant and equipment

•Use plant and equipment

•Clean up.

4. Use Wall and Floor tiling tools and equipment 1

Plan and preparePlanning and preparing for a job is, in many ways, more important than the job itself. A well-planned job can save time, money, resources and, most importantly, lives — if safety issues are responsibly dealt with.Occupational Health and Safety is a vital part of your knowledge in the workplace. More than most occupations, trades workers are faced with many challenges and hazards that form part of the daily duty of doing one's job. For example,•Tradespeople generally work in more unstable/less secure environments.•Tradespeople generally work with tools that are capable of profound injury, if mismanaged.

Figure 5.1-Angle grinder, drills

Figure 5.2 Tile saw Figure 5.3 -adhesive mixer

•Tradespeople are more likely to need and use or come into contact with harmful substances and materials.


Identify hand and power tools.

Power tools Electricity can be dangerous and care should be taken in its use. Even if

you have worked in the industry a long time or feel you know about electrical safety,

do not take risks with electricity. To prevent accidental electrocution, always use

earth leakage circuit breakers (ELCBs)

Before power tools are used, operators must be given extensive instruction in

the safe use of each power tool to be usedFigure 5.4 -Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker (ELCB)As part of the Wall and Floor Tiling Trade course, students will be instructed in the safe use of numerous power tools, including: Basic electrical safety

Earth Leakage Circuit Breakers (ELCBs)

Extension leadsDrills

Rotary hammerFigure 5.4-Earth Leakage Circuit Breakers (ELCBs)


Select tools for project

There are many other tools that a tiler may need to carry out wall and floor tiling.

Specific tasks may require the use of special tools that can be purchased as needed.

When purchasing tools always select a quality brand that ensures long term use

Do not use a tool that is not designed to do the job. Using tools incorrectly, can cause

damage to the tool and can also be a danger to the user.

Accident statistics are surprisingly high in the tiling trade.

Tradespersons should be safety conscious at all times.

Use tools as instructed and safety gear when necessary.


Hand cutting tools AccessoriesTungsten tip scriber Tape measure

Tungsten-carbide tipped pincers (round-nose or off-set type)

Hole cutterRod saw

Parrot or beak nose pincers Pick hammerStrip Breakers Tri square

Tile fileSanding block

a)

These are the tools you will be using for cutting tiles by hand

b)

c)

Available in- Wood- Plastic- metal

1 Metre Fold Rule

Tape measure

Dividers

4.2 Tools


Straight piece of timber - Steel rule - Template- Sliding bevel - Gauge board

d) Guides

e) Hole Cutting Equipment

1.

2.3.

Pick Hammer

Rod SawAlso used with the Pick Hammer

Tile Clamp

Sliding bevelSteel rule

4 Use Wall and Floor tiling tools and equipment 1

f) Shaping and finishing equipment

Sanding block – Abrasive cloth – carborundum stoneTile files

g) Scribers

TileFiles

AbrasiveclothCarborundum stone


h) Hand operated cutting machines


Tile nippers have a variety of shapes and are used to

form shapes and holes in tiles to place around fitting in tiled walls

and floors.

A square edge nipper is used to create a square or rectangular shapes

A round edge nipper is used to create circular shapes holes in a tile

A parrot nose nipper is used to start shaping a hole after using a pick

hammer i) Side Nippers

straight

round

Parrot NippersStrip Breaker


4.1 Trade Terms

a)- guide or mould used for cutting tiles to the size and shape that you need for the job.

a)- guide or mould used for cutting tiles to the size and shape that you need for the job.

Template

Gaugeboard

Template

Gauge Board



A gauging trowel is an important part of a tiler’s tool box It is a multipurpose tool that is used for mixing small amount s of mortar(mud) and is also used for o apply mortar to the back of tiles when fixing tiles using the thick bed method

Spirit levels•Spirit Levels can be obtained in sizes ranging from 300mm to 1200mm. It is called a spirit level because alcohol is contained in the bubble used to measure level and plumb. The alcohol in the bubble is very stable in extreme temperatures and will not expand in extreme heat or freeze in extreme cold. The spirit level is a very accurate tool and if handled with care, you should have lifelong use of this tool

Figure 5.15 – Spirit level


Plumb bob•A plumb bob is a weight attached to the end of a stringline that hangs freely to line up vertical surfaces. It works on the principle of gravity holding it plumb

Figure 5.16 – Plumb bobWater level •This level consists of a length of clear plastic tubing filled with water. It is used to transfer levels to wall surfaces and is particularly useful when there are obstructions between level points. This type of levelling device is cheap and it is used with a high degree of accuracy


Straight-Edge-(aluminium or timber)•Used in conjunction with a level and pencil to transfer levels to surfaces, Also used to check surfaces for alignment as well screeding off mortar when preparing surface for tiling. Edges must be parallel and timber must be straight grained

Figure 5.18 – Straight-edge

Lump/Mash hammer•The lump hammer is used for any heavy duty work. It is often used with a chisel or bolster to remove tiles or cut bricks

Figure 5.19 – Lump/mash hammer


Rubber Mallet •A rubber mallet is used to beat tiles into the bedding to enable a strong and solid bond

Figure 5,20 – Rubber mallet

Chalk lineA chalk line is a container that has a reel of stringline fitted in the inside o the container. The container is also filled with coloured chalk powder that attaches to the string-line when it is pulled out. The “chalked” line used to mark level lines on wall surfaces as well to mark set out lines on floors

Figure 5.21 – Chalk line


Squeegee A squeegee is used to compress the grout into the tile joints as well as to remove excess grouting material before wiping the tile surface

Figure 5.22 – Grout squeegee Sponge A sponge and water is to clean off the tile surface and should be kept clean

Figure 5.23– Cleaning sponge

Bucket- can be used for water or for mixing adhesives or grout

Figure 5.24 – Water bucket

Use Wall and Floor tiling tools and equipment 1 Tungsten tip chiselThese chisels are used to chisel out or remove damaged tiles from the centre of the tile causing minimal damage to surrounding tiles

Figure 5.25 – Tungsten chisel

Cold chiselsPreparing surfaces, recessing walls, stripping old tile work

Figure 5.2 – Cold steel chisel

Scutch hammer & combA Scutch hammer is fitted with a tungsten comb which is used for preparing surfaces such as removing paint and cement dags from wall surfaces

Figure 5.27 – Scutch hammer and comb


Builders steel squareUsed in setting out ,when checking substrates for square and parallel alignment

Figure 5.28– Builders Square

“D handle shovelsUsed for mixing sand cement, these are also available as a long handle shovel

Figure 5.29-‘D’ handle shovel


Use toolsGeneral procedure for hand cutting dust-pressed tiles The glaze of the tile is cut or scored by drawing the cutting tool firmly across the glaze (once should be all that is needed).This then becomes a weak point in the glaze and when pressure is applied by placing that line on a nail (or similar) and exerting a firm downward pressure, the tile will break along that line.Ascertain the size needed, either by measuring the area where the cut is going or by putting the tile on the space and marking the tile directly.After the tile has been marked, place a guide on that mark.Draw the cutter firmly along the guide, once only should be enough.Place the line of the cut over a nail (or similar object).Place the base of the thumbs (or the top of the thumbs if the cut is small) on either side of the cut or apply steady, downward pressure.Rub down the edges of the cut (if necessary) with carborundum block, (or similar).If a number of tiles are to be cut at the same size use one tile as a *template and cut the rest on a *gauge board.

Procedure for cutting tiles by hand.

Determine the size of the tile by measuring or marking.

Mark tile with pencil. Do not use a permanent marker

Place on top of the tile.

4.4 Basic Tile Cutting by Hand

1

2

3

4 Score along the edge of the guide withyour scriber. Do this Firmly and Once Only

WHY do we score only ones?Answer:

1)

2)

6 Steps

scoring guide

Score

More scoring does not make it easier to break the tiles

Extra scoring might cause more damage to the tile

Teacherclick onPhoto


Pressure breaks the tile - not scoring:REMEMBER

WHY does the tile break along the score mark?

5 Place the tile directly over the and break with yourhands as shown.

2 things to snap the tile evenlyREMEMBER

The score on the surface of the tiles will make that the weakest point and the tile will break along that line under pressure.

nail

Put thumbs and fingers on both sides of the score.

Put equal pressure on both sides and push down


Using the strip breaker .

6 Smooth the with an abrasivecloth or tile file.

Important points to REMEMBER.

• Use this method on dust pressed tiles.

• Tiles should be marked as lightly as possible.

• Too much pressure can damage the edge of the cut.

edge of the cut

This method is easy and safe if multiple thin strips are required.


Take note of the edge of the template.


Reverse marking-to cut tiles to suit walls and floors that are out of alignment Use this technique when objects are not parallel to the body of the tile work such as Door Jambs, windows and internal corners as well as walls and floors to be tiled

Figure 5.31 – Reverse marking wall and floor tiles

Reverse markingPlace the tile upside down and at the bottom of the tile you want to cut and mark where the cut would beSlide the tile up and mark the topDraw in the line and cut the tileTurn the tile over and check to see if it fits. Make any adjustments if necessary.Repeat that process for the rest of the corner

HOW

4.5 Making straight cuts

• Edges should be…..Answer:

1.2.3.

do we check for parallel?

If the tiles are on top of each other, you can’t tell if the 2 long sides are parallel but……

If they are placed beside each other……

Parallel Not Parallel

StraightSmoothParallel

A B

A B

A B A B A B A B

wider here


WHERE would you need to cut rebates out of the tile work?

A rebate is a small part of the tile which is cut away

1.

2.

3.

4.

Light switches

Taps and pipes

Power points

Ceramic fittings


REMEMBER

Answer

1

4 Steps

Procedure for cutting rebates.

Measure out or mark the size and shapeof the cut.

2 Leave a 5mm clearance around pipesand .

3 If you can, score along the marked line.

4 Nip out small pieces of tile DO THISSLOWLY (small bites with the nippers).

Do you need to care extra when you arenipping out near the finished edge?

Keep checking your rebate against the object you are cutting around.

stop cocks

If you cut too much it can’t be replaced –you will have to start again.

WHY?


7 Keep checking the size of the hole as you enlarge the rebate.

6 Pick out a hole big enough for the enlarging tool ( ) to fit through.

5 Pick away at the glaze in a area only.small

parrot nippers

This method also allows you to make square holes



Procedure for cutting recesses with pincers

Mark on the tile the size and shape of recess that needs to be cut.

Use a pencil or felt tipped pen for this purpose.

Score along those marks with a tungsten tipped scriber.

Slowly nip away at the tile with the pincers, removing small amounts with each nip.

Take extra care when getting near the finish marks.

When cutting around taps you should leave a small gap so the tap bodies can be

removed for servicing.


Cutting tiles with manual tile cutting machines

Dust pressed wall tiles are easily cut by scribing the glazed surface with a tungsten

carbide tipped cutter and snapping the tile either by hand or placing the scribe mark

over some sort of raised section placed under the tile.

Holes can be cut using the tile pick and stand.

However, monocuttura tiles that are commonly used now need to be cut with a tile

cutting machine

4.6 Mechanical hand cutters

There are many types of machines for cutting tiles.

They will cut MOST ceramic floor and wall tiles.



Scoring and breaking the tile

The machines usually have a base plate (can be fixed or flexible).

A guide arm and handle and a tungsten carbide cutting wheel.

Measure and mark the size of the cut

Place the tile on the base of the cutter

Line up the mar with the scoring wheel

The wheel is drawn over the surface of the tile and another part of the guide arm

then applies pressure to the tile which snaps over a raised section in the base

plate.

Holes can only be made in these tiles with a tungsten carbide or diamond

tipped hole saw.

HINT

4.6 Mechanical hand cutters

Procedure for using Mechanical tile cutters

1 Measure or mark the size of your cut.

2 Place the tile on the base of the cutter.

5 Steps

If your cutting more than 1 tile put a mark on the measuring guide – this way you don’t have to measure your tile every time….or fix the guide into the correct position.

Tile

Scoringwheel Feet

3 Line up the mark with the scoring wheel.


REMEMBER

NOTE

WHY

4 Score the tile from top to bottom.

Put equal pressure downwards and towards yourself.

Don’t use too much force – mark the tile lightly

mark lightly?

Answer:

5

Do this by resting the feet of the lever at the top or bottom of the tile and about 15 – 20mm from the edge. Then push down steadily. In some cases you might have to hit it firmly, but gently.

Some machines have a height adjustment setting to help with that step.

You might damage the glaze on both sides of the mark

Break the tile


WHY?

17 StepsProcedure for holes

Measure or mark the size and shape of the cut.

2 Place the tile against the pipe stand

3 Hold the tile firmly, this will stop the tile from bouncing on the pipe when you pick at it.

Cutting holes

4 Start picking at the hole over where the centre of the hole would be.

Is it important to stop the tile from bouncing?

Answer:

Bouncing will put the tile under stress

and might break.


WHY?

REMEMBER

Too much = too late = two jobs

2 things

1. Check as you go.

2. Be accurate.

i.

ii

iii

Looks good

Saves time

Saves material



Select plant and equipment

Brick saw Tile wet saw Marble cutter jack-hammer GeneratorFigure 6.4 – Tiling plant and equipment

Before you start using any equipment, have a look and ask yourself…

•Is the equipment in good working condition?

•Has the equipment been serviced tested and cords tagged?

•Is the power supply point safe and in good condition?

•Are electrical cords in anyone’s way?


Electrical equipment:

Do not tamper with any electrical equipment, if it does not work, have it

checked by an electrician.

Keep extension leads off the ground, if you happen to see a lead on the

ground, and then pick it up, never wheel barrows or other equipment across

extension leads.

When using power tools always use an Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker

(ELCB), this is especially important when using power tools in damp areas.

Protect your fellow workers – if you become aware of any dangers, don’t keep

it to yourself – either remove the danger or bring it to the attention of someone

who can fix the problem.


Use plant and equipmentDo not improvise with equipment, use the proper equipment or tools for specific tasks, don’t try and force machinery or other equipment to do a job that it was not designed to do.

Do not operate any equipment in the workshop or on the job site unless you have

been trained in its operation.

Most machines have guards to protect the operator, make sure you use them.

Wear appropriate clothing and shoes – use protective clothing whenever necessary.

Never work under, or even walk under, suspended loads.

When working overhead, watch out for others below.

Take care of your tools – maintain them in good condition.

Adopt the correct posture when lifting weights – use the legs to lift – not your back.

Use your common sense at all times on the job site – you will not get into trouble for

being cautious – you most certainly will get into trouble if your actions cause injury or

inconvenience to others.


Cleaning and maintenance of toolsConstruction tools and equipment are expensive and/ or fragile. Adequate, regular cleaning and maintenance will prolong their lifespan. Maintenance normally involves returning tools to professionals for calibration; however some devices may be maintained by following manufacturers’ handbook instructions.

Tools should be kept clean and dry when not in use. A light application of oil

to all steel based tools, as this will prevent rust. Always ensure that tools are in

good working order before using and stored away safely after use

Visually inspect, clean and maintain tools, leads and equipment prior to storing

them, then clear the work area of waste materials

Cleaning operations include;

Tools and equipment must be cleaned, maintained and stored correctly

Metal blades can be with mineral oil

Wooden handles on tools can be wiped with raw linseed oils

Safety signs and barricades must be remove and stored for later use

Education

Wall and floor tiling tools and equipment