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Cut tiles cleanly without fraying

Iynx Tools tile disc in use on the angle grinder

Chipping is the most annoying thing that can happen to you when cutting tiles - we will show you the most effective tips & tricks

Anyone who has cut tile knows how quickly chipping can occur.

To prevent this from happening, here are some helpful tips and tricks.

1. Reasons for tile fraying

Do-it-yourselfers cutting tiles - reasons for tiles chipping

There are several reasons for small damages when cutting tiles. These include chipping and fraying.

1.1 Preventing vibrations when cutting tiles.

Vibration can cause faulty cuts. Place your tile on a stable surface to avoid this.

Stable substrates would be:

  • Jacked up tiles
  • tables
  • Another tile or patio slab

1.2 Use a suitable tile cutting disc

A non-quality tile disc can have a major impact on the cutting quality due to inferior diamond or carbide segments.

1.3 New cutting disc not cut correctly

New tile discs must first be properly cut.

You should make about 10 cuts in old tiles to straighten out the smallest deviations in the diamond segment.

1.4 Glazed tiles tend to fray

Glazed tiles tend to chip more often. Even the thinnest glass coatings behave like glass.

The best way would be to sand these down. You can use a diamond sanding pad for this.

2. Proper handling of fraying and chipping is important

Act correctly in the event of tile chipping

There are good ways to quickly fix or prevent fraying.

Depending on what is available to you, you can take one or the other variant.

2.1 Grind tile edge

Sanding a tile edge is the best way to remove chips. A diamond grinding wheel with a honeycomb segment is best suited here.

Our tip: You can use a diamond burr for fraying that occurs when drilling tiles .

2.2 Set new cutting line

If there is enough tile material left, you should simply cut the tile again.

2.3 Use tile cutting table

A wet tile cutting table is the best way to cut tiles without fraying. The use of water enables the best tile cut.

2.4 Tip for miter cutting tiles

When you are cutting tiles at a 45 degree angle, it is imperative to get clean edges.

Sand the “visible” tile edge that will be cut a few millimeters to create an extra edge. If you cut along this, there is practically a predetermined breaking point where the chips “orientate themselves”.

2.5 Other helpful tips for cutting tiles

3. Finish - Fraying and chipping can be easily prevented when cutting tiles

Don't panic with fraying - implement the right steps when cutting tiles

The art of cutting tiles is not easy to master, but with the right tools and techniques, you can achieve clean, precise cuts without causing fraying.

Remember to keep your tile steady, use a good quality tile disc and be patient. Each cut should be made slowly and in a controlled manner for best results.

4. FAQ - Cut tiles cleanly without fraying

Q1: How can I prevent my tiles from fraying when cut?

A1: To avoid fraying, you should make sure you use a good quality tile disc and keep your tile on a stable surface.

Q2: What is the best way to remove tile chipping?

A2: Sanding the tile edge is the best way to remove chipping.

Q3: How can I get a clean cut on the tile edge?

A3: An additional edge is created by sanding the "visible" tile edge that is being cut. Cutting along this edge creates a predetermined breaking point for the chips to "orient" to.

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