10 Best Manual Tile Cutters of 2024 – Top Picks & Reviews
- Pete Ortiz
- Last updated:
Whether you are re-doing a tile floor, installing a backsplash, or creating a mosaic coffee table, a tile cutter is necessary to get the job done. This tool is essential to make clean and precise cuts through ceramic, porcelain, glass, mirror, and more. Without one, you will find yourself with a file and a frown trying to create straight lines and exact measurements.
Like most tools, though, there’s a whole host of options that are baffling to sift through. Unless you’re a professional, the different features can be confusing. However, no need to give up on your project just yet. We have some info that will help you find the right manual tile cutter for your needs.
In this article, you will find reviews on the 10 best models available. We will give you details like ease of use, effectiveness, accuracy, and overall construction. We will also share some extra tips on the different features to watch out for in the buyer’s guide.
If tile cutting is on your agenda, keep reading our manual tile cutter reviews to find out which option is the best and which one is not worth the purchase.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024
Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
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Best Overall
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QEP 10630Q 24-Inch Manual Tile Cutter |
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CHECK PRICE | |
Best Value
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VonHaus 24 Inch Manual Tile Cutter |
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CHECK PRICE | |
Premium Choice
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Goplus 48-Inch Manual Tile Cutter |
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CHECK PRICE | |
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QEP 10900Q 35-Inch Manual Tile Cutter |
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CHECK PRICE | |
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CO-Z Manual Tile Cutter |
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CHECK PRICE |
The 10 Best Manual Tile Cutters
1. QEP 10630Q 24-Inch Manual Tile Cutter – Best Overall
For those that want a legit manual tile cutter that will suit almost any project, we like the QEP 10630Q 24-Inch Manual Tile Cutter. This tool rip cuts up to 24 inches with the ⅞-inch titanium-coated tungsten-carbide cutting wheel. It creates smooth scoring for easy snapping on porcelain, ceramic, glass, and more.
This option can cut tile up to 17½ inches diagonally. The adjustable measurement guide helps keep your tile aligned for accurate cuts, plus it won’t chip or damage the pieces as you score and snap. You will also find the QEP is easy to clean with soap and water or compressed air.
This tile cutter is a breeze to use with the rubber-covered bike handle. There are also two chrome-plated steel rails and linear ball-bearing slides that make scoring the material smooth and easy. You can also cut bigger pieces with ease thanks to the wide aluminum base, heavy-duty rubber pads, and table extensions. All in all, this is our favorite choice for the best manual tile cutter.
- Titanium-coated tungsten-carbide cutting wheel
- Large aluminum base with rubber pads for large pieces
- Easy score and snap
- Cuts horizontally
- Easy to clean
- Various Can cut various tile types
- Nothing of note
2. VonHaus 24 Inch Manual Tile Cutter – Best Value
A tile cutter doesn’t always have to break the bank, and a perfect example of this is the VonHaus 24 Inch Manual Tile Cutter. This is a durable machine that can be used to score and snap porcelain and ceramic tiles. It has an anti-slide rubber surface for stability, plus a tungsten carbide-tipped cutting wheel that creates clean and accurate scoring.
The VonHaus is capable of cutting floor and ceiling tiles up to 24 inches. It can also cut diagonally and through a ½-inch thick. What’s more, it comes with an extra cutting wheel. This machine is easy to use with the adjustable measuring guide, as well. It also has a comfortable handle and cushioned sidebars to make it easier to score and snap bigger pieces of tile.
This tile cutter is easy to clean with soap and water when needed. It is a great option for the novice user, and it’s the best manual tile cutter for the money. The only downside that keeps this option from our top spot is it’s not made for tile outside of ceramic and porcelain.
- Tungsten carbide tipped cutting wheel
- Cuts horizontally
- Easy score and snap
- Anti-slide rubber surface
- Comes with an extra cutting wheel
- Easy to clean
- Only appropriate for porcelain and ceramic tile
3. Goplus 48-Inch Manual Tile Cutter – Premium Choice
If you are a profesh looking for a tile cutter with a lot of bells and whistles, the Goplus 48-Inch Manual Tile Cutter is the way to go. As the name implies, this bad boy is capable of cutting tile up to 48 inches. Not only that, but it can handle your basic ceramic and porcelain tile along with glass, stone, mirror, and other varieties.
The GoPlus is designed to be sturdy and accurate with four adjustable side brackets, a thickened base, and a strongly welded construction. The tungsten carbide cutting wheel makes cutting tile quick and efficient, plus you can use it for parallel or angled scoring from 0–60 degrees. You get a measuring scale and a linear bearing, as well.
This option is great for the professional craftsman, but it can also be used by a novice thanks to its easy setup and use. The comfortable handle makes it easy to score, plus the side rails make setting up accurate lines simple. Lightweight and easy to move, the only drawback you face is a slightly more expensive price tag. If you are planning to use this tile cutter on the regular, however, we believe it is well worth the extra money.
- Tungsten carbide cutting wheel
- Thickened base, side rails, and stability for safety
- Makes parallel or angled cuts
- Comes with measuring scale and linear bearings
- Four adjustable brackets
- More expensive
4. QEP 10900Q 35-Inch Manual Tile Cutter
The QEP 10900Q 35-Inch Manual Tile Cutter is a rip, cut ceramic and porcelain scoring tool that is capable of breaking tile up to 35 inches and 24 inches diagonally. This option comes with a 7/8-inch titanium-coated tungsten-carbide cutting wheel that creates smooth and easy lines. Not only that, but you also have a straight-edge adjustment guide that makes aligning tiles simple and accurate.
The QEP can cut up to 1½ inches thick. This tool also has chrome-plated dual steel rails for stability, not to mention an ergonomic handle for pressing. Something to keep in mind, however, is this tile cutter is not as sturdy as some of our other options. Although it has linear ball-bearing sides along with sidearm extensions, you want to be careful with larger pieces of tile.
That being said, this model has an aluminum alloy base with rubber pads to help keep it in place when cutting. It is also easy to clean and set up in the place of your choosing. The only other drawback to take note of—this cutter is suited for cutting ceramic and porcelain only. Overall, though, this is a good middle-of-the-road tile cutter for regular use.
- Cuts parallel and diagonally
- Titanium-coated tungsten carbide wheel
- Linear ball bearings and sidearm extensions
- Rubber pads and aluminum alloy base for stability
- Straight-edge adjustment guide
- Not as sturdy for larger pieces of tile
- Recommended for ceramic and porcelain only
5. CO-Z Manual Tile Cutter
If you need precise, the CO-Z Manual Tile Cutter is a great option for you. This tool features an infrared ray device along with linear bearing block cut parts that allow you to create precise and accurate scores. You can also use it to cut several different types of tile up to 40 inches and 0.24 to 0.6 inches thick. That, coupled with the anti-slip handle, allows you to score and rip your pieces quickly and efficiently.
This tool is stable due to its rubber feet, smooth dual slide rails, and strong base. That being said, the alloy cutting wheel on the CO-Z is not too strong. On the other hand, it has a durable aluminum frame that can stand up to professional and DIY jobs. What’s more, it’s easy to clean and transport from site to site.
Something else to consider with this model is the lack of diagonal cutting capacity. Be that as it may, you will find an adjustable slide measure that ensures each piece of your tile is cut to the perfect size. You can also use this cutter with ceramic, porcelain, granite, glass, metal, and quarry tiles.
- Infrared laser
- Durable aluminum frame with rubber feet
- Can cut multiple types of tile
- Adjustable slide measure
- Cannot cut diagonally
- Cutting wheel is not durable
6. M-D Building Products 49047 Tile Cutter
The M-D Building Products 49047 Tile Cutter is a 20-inch model that can score surfaces with a thickness of up to 5/8-inch. It also has a heavy-duty aluminum base for stability, plus a ball-bearing carriage for easy and smooth scoring. What’s more, it has a non-slip surface to make the process even easier.
You will be able to cut diagonally up to 14 inches with the M-D tile cutter; however, this option doesn’t have an adjustable slide measure. On the other hand, it has a replaceable tungsten carbide wheel that is tough and accurate, plus a steel base for durability and stability. You also should note that the tool is recommended for cutting ceramic tiles only. Anything tougher causes it to be inaccurate, and it tends to chip porcelain.
Other than that, you will find an ergonomic handle that makes cutting your surface easy and less stressful on your hands. This is an easy-to-set up and move model, but it can be harder to clean as it kicks up more dust. Besides that, you have chrome-steel rails for smooth glides. In general, this is a good option for a DIYer or at-home project.
- Replaceable tungsten carbide wheel
- Aluminum and steel base
- Ergonomic handle
- Ball-bearing carriage
- Recommended for ceramic tile only
- Harder to clean
- Lacks adjustable slide measure
7. Mophorn Manual Tile Cutter
The Mophorn Manual Tile Cutter is our next option that can score and rip pieces up to 40 inches. This is another model that comes with a laser guide for making accurate measurements and cuts that will fit perfectly into your project. You can also use it on various types of tile including ceramic, porcelain, polished tiles, vitrified tiles, and more.
Unfortunately, the biggest drawback you will face is the stability of the overall construction. Although it has rubber sponge compound pads and a steel base, it can be off-kilter causing you to miss-score your material. Additionally, the laser is not as accurate as you would expect it to be. Outside of that, you can cut tile up to .24 inches thick.
The Mophorn has an anti-slip handle that is easy to press. It also has an alloy cutter wheel, and steel slide rails with no obstacles. There is also a moveable supporting foot to protect your tile. On the other hand, you are not able to cut diagonally with this option. What’s more, be careful with delicate tile as it can chip easily. Lastly, although it is a lesser concern, you may find the Mophorn is more difficult to clean.
- Laser guide
- Use to cut various tiles
- Anti-slip handle
- Moveable supporting foot
- The laser is not accurate
- Construction is not level
- Not for diagonal cuts
- Can chip delicate tiles
8. Montolit P3 Masterpiuma Manual Tile Cutter
For our eighth choice, we have the Montolit P3 Masterpiuma Manual Tile Cutter. This cutter can cut porcelain, ceramic, glass, and mirror tile. It features a patented oil-fed incision system that creates ultra-smooth cuts. It also has a nylon handle roller that has an auto-adjustment to automatically regulate itself based on the thickness of your piece. Keep in mind, it is not always effective at scoring 3/4-inch thickness as it is described to do.
The Montolit P3 comes with a supplementary breaking foot for diagonal cuts, a support arm, and a carry handle. Be advised, however, the carry handle is not always secure. This cutter has a titanium incision wheel that is unfortunately not long-lasting. That being said, it has a fully adjustable guide that has a range of 0 to 90 degrees, however, it is not always accurate.
Another important note about this product is it’s very pricey for the downsides it comes with. What’s worse, you are meant to be able to cut tile up to 36 inches, but it is better suited for smaller tasks. On a brighter note, this model is easy to clean and doesn’t make a lot of noise while in use.
- Patented oil-fed incision
- Auto-adjustment for cut thickness
- Cuts diagonally
- Easy to clean with less noise
- Doesn’t cut as thick as described
- Carry handle is not durable
- The guide is not accurate
- Expensive
- The titanium incision wheel is not long-lasting
9. Rubi fast-85 – Slicer Manual
Our second to the last spot goes to the Rubi fast-85-Slicer Manual. This is a lightweight model that is easy to transport from one place to another, plus cleaning this option is a breeze. With this cutter, you will have an extruding aluminum base that helps keep the weight down. That being said, it is not the most durable option.
The Rubi fast-85 has steel rails that are chrome-plated. Although they are meant to be calibrated straight for an accurate and precise cut, they do not always perform as they should in regards to the smoothness. Not only that, but the approximate 25-inch cutting capacity is asking a lot of this cutter. It’s also not recommended for diagonal cutting.
This model is a good option for cutting ceramic and porcelain tiles, but it is not suggested for other tougher surfaces. It is also important to note that the score cut is not as deep as it needs to be to make a clean break. Overall, even with the four brackets for stability, this is not the most effective option. Interestingly enough, there is also no information on what type of cutting wheel it uses.
- Lightweight
- Easy to clean
- Steel chrome-plated rails
- Not durable
- Smaller cutting capacity
- No information on the scoring wheel
- Difficult breaks after scoring
10. BestEquip Manual Tile Cutter
Our final pick is the BestEquip Manual Tile Cutter. This score-and-rip model is designed to cut surfaces up to 48 inches with the hard alloy wheel cutter and ergonomic handle. Unfortunately, the size is not accurate and smaller pieces are recommended when using this tool. On the other hand, it has a laser guard with double rails.
The BestEquip has a durable aluminum frame that makes it sturdy and compact. What it does not help with is score accuracy. The infrared laser needs to be adjusted often to get an accurate line, while the rulers (which are meant to allow you to cut the same size continuously) only add to the frustration by slipping out of place. On a brighter note, the anti-skid rubber handle is easy to use.
Another thing to note about the cutter is the rubber feet at the bottom. They fall off easily and can cause your scoring to be inaccurate. Not only that, but the alloy wheel is not effective, and breaking the tile is often difficult. On another note, this tool is for scoring porcelain tiles only, plus it doesn’t cut well diagonally. In short, this is not the best option available.
- Ergonomic anti-skid handle
- Durable aluminum frame
- Doesn’t make accurate cuts
- Laser is ineffective
- Only for porcelain tiles
- Rubber feet fall off
- Ruler guides don’t stay in place
- The cutting wheel is not durable
Buyer’s Guide – Choosing the Best Manual Tile Cutter
Regardless of the tile project, accuracy is the most important aspect of a job well done. Having gaps around the edges of your job or tiles that are uneven is an eyesore. This is why a quality manual tile cutter is essential whether you are doing a professional job for a client or a DIY home project.
Important Manual Tile Cutter Questions
If you are looking forward to your first tile job, you may have a few questions about this tool that are better answered before you make a purchase. Take a look at these common tile cutter questions below.
What’s the Difference Between a Tile Cutter and a Tile Saw?
A tile saw is a tool that cuts hard tile such as granite or marble. They typically use a diamond blade to slice directly through the material. The saw also has a built-in water system that saturates the tile and blade to keep it from getting too hot as this tool creates a lot of heat. Tile saws are electric, heavy-duty, and generally expensive. A tiler cutter (like the ones we spoke about today) are manually operated tools that are better equipped to cut smaller ceramic and porcelain tiles. They are also better for precision work.
What Does Score and Rip Mean?
The score and rip (or snap) routine is how a manual tile cutter works. The tile is placed under the cutting wheel and adjusted to the measurement you need. When you press down on the handle, the cutting wheel creates a score (seam) in the tile that you can then rip (snap). To put it more simply, the cutter creates a grooved line in the tile that allows you to break it in the exact shape, size, and measurement you need.
How Do I Know Which Tile Cutter I Need?
Determining what type of tile cutter you need is based on two things. First is the type of job you are doing. Second is the type of tile you will be using. As we mentioned above, manual tile cutters are better for smaller and thinner surfaces like porcelain, ceramic, glass, and mirror. They are also better for smaller or more visible jobs where you need to be very precise with your cuts. On the other hand, if you are doing a large job with thick granite or marble tiles, you will need a tile saw instead.
Shopping Tips
Once you start on a tile job, there are a few basic pieces of information you need before you pick out the best manual cutter. You will need to know what type of tile you’re cutting, the size of the tile, and the layout of the space that needs to be covered.
Knowing the answers to these questions will give you a better idea of the features your tool should have. Below, we have outlined some basic functions and features you should keep in mind.
- Cutting Wheel: An important aspect of your tile cutter is the cutting wheel. First and most importantly, it should be a carbide blade. Carbide blades are extremely strong and capable of slicing through strong materials. Beyond that, we recommend going with a tungsten carbide blade. When you purchase a carbide blade, the “carbide” is always mixed with another metal. Tungsten (a common mix with carbide) is an extremely durable, impact-resistant, and heavy-duty metal. It makes for a great tile cutter because it also has a very high resistance to heat.
- Rails: The rails on your tile cutter are important for the accuracy of your lines. Typically, the tool has dual rails that the blade slides along which helps give the cutter extra stability and precision. Always ensure your tile cutter has two rails, plus make sure they are made of a durable material like chrome steel. The chrome is also very sleek allowing the blade to run smoothly down the rails without encountering an obstruction.
- Guides: Tile cutters can come with many types of guides depending on the brand and model. For example, some have ruler guides while others feature infrared lasers to help you be accurate. Those with lasers can be a bit more expensive but are typically more precise.
- Construction: When it comes to the overall construction, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, an aluminum base is great for stability and keeping the tool lightweight. You also want to look for rubber feet to keep the cutter level and from slipping around. Finally, look for an ergonomic, smooth handle that will make scoring the tile that much easier.
- Tile Specifics: The last thing you want to consider is the size and type of tile you will be cutting. Not only that, but you need to determine the type of cuts you will need to make. Manual tile cutters have different cut capacities. They can range from 20–48 inches and bigger. This also goes for thickness. Additionally, while some models are designed for ceramic and porcelain, other cutters can handle different types of tile like glass or mirror. Finally, a lot of these tools can cut diagonally. Check your model for the range. One that can do 0–60 degrees is good, but 90 degrees is best.
Conclusion
We hope our review of the 10 best manual tile cutters has helped you figure out which option is best for your next tile job. Finding the right tool is not always easy, so a little guidance can go a long way. If we had to recommend just one cutter, however, we would have to pick the QEP 10630Q 24-Inch Manual Tile Cutter. This is an accurate, versatile option that will score and rip most types of tile with precision and little mess.
If you are just starting and want something beginner-friendly and cost-efficient, we would pick the VonHaus 24 Inch, Manual Tile Cutter. This is a great start-up model that has a lot of benefits including accuracy and durability. Either way, we hope this information will lead you to the best fit for your project.
Note that we also have page where we cover the five best tile cutters (not only limited to manual ones). Feel free to check it out!
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