How to Use a Tile Cutter for Perfect Flooring in Kenya

So, you’ve decided to fix tiles in your house? Congratulations! You’re now officially part of the “DIY Fundis Association of Kenya” (unregistered, but very real).

Maybe your landlord finally agreed to let you upgrade that floor that looks like a scene from an old Nairobi crime movie. Whatever the reason, you’re here because you need to know how to use a tile cutter—and use it well!

If you’ve ever watched a fundi cut tiles effortlessly and thought, “Si hii ni rahisi tu,”—relax. I promise you, by the time you finish this article, you’ll be cutting tiles like a pro and impressing your in-laws!

Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step guide for using different types of tile cutters available in Kenya.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use a Tile Cutter in Kenya

1. How to Use a Manual Tile Cutter (Common in Kenya)

If you visit any hardware shop in Nairobi, Mombasa, or Kisumu, this is the tile cutter they will sell you first. It’s affordable, doesn’t need electricity, and does the job well—unless you’re cutting thick tiles like granite.

Tools You’ll Need:

• Manual tile cutter
• Pencil/marker
• Measuring tape
• Safety gloves & goggles

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Measure and Mark:
   • Take your measuring tape and mark where you want to cut. (Use a pencil or marker—don’t be like those fundis who “eye-measure” everything.)
2. Position the Tile on the Cutter:
   • Open the cutter, place your tile, and align the marked line with the guide.
3. Score the Tile:
   • Press the handle down gently and roll the scoring wheel along the marked line once—not 20 times! (Hii si Ugali; no need for too much force.)
4. Snap the Tile:
   • Push down firmly on both sides of the tile. It should break cleanly along the scored line. If not, blame your tile (or yourself).

2. How to Use a Wet Saw (For Hard Tiles like Granite & Marble)

If you’re dealing with tough tiles—like granite, marble, or thick porcelain—forget the manual cutter. What you need is a wet saw, aka “the big boy of tile cutting.”

Tools You’ll Need:

• Wet saw (Can be rented from some hardware shops)
• Water source (hose or bucket)
• Safety gear (gloves, goggles, ear protection)

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Set Up the Wet Saw:
   • Fill the saw’s reservoir with water (it helps cool the blade and reduce dust).
2. Measure and Mark the Tile:
   • Use a pencil to mark the line where you want to cut.
3. Position the Tile on the Table:
   • Place the tile against the saw’s guide and hold it firmly.
4. Cut the Tile:
   • Turn on the saw and slowly push the tile toward the blade. Let the machine do the work. No rush, fundi!
5. Smooth the Edges:
   • If needed, use sandpaper or a rubbing stone to smooth the cut edges.

3. How to Use an Angle Grinder (For Special Cuts & Curved Edges)

Now, if you want to cut a hole in a tile (for a pipe) or make curved cuts, the angle grinder is your best friend. This is the tool that will separate you from amateur fundis!

Tools You’ll Need:

• Angle grinder with a diamond blade
• Safety goggles & gloves
• Clamps (to hold the tile)

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Measure and Mark:
   • Draw the shape or hole you want to cut.
2. Secure the Tile:
   • Use clamps to hold the tile in place. You don’t want it moving while cutting.
3. Cut in Small Sections:
   • Instead of trying to cut everything at once, make shallow cuts first, then go deeper gradually.
4. Refine the Edges:
   • Use sandpaper or a tile file to smooth the edges.

Which Tile Cutter Should You Use in Kenya?

Tile Type	Best Tile Cutter	Where to Buy in Kenya
Ceramic & Porcelain	Manual Tile Cutter	Skywave Online Shopping in Nairobi, Kerugoya, and Kutus
Granite & Marble	Wet Saw	High-end tile shops & rentals
Curved & Special Cuts	Angle Grinder	Any major hardware store

Final Thoughts: You’re Now a Tile Cutting Guru!

Now you know how to use a tile cutter like a pro fundi. Next time someone in the estate asks, “Who can cut tiles?” you can confidently say, “Mimi najua!”

Remember:
✔ Take your time—rushing will only give you broken tiles and broken dreams.
✔ Use the right tool for the job. Don’t use a manual cutter for granite tiles!
✔ Always wear safety gear—unless you want your eyes full of tile dust.

So, whether you’re fixing tiles in Nairobi, Nakuru, or Machakos, you now have the skills to do it right. Happy tile cutting!