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How to Use a Tile Sander

The three most common tile cutters are wet saws with a diamond blade, manual scoring cutters that snap, and tile nippers. Of the three, only wet saws with a diamond blade leave a smooth edge on the tile as it cuts. Scoring cutters and nippers leave cuts that are sometimes as sharp as broken glass. You can smooth sharp or jagged tile edges with a manual tile sander, which is merely an abrasive sheet that resembles sandpaper, or use a handheld rotary power tool with a diamond attachment.

Things You'll Need

  • Flexible work gloves
  • Tile sander sheet
  • Rags
  • Eye protection
  • Handheld, rotary or oscillating tool with diamond-crusted blade or bit
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Instructions

  1. Manual Tile Sander

    • 1

      Put on a pair of flexible work gloves.

    • 2

      Hold the tile firmly with the sharp edge turned away from you.

    • 3

      Rub the tile sander sheet lightly over the cut edge of the tile.

    • 4

      Wipe the tile with a dry rag to remove sanding powder buildup, then examine the tile. If it's still too sharp, continue sanding the edge until it's as smooth as you like.

    Handheld Rotary or Oscillating Tool

    • 5

      Fasten a diamond-crusted blade or a diamond-tipped bit to a handheld rotary or oscillating tool.

    • 6

      Put on safety glasses or other eye protection and flexible work gloves.

    • 7

      Grip the tile firmly with one hand.

    • 8

      Turn on the rotary or oscillating tool.

    • 9

      Gently and slowly pass the cut edge of the tile along the blade or bit. Pressing hard can cause chips in the tile’s glaze. For a circular blade or the blade of an oscillating tool, pass the cut edge of the tile along the flat side of the blade near the outer edge. Do not cut into the tile with the edge of the blade. If you're using a diamond-tip bit, pass the edge of the tile along any part of the tip.

    • 10

      Turn off the tool, wipe off the dust and examine the tile. If it's not smooth, sand the edge until you're satisfied with the result.