🔨Tile basics, tools you need.🔨

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When installing tile, there are a number of tools you will have to have to get the job done, be it a tile shower or tile floor or tile kitchen backsplash. Tools like trowels and grout floats are specific to installing tile. Other tools are more generic and almost everyone has at least some of them. In this video I try to give an idea of the tools that will be needed and that would be used on most tile jobs. This is not a complete list, every tile job is different, but it is a good start to have an idea of what you should have in your toolbox before starting a tile installation.
All tile installed by Sal DiBlasi, Elite-tile Company, in the Boston North Shore area. This video contains affiliate links, which means I will receive a small commission if you click on the product link.
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👇 Some of my favorite Tools 👇
Float amzn.to/2tdEpN2
Rubbing Stone amzn.to/2QrgRfh
Notched Trowel 1/4 x 1/4 x 1/4-inch amzn.to/36bq5mQ
Notched Trowel 1/2 x 1/2 x 1/2-Inch amzn.to/2Q5e90g
Notched Trowel 1/4 x 3/8 x 1/4-Inch amzn.to/39j1caB
Super Dust Collector - WaleTale amzn.to/2MDuVkK
Black Nitrile Gloves - 6 mil amzn.to/2SJQ6FZ
Margin Trowel amzn.to/352MYHx
Mortar Mixer amzn.to/2ZxYqtF
4in Sandpaper for Stone Polishing amzn.to/2ZB2skT
Polishing Rubber Backing Pad amzn.to/2srikdy
Montolit 63P3 24 Inch Tile Cutter amzn.to/2MDoFtl
DEWALT Wet Tile Saw amzn.to/2QqpO8O
Rubi Thinset mixer amzn.to/39VmNWV
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For Industry Professionals only

[@hunteraguado1093]

I recently left masonry to learn tiling. Cheaper to start your own tiling business than a lot of other trades. And truth be told I actually enjoy it. Thanks Sal I’ve learned quite a bit from you. ✊🏽

[@SalDiBlasi]

Thanks for sharing

[@qzetu]

This is a good list of tools but it missed a few important ones. layout tools - tape measure - chualk line - carpenter square. You will need these tools in order the layout your tile properly. Grease pencil. There is nothing worse than going to your wet saw and the water whips away your pencil marking. You'll need a 2 foot level in order to mark your lines and to flush your tile during install. I would recommend a 16 foot tape measure for marking your cuts because a 25 foot is awkward to handle when making small marks on tile. This video does not cover floor prep which is almost always going to be necessary. You will rarely get a floor that is already preped. There are all kinds of different scrapers to take out vinyl and glue and tile. There is four inch & six inch scrapers. There is 12 inch all the way up to 4 feet stand up scrapers. There is special scrapers for sheet vinyl and vinyl tile and planks. You'll need a rotary hammer to take out tile. You'll need a grinder, and a surface diamond wheel and shroud and vaccum to grind down thinset which can be hard as a rock. You'll need a flat pry bar to knock out carpet gripper strips and possibly baseboard and threshold. You'll need a good vaccum. You'll need shovels and lots of buckets &/or a wheel barrow in order to remove old tile. You'll need a push broom. You'll need sponges. You'll need a utility knife in order to cut carpet into sections. And you'll need 2 & 3 inch hand chisels.That's all I can think of right now concern concrete floors. If you're dealing with subfloor you may need to take into account woodworking tools like a skill saw, mitersaw, table saw, and a jigsaws

[@goodwi11]

I’m from Michigan, but thanks to Sal, every time I do tile work around the house, I narrate in a New England accent. I’m sure I’m not alone here.

[@SalDiBlasi]

😊

[@stephanieg995]

My husband and I live in Michigan too. We also quote Sal and we try to sound like him as well. Too funny!

[@kallenyc]

Sal should have his own TV show! Talk about character! 🤩

[@stephanieg995]

You are a wealth of knowledge. Thank you for doing basic and detailed videos! For a DIYer your videos are priceless.

[@yoursocialally]

Thanks for sharing, as someone learning to tile your years of experience are invaluable :)

[@vitocasanova6918]

YOU MADE ME DO IT!! YOUR THE BEST SIR!!

[@charlesrose7212]

Thanks, Sal!

[@dystopicrodeo9078]

Sal, awesome video, thanks. Maybe a video on how to use some of the more demanding tools would be helpful. Tips and techniques with: a tub saw/wet saw, a snap cutter, nippers, etc... Great video series. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us up and coming professional tile setters.

[@peskycitizen3124]

You forgot a chisel ,not that you need one ,knee pads, wedges and safety glasses. Your still the best and i love watching your vids.

[@steveduncanson1865]

Sal, you missed one very important tool needed.A sponge

[@SalDiBlasi]

I am sure I missed more than just a sponge, hard to think of everything when doing these videos.

[@Realizinq]

Sal DiBlasi shit im learning it’s hard to think of everything the day before your first job😂

[@SlyyybyJerry]

@@Realizinq my first job is a couple days from now lol

[@Realizinq]

SlyyybyShurrr hope it goes well bro my first job on my own went very good, 350$ for 2 hours work sum backsplash

[@theprophetez1357]

It's amazing, isn't it incredible that some of the least appreciated are every bit as important as the "bigger" stuff. It often goes like that with people too, but I really appreciate Sal.

[@TheHillbillyEngineer]

Thanks Sal, I have to agree with you about that red silicon float, I bought one about 1-1/2 years ago and I find that it is the go to float for just about everything that I install including some epoxy grouts. I have the little Rubi cutter and the first time I used it was on a 1"x1" glass mosaic backsplash where I had to cut them to install on a 45 degree layout and use the 1x1's set square to trim at the double wrapped window walls and ends, the little cutter cut those small glass tiles so clean I thought I was dreaming.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Having the right tool for the job makes all the difference.

[@AnBar558]

:) спасибо.

[@orlandor2784]

Hi sal, what tile cutter do you use thank you

[@OverHaluyu]

Thank you so much for the detailed list, we just bought our house and will be tiling it on our own soon. Have you ever worked with terrazzo?? Besides sanding it down what prep needs to be done? Should I be putting down some waterproof membrane on the bathroom floor?

[@SalDiBlasi]

Terrazzo is a whole other trade, never done it.

[@waynepatrick17]

Ruby in the green box, best tile cutter, different colour now years later ay sal

[@SalDiBlasi]

Had that one many years, tiles got a lot harder so a stronger cutter works better.

[@EngineeringVignettes]

Good info, thanks. On the snap cutter vs wet-saw, how would one choose one over another? Is it the quality of the cut edge? For example I notice that my snap cutter tends to chip the top coating on ceramic tiles a bit... would going to a wet saw prevent the chipping? Much thanks for all the wisdom you provide in these videos. Cheers, - Eddy

[@SalDiBlasi]

Should have both a wet saw and a snap cutter, and it depends on the tile many times a snap cutter will give a cleaner cut at the glaze but often not the depth. A wet saw will always give a clean cut through the depth of the tile, but can sometimes chip the glaze. Then the type of blade on the wet saw will determine how good the cut might be.

[@severiniusa]

Thank you Sir for this informative video. From one American of Italian ancestry to another,,,what part of the USA are you from? Great accent!!! Regards from New Jersey !!!

[@Tech215Studios]

Al, ur def a full blooded Pizzone like myself but where the Fudge is that acent from? It sounds like half NYC half Boston?

[@davejones4740]

What dewalt tile cutter is that. I'm just starting out so I will be getting the best tools. Carry less of a load and use your knee pads when kneeling down on the job. Use both your hands to help you getting up off the tiles. Avoid caring to heavy loads, do more trips. Lift lighter loads with a straight back. Always use a 3m mask to protect your lungs and wear gloves and safety glasses. Extraction hoover.

[@saoudaziz4472]

👌👌👌😻

[@zachrawlings6523]

The cheap tile cutters give the rest a really bad rap. I feel like rubi is quality through and through, but im still reeling to try the montolit masterpiuma. The ease of use and detail in craftsmanship for built-in compartmentalization is very attractive. Not having to adjust the cutter for tile thickness..the oil tube for wavy-faced tiles.. guides for repeatable cuts.. and especially the mosaic rubber mat. Rubi, however, has a nice protective case- and prob a better supporting arm. With all the copycats in innovation, id be interested to see how cheap amazon tile cutters compare. Love all your info. Also, id like to ask for some detailed examples of pouringbthe divot method shower pan. Epoxy Grout Formula's youtube has some great ex's but id like to see your take on it. I had never heard about this method and kind of surprised its actually approved by the TCNA. Thanks Sal!

[@teslaandhumanity7383]

I remember using match sticks and a scorer in the old days to cut tiles

[@teslaandhumanity7383]

Did you mention a chalk line snap

[@teslaandhumanity7383]

Laser

[@PrivatePBS]

Do you have, or know any KZbin, videos on how to clean up at the end of a job. Tools, excess masonry, rinse water? No now of pouring down the drain, in backyard, how to store tools (oil, edges, etc...).

[@Dan-mm8eb]

Hi Sal, what brand caulk smoothing tool do you use. Also what’s your typical go to caulk brand and model for bathroom shower environment. Thanks.

[@SalDiBlasi]

here is the tool, amzn.to/2yObUYp and always use the color matching caulk made by the grout manufacturers.

[@josenava4228]

Hey Sal! Excellent video. What kind of rig do you have for transporting all your equipment? Does it all fit in a truck or do you have a trailer? Thank you!

[@SalDiBlasi]

Cargo van

[@kallenyc]

I'm in a pickle being in a small high rise condo. Any advice on how to cut large format (15" x 30") porcelain floor tile around the trim of doors w/o a wet saw? 😬 Use a grinder and settle it for it looking messy or will that not work? My dad has a wet saw 3 hrs away so I could bring just those pieces to cut when I visit and do the rest myself with a Rubi cutter.

[@SalDiBlasi]

This is why I don't do work in high rise condos. Get a good blade for the grinder.

[@kallenyc]

@@SalDiBlasi It's a PIA for sure and contractor unfriendly; no parking in the garage even for a few hrs or on a temporary permit basis. My dad could help but doesn't want to park his work van on the street with property crime and vehicle break ins at ridiculous levels. I'll do my best with a grinder. Thank you!

[@fredsalazar620]

What 7 " wet saw blade do you recommend for cuts with no chips

[@SalDiBlasi]

Depends on the material you want to cut. , Glass, stone, porcelain, ceramic, they all have specific blade types, and you get what you pay for. you can find a bunch on my Amazon page,www.amazon.com/shop/saldiblasi and below are some. amzn.to/2WvOjak amzn.to/2KCJLYB amzn.to/2MBIzHO amzn.to/2KJpqRk

[@outonthetiles599]

Sal, is the Rubi Speed Magnet cutter good for frequent cutting of porcelain tile (often thick)? Or would the TR Magnet or TS Max cutter be a better choice? Also, are you an official Rubi distributor?

[@SalDiBlasi]

I think The TR Magnet would be a better choice, and yes we have them on our website dibsmart.com/product/rubi-tr-magnet-tile-cutter/

[@outonthetiles599]

Thanks, Sal. I recently joined NTCA and received some vouchers as a benefit of membership. One of them is for a Rubi product. Was wondering if its redeemable through your site. Thanks again for all you do.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Sorry, not set up for that.

[@outonthetiles599]

ok, no problem, Sal. I'll get in touch with association and see what they can suggest. Thanks again - Carlos

[@mikez4132]

Do you have any recommendations for a snap cutter for semi pro/renovation work? Right now the budget is around $200. Renting is a pain and the tools are usually beat up lol

[@SalDiBlasi]

Any of the cutters on My Store will work great, of course the bigger the cutter the more the money. dibsmart.com/product-category/tools/tilecuttersnippers/

[@mikez4132]

I do mostly porcelain. Any diff between the cutters?

[@SalDiBlasi]

There actually is, but most cutters today will handle Porcelain tiles no problem, the cheap low end cutters will have a problem because porcelain is a much denser material and some require much greater breaking power.

[@mikez4132]

ok I will go back to you page a look around again. Thanks!!

[@deegenovese3558]

get a sigma tile cutter

[@AndrewGulak]

Most people won't get just how many thousands of dollars your equipment represents in this video. That Rubi tile snapper, the wet saw (with different blades each one can be a few hundred dollars each). That hole saw set alone!

[@SalDiBlasi]

If you want to do the work, you have to have the tools

[@AndrewGulak]

Sal DiBlasi completely agree

[@karlherceg3289]

My Sigma was $700 and I use Chicago Electric from Harbour Freight (300). The quality of the wet saw blade determines the quality of the cut + your craftsmanship. By the way, a $40 Dewalt 10' blade is perfect. mostly your craftsmanship determines your quality.

[@SalDiBlasi]

I have had cheap tools, had because they did not last, and yes a sigma is a great cutter, but I also know guys that hate them. Trashing another company does not make you a better installer. The quality of the blade determines the quality of the cut, the quality of the saw determines how well the blade will perform.

[@AndrewGulak]

Karl Herceg Ah, Harbour Freight. There are certain tools of theirs that I will use. Their 1/2" Hole Hawg equivalent for mixing, roughing in electric and plumbing. As far as anything else goes, the build quality just isn't there. The common problem with all of their finish tools (wet saws, trim saws) is the play in the arbor. Makes for chattery cuts. I think it's the cheaper bearing quality that screws the pooch on that.

[@user-ob4rd2do1q]

عاوز اسافر معاك

[@T.E.P..]

Hello from the future ... Thorsday January 2022. 155k subscribers. 41,314 views since May 26, 2018.

[@TSLAtrading]

Ты не поверишь, но в России минималка это ушм и уровень 40см, умудряются работать этим.

[@SalDiBlasi]

4' and 2' levels are the most common, I also have several others of varying lengths.

[@TSLAtrading]

В целом согласен, но бро, я не увидел очки, наушники и маску. Хочу сказать, что коронки руби очень дорогие, черные самые надежные, но очень дорогие на рубли. У нас есть альтернатива Вжс технология армейская, коронки 9s.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Professional grade tools here are not cheap, and safety gear goes without say.

[@kelvinbeels9530]

Hmmm ok , so I only need 50 tools or so to start out. I'll just go borrow 3k so I can do some DIY. Maybe change the title of the video to every single tool ever needed for tiling . Thanks :-)

[@SalDiBlasi]

You need the tools to do the work, or you can hack it in and not use the tools.

[@kelvinbeels9530]

@@SalDiBlasi Fair enough....

[@teslaandhumanity7383]

Where’s your accent from Sal ?

[@teslaandhumanity7383]

It’s like American and English like a dual combined accent

[@mikez4132]

@@teslaandhumanity7383 he is from Boston