Which tool is essential for cutting ceramic tiles?

The essential tool for cutting ceramic tiles is a tile cutter or a wet saw. Tile cutters or wet saws are specifically designed to handle the hardness and density of ceramic tiles, making them ideal for achieving clean, straight cuts. A tile cutter typically uses a scoring wheel to create a groove in the tile, allowing it to be snapped easily along that line. Conversely, a wet saw employs a diamond blade along with water to cool the blade and reduce dust, allowing for smoother cuts, especially on thicker or more complex tile designs. Using these tools helps ensure precision and minimizes the risk of chipping, which is crucial when working with ceramic materials.

Other tools like a hammer, utility knife, and drill do not serve the same purpose. A hammer is more suited for tasks requiring force or for demolition, a utility knife is designed for softer materials and might not produce the accuracy or clean edges needed for ceramic, and a drill is mainly used for making holes rather than cutting tiles.