A pair of tile nippers is an integral part of a tile setting kit. Nippers are indispensable, as they allow you to make curved cuts and even holes in tiles for accommodating door cases, toilet flanges etc. Nippers have sharp tipped jaws with different configurations. The standard pair comes with a flat front. But you should choose your equipment depending on the type of project you are interested in performing. To help you buy the best nippers for your purposes, we have compiled this buyer's guide based on customer reviews.
Ceramic tile nippers: Tile nippers are primarily used for ceramic tiles, but they can also be used on heavy materials such as concrete or porcelain. Nippers are not particularly effective on natural stone, such as slate, because if force is applied, the stone tends to shatter or crumble. Most ceramic tile nippers are flat front nippers.
Mosaic/glass tile nippers: For mosaic and glass tiles, wheeled tile nippers are most commonly used. These nippers help to break down the mosaic in unique smaller shapes for creating all hangings, planters and landscaped gardens. These nippers can be easily identified by their carbide scoring wheels.
Parrot nippers: Parrot nippers have a curved front, allowing you more hand control. They are optimal for intricate work on smaller mosaics.
After going through thousands of nippers reviews, we have found out that most tile experts concentrate on the following points before buying their equipment.
Sharp jaws: The tile nippers have extremely sharp edges or jaws.
Safety equipment: It is always good to wear sturdy gloves, which will prevent cuts on your hands and fingers. Along with gloves, the user should use safety glasses as well, as they protect the eyes from the tile chips that may fly off while cutting the mosaic or ceramic.
Durability: Investing in a good tile cutter ensures that your product will be durable. You cannot judge the endurance of equipment by just looking at it. Do your own research and find out about the brands which use high-quality, durable, and non-corrosive materials for their tile cutters.
Large capacity: Choose a tile cutter which can easily cut different sizes of tiles. A tile cutter with a larger capacity is a good option for cutting big tiles. But, if you are engaged in only occasional projects, it is wise to make an investment on a tile-cutter with only a medium-sized capacity.
Think about the grip span: The distance between the fingers and the thumb when the tool jaw is either open or closed determine the grip span of nippers. For power tasks, a grip span of 3.5” for open span and a 2” for a closed span is required for average hands. Anything less than that can cause discomfort to your hands.
Look at the edges: A nipper with sharp cutting edges or tips ensures that the task can be performed effortlessly.
Consider the design: Choose a tile nipper which includes a spring return so that you don't have to separate the handles again manually to use the nippers again. The spring should not be too tight because that will make it difficult to maneuver. Choose a model which can be used with either hand, so that if one hand tires, you can use the equipment with the other hand. An ergonomic handle is quite useful: for example, a tile nipper with an angled handle will minimize how much you bend your wrist while using it.
NATTCO: A brand known for its commitment towards quality, the North American Tile Tool Company (NATTCO) has been producing heavy-duty shock-resistant tile nippers for years. The products from this brand can be used on any floors.
Superior: One of the most prominent products from the house of Superior has a built-in scoring wheel which helps in cutting round tiles. The easy-grip rubber handle with multiple pivot points ensures that this nipper can be used by amateurs and professionals alike.
MD Building Products: This brand of tile nippers is known for their flawless design and performance. The ergonomic handles allow for ease of use and reduce hand fatigue. Also, they are strong enough to make irregular cuts on both stones and tiles.
Source: http://www.tilehomeguide.com/tile-nippers-a-must-have-tool-for-every-project/
http://www.choosehandsafety.org/sites/default/files/docs/tm_tools_FactSheetTile%20Nippers.pdf
http://www.choosehandsafety.org/what-should-i-look-hand-tool/nippers-other-two-handle-tools