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Trim Tile in Place

Chuck L's picture

Trim Tile in Place (post #193691)

Chuck L on Tue, 09/21/2010 - 14:02
in

The opening of the electrical switch (light/fan) box in my bathroom is partially obstructed by a ceramic tile. Is there a practical way that I can trim about 1/4 inch from the tile, without either breaking the tile or removing it first?

-A +A

You'd probably be able to do (post #193691, reply #1 of 6)

by DanH in reply to Chuck L [original] on Tue, 09/21/2010 - 14:07

You'd probably be able to do it with a MultiMaster (or one of the clones), using an abrasive carbide or diamond blade.

Always a risk of chipping/cracking, of course, but I'd consider it a good bet.


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I would do one of a couple things (post #193691, reply #2 of 6)

by calvin in reply to Chuck L [original] on Tue, 09/21/2010 - 14:15

If it's say a 4x4 tile and L-shaped where it's cut around the outlet, I might pop it off if stuck on w/mastic.  Then I would recut with a water saw, being careful not to overcut at the corner notch.  Tightening the outlet down on one of those might just snap it.  Scrape/belt sand the old mastic off the tile and bed it back down with PL Premium adhesive.  Might be able to slide it back up to the old grout.  If newer grout-no problem, re-grout.

Or, I do own a multi-master and both the diamond and abrasive grit blades.  A porcelain tile would be tough but probably doable.  The softer ceramic-no problem once the glaze was cut.  Again, being careful not to approach that original inside corner cut.  I'd take out what's necessary and no more-angling the cut if needed.

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I'm guessing that the overlap (post #193691, reply #3 of 6)

by DonCanDo in reply to Chuck L [original] on Tue, 09/21/2010 - 14:19

I'm guessing that the overlap is where the screw holes are for the switch.  Otherwise, why would you be concerned about 1/4" overlap?

You can get a diamond cutting wheel for a dremel which should handle a small cut.  For a larger cut, you can get a diamond cutting wheel for an angle grinder.  With reasonable care, the tile shouldn't break, but you will make a lot of dust.

Thank you all.  I'm going to (post #193691, reply #4 of 6)

by Chuck L in reply to Chuck L [original] on Wed, 09/22/2010 - 09:45

Thank you all.  I'm going to try trimming it with diamond blade in a dremel.  If all else fails, I do have a couple of extra tiles.  Thanks again. 

Diamonds are a guy's best friend... (post #193691, reply #5 of 6)

by Mongo in reply to Chuck L [original] on Thu, 09/23/2010 - 12:33

I use a diamond blade in an angle grinder.

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 My RotoZip came with a (post #193691, reply #6 of 6)

by andybuildz in reply to Chuck L [original] on Mon, 09/27/2010 - 16:14

 My RotoZip came with a grinder attachment which has proven to be a great feature because it's small enough to use it in tight(ish) areas and works great. I've trimmed  about about 1/4" from a top course of tile down a length of about four feet. It really worked fantastic! It was porcelain too. The bits available are also real good for tile work fwtw to anyone.

I carry my RotoZip along with my tile tools all the time.

 

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