These basic nippers (also known as side-biters) have the all-important carbon tips to their blades, and are a good strong tool capable of effectively cutting ceramic tiles and very thin marble. The conventional way to hold these nippers is with the flat back of the nipper blades facing away from your body, and the rounded, projecting side of the blades facing inwards (but plenty of people swear by using them the other way). Using your spare hand, put the very edge of the tile between the jaws of the nippers, and then close the jaws applying gentle pressure. There is no need to put the whole tile between the jaws as the tile will fracture from the point where pressure is exerted. You will get better and better at producing predictable cuts the more you use these.  These are not for use with glass as they can crush vitreous materials causing splinters; use wheeled cutters for glass and smalti.

You should always wear a mask and eye protection when cutting mosaic materials. Unfortunately Mosaic Workshop can't accept returns of cutting tools which turn out not to suit you, so please think carefully before buying.  If you are finding it very hard to make a decision please contact me as I may be able to lend you tools to try (you will pay a deposit, and for postage in both directions).  In the case of faulty goods we will, of course, accept returns - please see notes in the website footer.