Why do you need a gear spatula and how to choose a tile comb

The proper tools are necessary for tiling projects in order to achieve a polished finish. A tile comb, also called a gear spatula, is one of the most important tools you’ll need. This useful tool makes sure that the adhesive is applied uniformly, which is essential for a long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing tile installation.

The distinct notched edges of the gear spatula are intended to make even grooves in the adhesive. In order to prevent air pockets and guarantee that each tile adheres correctly, these grooves aid in distributing the adhesive uniformly across the surface. By creating a stronger bond, this not only facilitates installation but also helps to extend the life of your tiles.

For your tiling project, selecting the appropriate tile comb can make a significant impact. It’s important to take into account elements like the notches’ size and shape because they must correspond with the kind and dimensions of the tiles you’re using. Smaller tiles can use finer notches, but larger tiles usually need larger notches to hold enough adhesive. It’s crucial to take the spatula’s material into account as well because robust materials like stainless steel can last longer and perform better.

It may seem overwhelming to choose the right gear spatula with so many options available. Nonetheless, the decision-making process can be made simpler by being aware of the demands of your particular project and the features of various spatulas. Selecting the appropriate tool with a little thought will guarantee a more seamless installation and an end product that looks more professional.

Why do you need a gear spatula?	How to choose a tile comb?
A gear spatula is used to apply adhesive evenly on surfaces. Its notched edge ensures a consistent layer, preventing gaps and ensuring strong adhesion for tiles or other materials.	Choose a tile comb based on the tile size and type of adhesive. Larger tiles need bigger notches to hold more adhesive. Check the manufacturer"s recommendations for the best results.

What is a toothed spatula for

The tile spatula is a compact construction tool with a plastic handle and a flat piece of stainless steel. There are different sized and shaped cloves on some spatulas; this tool, known as a comb, is used to evenly and affordably distribute glue across the tile surface. A comb for tiles leaves behind small grooves that are filled with glue at the time of pressing the tile to the wall. As a result, the work achieves the following features:

1. The quality of the masonry. A layer of glue will be uniform on each piece of tile, so the tile will automatically go to one plane (you need an even base).
2. The strength of the connection. A large amount of adhesive composition on the tile increases its mass. When using a comb, the amount of adhesive mass will always be the same.
3. Speed ​​of work. The need for regular extrusion of glue from under the tile and removing its surpluses disappears. On average, the speed of work increases by 2-3 times.
4. Economy. The spatula allows the use of the amount of glue that the manufacturer recommends – you will not have to overpay for overrun.
5. Purity. Since the tile does not flash in the process of work with excess glue, the final result looks excellent even without washing the tile.

Working with a gear comb that has two smooth and two even sides is the most convenient option; one gear spatula can replace the other two.

Types for tiles

Bathroom and kitchen repairs are not common, so selecting the right tools for the job should be carefully considered. If not, you’ll need to replace the tiles every two to three years. You must select a spatula that will be easy to use in order to avoid situations like this one. Experts typically classify the toothache-building instruments into two groups:

1. A spatula made of high -quality stainless steel. This tool allows you to distribute adhesive substance evenly by tiles, and its cloves are not deformed over time. A stainless steel spatula can be safely washed under running water – corrosion is not terrible for him. Such a tool is expensive, but it will last a very long time.
2. Spatula made or plastic. Budget version of a construction tool – purchased for several hundred rubles. The main drawback is the low strength of the material. In the process of work, cloves can break off or wash over time. The tool is considered disposable and is not suitable for a professional builder.

The form of the handle and the location of its fastening on the construction tool also vary. There are copies that are quite handy to have the handle on the work surface because it requires less effort to use. In other variants, the handle is fixed slightly above the metal surface; it’s not very cozy, but it won’t break.

Size and shape of the teeth

The size and shape of the tooth should be carefully considered when selecting a spatula, as this will affect the quality of any subsequent work. Let’s begin by classifying combs with triangle teeth. These combs are made to be used with glue that is applied to mosaic or PVC-covered tiles. The following letters are used to mark the spatula:

• A – a spatula with a standard size of cloves (suitable for most types of work);
• B is a highly specialized comb with wide teeth (when you need a lot of glue);
• S – spatula with closely located cloves (resembles a hacksaw in shape).

Particular consideration should be given to the tool with the letter "C," which is intended to lay medium-sized tiles and has square-shaped cloves. A comb with a "R" label—that is, teeth that are the wrong or rectangular shape—is typically used to work with large tile pieces and uneven bases. When working with synthetic mixtures (which have strong spreading characteristics) or concrete (warm floor installation), a spatula with index "M" is utilized.

The shape of the teeth is not as significant as their size. This parameter allows you to modify the amount of glue used to adhere floor or wall tiles based on the size and mass of the tile. The cloves’ primary measurements and some usage information are as follows:

• 1.2 and 0.6 mm – are used in decorative work, where a very thin layer of glue is needed;
• 3 mm – suitable for installing a decorative mosaic made of colored glass;
• 4 mm – for working with small tiles (not more than 12 × 12 cm);
• 6 mm – a universal tool for working with medium -sized tiles (up to 20 × 20 cm);
• 8 mm – the spatula is suitable for installing a large tile (dimensions up to 30 × 30 cm);
• 10 mm – a comb is used to install thick heavy tiles (up to 10 mm thick);
• 12.5 mm – the tool is suitable for working with the most heavy tiles.

Do you have to operate on an uneven or porous surface? Simply use a spatula marked "R" and more stagnant mixture (cement mortar, glue). Don’t go overboard, though, as too much glue can cause the tiles to become heavy.

How to choose a comb for tile laying

It also happens that very different tools made of the same material but with similar size and shape cost very different amounts. An expensive spatula will seem like the best option to an inexperienced builder. Nonetheless, professionals advise being aware of the following details:

1. The length of the working plane. Ideally, it should be equal to the width of the tiles – in this case, styling will be light and fast. If you can’t choose a spatula for the size of the tile, take a larger tool (carry out a small comb on a large tile several times quite tiring).
2. The shape of the handle. Usually it is perpendicular to the metal plane and is made of plastic, glued with rubber. However, do not forget to pay attention to the size of the part – the handle should be conveniently lying in the hand. Otherwise, it will be inconvenient to control the spatula, which will lead to a deterioration in the quality of work.
3. The presence of varnished coating on a wooden handle. If it is not, you run the risk of planting a splinter in the palm of your hand. In general, buying a comb with a wooden pen is only if the price of the tool is strictly fundamental. After all, a spatula with a plastic pen is lighter and stronger.
4. The hardness of the tool. The spatula should not be too hard, otherwise it will be inconvenient to work. At the same time, the comb should not be too flexible – such tools quickly break. Therefore, in the store, do not hesitate to take the tool in your hands and try to bend it – ideally, it should bend a little, but not deform.
5. Price. In most cases, it is an indicator of the quality of the goods. However, brand combs have an execution for the popularity of the company. In rare cases, an expensive tool will be worse than cheap. But still buying a comb with the highest price tag for disposable use is not the best idea.

Building professionals advise applying a small amount of solution to the wall, drawing a rowing side along it, and applying a tile to determine if the right spatula was selected for the job. The comb is not appropriate for use with a particular type of solution or tile size if glue is squeezed out from under the tile.

When laying tiles, a gear spatula, sometimes referred to as a tile comb, is necessary to ensure a uniform and smooth application of adhesive. Its notched edges aid in evenly dispersing the adhesive, avoiding air pockets and guaranteeing solid, long-lasting bonds. The size and type of tile you’re working with should be taken into account when selecting the appropriate tile comb; larger tiles often require wider notches, while smaller tiles perform best with finer notches. You can accomplish professional-looking results with enhanced durability and appearance by using the right gear spatula.

What is the adhesive manufacturers recommend

It is advisable to pay attention to the advice provided by tile glue manufacturers in addition to that of qualified builders. They do, after all, know exactly what kind of tool is best to leave behind the ideal adhesive mixture thickness. The clutch strength of the tile with the wall will be at its maximum if the comb is chosen precisely. As a result, manufacturers frequently include a table of conformance for tile size and spatula tooth thickness on construction glue packages:

The length of the toughs of the comb	The minimum tile size	The maximum tile size
3 mm	50 mm	70 mm
4 mm	70 mm	100 mm
6 mm	100 mm	200 mm
8 mm	200 mm	300 mm
10 mm	300 mm	500 mm
12.5 mm	500 mm or more

The tile will be inadequately adhered and eventually peel off if the cloves on the spatula are too tiny, which indicates that there is not enough glue on the tile. Large cloves ensure enormous waste when it comes to tile peeling and repair (glue cannot support the weight of the tiles).

Since the composition of different glue types varies, there will be differences in the shrinkage coefficient and setting time. It is advised to deviate from the average parameters listed in the above table and adhere to the indicators specific to a particular glue brand in order to maximize the efficiency of the repair work:

Ceresit CM11 Plus
The maximum tile size	The maximum height of the teeth
5 cm	3 mm
10 cm	4 mm
15 cm	6 mm
25 cm	8 mm
30 cm	10 mm

Ceresit CM14 Extra
The maximum tile size	The maximum height of the teeth
15 cm	6 mm
25 cm	8 mm
30 cm	10 mm
45 cm	12 mm

Ceresit CM12
The maximum tile size	The maximum height of the teeth
30 cm	10 mm
60 cm	12 mm

Ceresit CM17
The maximum tile size	The maximum height of the teeth
10 cm	4 mm
15 cm	6 mm
25 cm	8 mm
30 cm	10 mm
45 cm	12 mm

One last piece of advice: make sure to breed an adhesive composition in a bucket according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Slight deviations in scale can cause the glue’s properties to be compromised. Since the substance has already passed its expiration date (glue should normally be stored for three to four days after dilution), using it is not advised.

Application of glue to tiles with a spatula

The expertise of the person performing the tile masonry will determine the quality of the repair. Generally, the master’s order is as follows:

1. We spread a solution on the wall or floor (cement or adhesive).
2. Cut the adhesive solution with a spatula with teeth of the desired size.
3. Press the tile tightly to the solution and tap along it with a rubber hammer.

Within 15 to 20 minutes of the tile installation, if the masonry is found, the changes can be made before the tile grabs and freezes.

The comb’s grooves ought to have a straight shape. If not, spaces will start to appear where the tile meets, which will make the tile’s holding less effective.

On occasion, builders will apply the solution to the tile, smooth it with a spatula, and then press the tile into the wall. Although this method is thought to be more involved and demands a certain level of dexterity from the master, the quality of the repair justifies it because every tile is placed precisely and firmly against every other tile, even in cases where the wall’s plastering is not done well.

A technology exists that offers an extremely powerful way to attach a tile to a wall. Typically, it is employed to install sizable tiles measuring more than 50 by 50 cm. The following is the work algorithm:

1. We apply the amount of solution on the wall recommended by the manufacturer.
2. Remove the excess with a metal spatula with large teeth.
3. The residues of the solution are spread on the tile and removes the excess with a smaller spatula.
4. We attach the tile to the wall and align it with a rubber hammer.

Although this masonry process is thought to be among the longest, it offers the best adhesion possible for even the toughest tiles.

Remember to give the spatula a thorough wash in a bucket of water after work. Failure to do so will result in the solution between the teeth drying out, making the use of such a spatula risky as it could reduce the lumen between the grooves and partially remove the clutch force.

How to put tiles without a comb

In order for porcelain or tile to hold on a wall or floor, it is important to evenly distribute the adhesive solution on the surface. But what to do if there is no crest, but you need to carry out repairs as soon as possible? Well, you can try to use a regular spatula, although it will not be easy to achieve uniform distribution of glue (in case of an error, air voids will occur). However, if you accurately measure the required amount of the mixture and carefully distribute it over the surface, slightly pressing the spatula and getting rid of excess material – the tile will stay reliable. The main thing is to pay attention to the differences in the level of the wall or floor is the most common reason for the formation of voids.

Remember that using a comb when laying tiles results in a higher adhesive mixture consumption and higher repair costs. An excessively thick layer of solution weakens the mount because the glue cannot support the weight of the tiles.

An indispensable tool for anyone dealing with tiles is a gear spatula, sometimes referred to as a tile comb. Its distinctive design, with different-sized notches, guarantees efficient and even application of adhesive. For tiles to be securely fastened in place and problems like uneven surfaces or tile slippage to be avoided, this even distribution is essential. Your tiling projects will last longer and be of higher quality if you use a gear spatula.

Take into account the size and kind of tiles you’re using when choosing a tile comb. While smaller tiles work well with smaller notches, larger tiles typically require a spatula with larger notches. The spatula’s material is also crucial; plastic options are lightweight and frequently less expensive, but stainless steel options are strong and long-lasting. Other considerations include grip and handle comfort, particularly for longer projects where usability can be crucial.

Searching for features that make maintaining and cleaning the spatula simpler is also beneficial. To make cleaning easier, some models have detachable handles or non-stick coatings. In the end, using the proper gear spatula can ensure that every tile is laid precisely and securely, making your tiling job go more smoothly and professionally.

Over time, you can save time and effort by making an investment in a high-quality tile comb that is customized to meet your unique needs. Knowing the value of this tool and selecting the appropriate one can improve results and make tiling more enjoyable for both professional and do-it-yourself tilers.

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