Am I missing out not using levelling clips

[acaciaguy]

Currently I don’t use leveling clips. Having read about them and seen threads on here I’m considering using them. If I you get a better finish and quicker then why not?

When do you guys use them?

- size type of tile
- wall / floor
- do they mean that the surface to be tiled need not be as good as without them in terms of level etc

As ever many thanks

 

[Bill]

Finish can be better with adhesive fixing - makes no difference if fixing in sand and cement.

It can be quicker and even slower at times but for bowed and flexible tiles (ie large thin tiles) they are a no brainer.

 

[hmtiling]

I'll use them on 600 and up unless pumped floor and flat tiles

 

[Andy Allen]

@antonio ...... Calling..... @antonio ...

 

[LM]

I’ve said it before, “they’re like a dish washer or a car”

 

[Italy]

@antonio ...... Calling..... @antonio ...

self-leveling systems, serve only to apprentices.
pros do not need....

(zzzzzz just ordered 8000pz)

 

[Waluigi]

Almost impossible to get the same finish without clips on certain tiles.

 

[acaciaguy]

Almost impossible to get the same finish without clips on certain tiles.

Would that be mainly floor tiles.

 

[Waluigi]

I’ve done a couple of porcel-thin jobs now. Not on the scale of some of the people on here, just the small 120 x 60cm tiles. There’s no way I’d even attempt this type of job without them. That’s wall tiles

I’m doing some 70 x 25cm ceramics next week and I’ll be using clips on these too.

Job after that is some small 40 x 20 white tiles. No need for clips IMHO.

 

[Bill]

The plank job I did last week, the tiles were bowed and the floor was a tad uneven due to it being laid over existing (height issues meant I couldn't screed ontop or have the existing removed) so the clips made the job easier.

 

[Flintstone]

This has been debated many many times on here. The best thing for you to do is get your self a starter set with enough to do a job or whatever you like and make your own mind up if they work for you. Bare in mind they will take a bit of getting used to. Next question which brand ? Personal choice but pro tiler tools own brand seem to get some good reviews I'm sure they have a deal for you

 

[acaciaguy]

Food for thought. Thank you all very much for your replies. I’m doing a protiler order tomorrow so will get some to play with.

 

[Andy Allen]

self-leveling systems, serve only to apprentices.
pros do not need....

(zzzzzz just ordered 8000pz)

Is that for the 200mm X 200mm floor tile job you got coming up. .

 

[Italy]

Is that for the 200mm X 200mm floor tile job you got coming up. .

no, mosaic 20mmx20mm

 

[Boggs]

Which are the best ones to use then chaps?

 

[Waluigi]

Give the Premtool clips a try via ProTiler Tools.

They are basically Chinese clips rebranded but are still reasonable when bought in the UK.

You put the clips behind the tiles, pop the wedges in and knock the clips to snap when the adhesive has set. Simple as that and they work fine.

 

[Boggs]

I shall go and have a look, they are just down the road from me.
Got some big (for me) tiles coming up so will give them a go.
Want a new cutter too as my Rubi is getting tired now.

 

[Waluigi]

Time to get your wallet out

 

[The Tiler]

I've tried many and keep going back to Raimondi, RLS

 

[acaciaguy]

im doing quite a big order today with our friends at protiler. the clips will be in the order - are there any tips for using them? i.e. are the sizes the same as normal spacers 2 / 3 mm etc

 

[Fitwidge]

Just did abit of practice this morning with the premtool like waluigi recommended, they’re spot on!

(The tiles are on paint and mdf board, i know...just practice)

 

[acaciaguy]

Very nice. Is the thought with these clips that the substrate need not be as perfect to tile on as it would be without using the clips?

 

[Unused Account 1]

Never had a problem before the came out ,dont use them now,sometimes creates voids when using them ,ive been told

 

[Waluigi]

im doing quite a big order today with our friends at protiler. the clips will be in the order - are there any tips for using them? i.e. are the sizes the same as normal spacers 2 / 3 mm etc

Use the 1mm clips and use your own spacers.

Premtool have a couple of length clips for different thicknesses of tiles. That’s all you really need to think about.

The substrate needs to be just as flat as before clips came out. I tend to get my tiles pretty much bedded in and just use the clips to pull in on that last millimetre or two. Clips are designed to hold everything together until the adhesive sets.

Just had a small delivery of clips from PT Myself . These are the ones I mainly use.

 

[Waluigi]

Best way to learn these things is to buy some and get cracking.

 

[Fitwidge]

Very nice. Is the thought with these clips that the substrate need not be as perfect to tile on as it would be without using the clips?

As waluigi says the walls still need to be pretty bang on

 

[Blunt Tool]

If you do your own prep ( installing Cement, foam or plasterboard on walls or boards on floors and screeds) then you take your time and get it right so you don’t need clips if the tiles are good. If you have bowed tiles then clips can help straighten tile till adhesive has a chance to dry and fix-in place permanently. If the in situ walls are to be used then clips can help with lipping but you must make sure you are not creating voids behind tiles and if walls were that bad then would be better to fix first then no need for clips. Clips are in my van only for odd occasions, just another tool that is an option when weighing up sub surface, materials, tiles etc

 

[Blunt Tool]

Another tip for clips from Marc is for using them on plasterboard or boards when fixing them to hold in place whilst adhesive goes off or is Sharon claiming that one aswell?

 

[Italy]

Never had a problem before the came out ,dont use them now,sometimes creates voids when using them ,ive been told

If you do your own prep ( installing Cement, foam or plasterboard on walls or boards on floors and screeds) then you take your time and get it right so you don’t need clips if the tiles are good. If you have bowed tiles then clips can help straighten tile till adhesive has a chance to dry and fix-in place permanently. If the in situ walls are to be used then clips can help with lipping but you must make sure you are not creating voids behind tiles and if walls were that bad then would be better to fix first then no need for clips. Clips are in my van only for odd occasions, just another tool that is an option when weighing up sub surface, materials, tiles etc

you two are pro, you do not need clips.
clips are for apprentices ...

 

[Waluigi]

Clips give you that edge.

Not using clips also gives you that edge.