There are many styles of mosaic wheeled nippers with a wide range of prices. There is no right or wrong one. As you progress, you will learn what works best and is the most comfortable for you. The list below contains the best, most widely available, and preferred nippers.
Wheeled Mosaic cutters crack the tile. They do not cut them in the way a scissors cuts. Place the cutting wheels in the center of the tile or glass where you want to cut. Keep the wheels as perpendicular to the tile as possible. The cut (crack) will radiate out in line with the wheels.
Leponitt Wheeled Nippers - The Leponitts will probably be the first tool you should invest in unless your primary materials are ceramics and high-fired porcelain. They are designed primarily for use with glass materials such as stained glass and vitreous glass tiles. However, Leponitts can also be used on thin ceramics (glazed and unglazed) and softer china, etc. They are considered a “must-have” mosaic tool in every studio and a solid investment.
Lepnoitts are the workhorse of wheeled nippers and a great choice to start.
Leponitt Wheeled Nippers are designed for comfort. The handles are shorter and lighter than other brands, requiring less pressure, and are easier to use than many of their counterparts. The carbide wheels must be secure, and Leponitts come with an Allen wrench should the wheel(s) loosen or when it’s time to rotate them after significant wear. You cannot expect a good cut if the plate is loose! Leponitt replacement parts such as wheels, screws, and spring sare available.
Please beware there are less expensive versions of this tool offered at hobby and building supply stores. They do not work or wear as well. Currently priced at under $30, Leponitts are the first and best choice. Essential elements of any mosaic wheeled nipper are that the wheels do not loosen or spin, and the wheels are lined up perfectly across from each other when looking at the tool from the end.
SeaBell Wheeled Glass Mosaic Nippers - New to the market in 2023 these wheeled nippers have become a favorite among mosaic artists and hobbyists. With comfort-grip handles and lightweight aluminum construction, these nippers weigh only 10 oz. Making them one of the lightest nippers on the market. All this adds up to less hand and arm fatigue.
The 3-position lock lever allows you to adjust to fit the material you are working with. For use only on Glass up to 5/16".
Montolit Wheel Nipper - The Montolit nipper are Italian-made professional-grade nipper designed for tile trade professionals. Itis incredibly durable with tungsten steel wheels coated with titanium, tough enough for stone and tile but gentle enough for glass. The longer handles give more leverage and reduce the hand strength needed.
Montolit Crab Wheel Nipper - It is essentially the same nipper as its predecessor but with the wheels facing out. A professional-level nipper, it is exceptionally durable, is ergonomic, and like its sister product, cuts just about anything! The crab style is a specialized nipper that you will use when nipping inside curves and getting to hard-to-reach areas.
QEP XTREME Series Glass Tile Nipper - Relatively new to the market, this tool is designed to be used with most glass and ceramic mosaic tiles. They feature titanium-coated tungsten carbide cutting wheels to help maintain a hard cutting edge. A thickness lock is easily locked in for thinner tile and means less hand strain.
Lightweight aluminum diecast body for ease of use and a built-in Allen wrench for rotating wheels, there's no more searching for the Allen wrench!
Bohle/Silberschnitt Zag Zag Glass Nibbling Pliers - German-made, with carbide cutting wheels for long life. These pliers, like the others, allow you to nip glass into pieces for use in mosaic or stained glass projects. Bohle nippers have solid aluminum spring-loaded handles that allow easy use with reduced fatigue and wrist/hand strain. It also includes a removable splinter bag (not shown) designed to catch the pieces of glass as they are nipped off. Many artists love them because they are incredibly lightweight.
