These straight-jawed nippers (also known as side-biters) come from Rubi, a well-respected Spanish brand. They are amongst our heaviest nippers and have tungsten carbide tips capable of cutting tiles up to 15mm thick.  They are very good for cutting unglazed ceramic and thin marble.  They are also excellent for use with broken plates, curved bits of earthenware and porcelain etc, so perfect if you like using salvaged china.  Super-comfortable handles. 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.

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.