How to use tile levelling pliers: how to adjust them correctly

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Tile levelling pliers are used with a clip-and-wedge levelling system to push the wedges through the clips in a controlled manner. This allows you to tighten the system evenly and level adjacent tile edges in relation to each other.

To use the pliers correctly, first adjust them according to the tile thickness and the required tightening force. In this article, we explain how to adjust and use tile levelling pliers correctly.

How to use tile levelling pliers: watch the video

In this video, we show you how to adjust and use tile levelling pliers correctly. You will see step by step how to adjust the head and tightening force of the pliers.

Why use tile levelling pliers?

A wedge can be pushed through the clip by hand, but this can quickly become tiring when working on larger tiled surfaces. Tile levelling pliers make it easier to tighten the wedges in a controlled manner.

Correctly adjusted pliers also help you apply a similar amount of force to each wedge. This means you rely less on feel and reduce the risk of pushing a wedge either too little or too far through the clip.

Tip: Always use pliers that are suitable for the tile levelling system you are working with.

Not sure exactly what a tile levelling system does? Read Tile levelling system: what is it and why should you use one?

How do you adjust tile levelling pliers?

The correct adjustment of the pliers depends on the thickness of the tile. First adjust the head of the pliers and then set the tightening force.

Step 1: adjust the head to the tile thickness

The head of the pliers must be adjusted correctly to push the wedge through the clip. The position of the head varies depending on the thickness of the tile.

For thinner tiles

With thinner tiles, the wedge needs to be pushed further through the clip. Move the head of the pliers closer to the handle. Loosen the wing nut, reposition the head and tighten the wing nut again. This reduces the clearance between the gripping section and the stop.

For thicker tiles

With thicker tiles, position the head further away from the handle. This creates more clearance and gives the pliers a greater gripping range. Loosen the wing nut, reposition the head and tighten the wing nut again.

Step 2: adjust the tightening force

In addition to adjusting the head, you can also set the tightening force of the pliers. Use the black adjustment screw at the top of the pliers for this. Test the pliers on a few clips before starting on the entire tiled surface.

• If the adjustment screw is screwed in too far, insufficient force is applied to the wedge.
• If the adjustment screw is not screwed in far enough, you may pull the wedge too far through the clip and put excessive tension on the levelling system.

Adjust the pliers so that you can push the wedge through the clip in a controlled manner with sufficient force.

Important: An incorrect setting may result in the wedge not being tightened sufficiently or being pushed too far through the clip. It may also damage the pliers or cause them to break over time. Always test the setting on a few clips first.

Using tile levelling pliers with a levelling system

Once the pliers have been adjusted correctly, you can use them to tighten the wedges of the Levelit wedge system.

Insert the wedge through the opening in the clip and use the levelling pliers to push it further through. Tighten the wedge until the adjacent tile edges are at the same height.

The wedges of the Levelit wedge system are reusable, while the clips are designed for single use.

You can also explore our tile levelling systems to discover the different systems available for tile installation.

Which tile levelling pliers do you need?

Correctly adjusted levelling pliers make tightening the wedges easier and more consistent. For professional and frequent use, you can choose the Levelit adjustable metal levelling pliers. For smaller tiling projects, adjustable plastic levelling pliers are also available.

Explore the Levelit tile levelling pliers and choose the pliers that suit your levelling system and tiling project.