How to level tiles using a screw tile levelling system

Reading time: approx. 3 minutes

Want to minimise height differences between adjacent tiles without using levelling pliers? Levelit’s Helix screw tile levelling system allows you to level wall and floor tiles easily during installation.

The system consists of levelling clips and reusable screw caps. By tightening the caps by hand, you apply pressure to adjacent tiles, helping to minimise lippage while the tile adhesive cures.

In this guide, you’ll learn how the Helix system works, how to use it correctly and what to look out for. You can also watch our instructional video to see the system in action.

How does the helix screw tile levelling system work?

The Helix system consists of two components:

• Helix levelling clips: Positioned beneath the tiles to establish a consistent grout joint width.
• Reusable screw caps: Screwed onto the clips to apply pressure to adjacent tiles and help bring them to the same level.

No levelling pliers are required. The system is suitable for both wall and floor tiles and is particularly practical when working in hard-to-reach areas.

Important: A tile levelling system helps minimise lippage between adjacent tiles, but it does not replace a properly prepared, level substrate or correct adhesive application.oogteverschillen tussen aangrenzende tegels te beperken, maar vervangt geen vlakke ondergrond of correcte verlijming.

How to use the helix screw tile levelling system

Watch our instructional video below to see how to use the Helix system to level tiles during installation.

Step 1: Position the Helix levelling clips

Apply the tile adhesive and position the first tile at the correct height and in the desired location. Then slide the Helix levelling clips beneath the tile edges.

The number of clips required depends on the tile size and installation layout.

Step 2: Position the next tile

Place the adjacent tile against the clips and carefully press it into the tile adhesive.

Check that both tiles are correctly positioned and have sufficient adhesive contact.

Step 3: Tighten the screw caps

Place a reusable screw cap onto each clip and tighten it by hand until the adjacent tiles are level with one another.

Avoid overtightening the screw caps. Excessive pressure can disturb the tile positioning or damage the clips.

Step 4: Allow the tile adhesive to cure

Leave the screw caps in place while the tile adhesive cures. Follow the adhesive manufacturer’s specified curing time and the recommended removal time for the levelling system.

Step 5: Remove the clips and reuse the caps

Once the adhesive has cured sufficiently and the tiles can no longer move, remove the clips. Do not leave them in place beyond the system’s recommended removal time.

Break off the clips using a rubber mallet or your foot, applying force in the direction of the grout joint. The screw caps can then be reused for your next tiling project.

Which tiles is the helix screw tile levelling system suitable for?

The Helix screw tile levelling system is suitable for wall and floor tiles between 3 and 17 mm thick, with clips available for grout joint widths of 1.5, 2, 3 and 4 mm.

For thicker tiles and outdoor paving tiles between 15 and 25 mm, the Helix Long system is available.

Choose the appropriate Helix leveling clips based on your tile thickness and desired grout joint width.

Common mistakes when using a screw tile levelling system

Avoid these common mistakes to achieve the best possible results:

Removing the clips too early or too late: Follow the recommended removal time. Removing the clips too early may allow the tiles to move, while leaving them in place for too long can cause them to break incorrectly.

Choosing the wrong clips: Always check your tile thickness and desired grout joint width before selecting your clips.

Overtightening the screw caps: Apply enough pressure to minimise lippage, but never force the system.

Trying to compensate for an uneven substrate: Make sure the substrate is properly prepared and sufficiently level. A tile levelling system is not a substitute for levelling the substrate.

Discover the helix screw tile levelling system

Looking for an easy way to level wall or floor tiles without levelling pliers? Explore Levelit’s Helix screw tile levelling system and choose the right clips and reusable screw caps for your tiling project.

Discover the Helix screw tile levelling system →