Fiber ceiling tiles are a wonder of convenience for ceiling repairs. When an area of the ceiling is damaged by water or other problems, you don't have to repair the whole ceiling; you just pull out the individual tiles that are affected and install new ones in their place. Generally, ceiling tiles are sized to fit perfectly into their drop-ceiling frames so there is minimal cutting. When cutting is necessary for edges and corners, the trick to preventing the tiles from tearing is to use a sharp razor and to take it slow.
Proper Measuring
Most drop ceilings are designed so the tiles sit on a thin metal lip or "shelf'' about 1/2 inch all around. This gives you a little wiggle room when it comes to measuring and cutting the tile. Determine the width you need to cut the tile by measuring above the lip--on the part of the metal frame where the tile actually sits as opposed to the side of the metal that covers the edge of the tile. Once you have the measurement, subtract 1/4 inch from it and use that as the number you transfer to your tile.
Straight Cuts
Lay your tile on a flat, disposable surface (a piece of plywood works well). The side of the tile that will face down into the room should be facing up at you. Transfer your measurement from the ceiling frame onto the front of the tile, putting two marks on the tile at the top and bottom. Lay your level or other straight-edge across the two marks. Press down firmly on the level and drag your razor knife alongside it. Don't cut all the way through; make the cut about 1/4-inch deep. Go back over the line repeatedly, cutting it a little deeper each time, until the pieces separate.
Corner Cuts
For corner cuts that go around ductwork or other obstructions, draw the lines for the corner on tile with you straight-edge and pencil, marking exactly where the corner will go. Set the straight-edge on one of the two lines and cut it with your knife starting at the corner and moving off the edge of the piece. Cut as before, moving the knife repeatedly along the line, cutting deeper each time until it's all the way through. Move the straight-edge to the other line and repeat the process until the corner cutoff comes away.
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