According to the "Ceramic Tile Institute," which tool is best for making straight cuts on cement backer board?

Using a carbide scribe for making straight cuts on cement backer board is the most effective method due to its design and functionality. A carbide scribe allows for precise scoring of the material, enabling you to create a clean line that can then be snapped easily to achieve a straight cut. This tool is especially useful for cement backer board, as it is specifically designed to handle the rigidity and toughness of this type of material.

When scoring with a carbide scribe, you apply pressure along the intended cut line, creating an indentation that weakens the board at that point. The next step usually involves applying a controlled force to snap the board along the scored line, resulting in a clean break without the risk of damaging the surrounding area or creating uneven edges, which can occur with other cutting methods.

Other tools like utility knives, jigsaws, or handsaws can be used, but they may not provide the same level of precision and ease of use on cement backer board. Utility knives may struggle with the dense composition, while jigsaws could produce rough edges if not handled carefully. Handsaws may not give consistently straight cuts for this type of material either. Hence, the carbide scribe stands out as the optimal tool for achieving clean, straight cuts