Elastomeric sleeves are positioned on the handles of tile nippers to maintain the tile nippers in an open position and to absorb shock. The elastomeric sleeves each include two opposed raised projections. The raised projections nearest the head of the tile nipper bias the tile nipper in an open position and provide cushioning as the tile nippers engage a piece of tile. The second raised projections contact each other as the tile nipper cuts the tile, preventing the jaws from contacting each other and reducing the jolt that the user feels as they cut the tile.