How to Get Glass Cut to Size

Glass is used throughout the home for various reasons, from windows and fireplaces to glass table tops and door panels. It is often bought in large panels and requires a professional to cut it down to size before being installed. This is where the services of a glazier come in handy as they have the right equipment to make sure your glass cut to size is perfect for your new project.

When cutting glass it is important to follow a straight line when scoring the piece. This will ensure that the piece breaks cleanly and is not jagged. To achieve this, place a straight edge such as a framing square or a steel ruler next to the glass and use this to guide your cutter when scoring it. This method is a little time consuming but will give you a perfectly straight line.

Before you begin your work, lubricate the wheel of the cutter with a small drop of lightweight cutting oil or machine oil (if your glass cutter is self-lubricating this is not necessary). Next, carefully align the cutter over the marked area of the piece of glass. Then, apply steady pressure and draw the cutter across the surface in one continuous motion without stopping. This will create a score line that is visible and should sound a bit like tearing paper.

Once you have scored the piece of glass, turn it over and using the ball end of your cutter gently tap the back of the glass along the line you have made. Continue to do this for as long as it takes for the glass to crack along the line you have scored. If you apply too much force, the piece of glass may break unevenly and leave jagged gaps in the final break.

For any cuts you may need to make that are not a straight line, it is a good idea to mark the exact size of the cut with a wax crayon. This will help you to keep track of the size of your cut while working and will prevent you from overestimating and making a piece that is too big or too small.

You can purchase glass cutters in most hardware stores or at online retailers. There are also special tools designed for specific types of glass, such as circle cutters that have strong circular suction cups to hold the glass firmly while you are working. You can also find a tool called a running plier that has rubber-coated jaws to grip the glass and allow you to apply constant, even pressure to break the glass in two cleanly.

Alternatively, there are ingenious methods for cutting glass that do not involve a specialist tool, such as using string and fire. To try this, soak a length of yarn or cotton string in rubbing alcohol or acetone to ensure it will burn evenly. Then, tie the string tightly around a marked area of the glass, ensuring that it is directly over the line you want to cut. Finally, light the string on fire and apply the flame to the surface of the glass where you have applied the pressure.

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