How to Cut Glass to Size

Glass is an extremely versatile material that can be cut to fit almost any space or piece of furniture. From windows to shower screens, mirrors to shelves and table tops, it can be used to create bespoke interior features and replace existing pieces to meet unique specifications. Whether you’re working on a DIY project or simply looking for an affordable way to add a modern twist to your home decor, cutting glass can be an easy process with the right equipment and a little practice.

The basic tools required for this task are a glass cutter (which is actually more like a pencil-sized carbide- or diamond-tipped wheel), a straight edge to align the cutter head with, and some oil to smooth out the cutter’s movement. It’s also advisable to wear safety goggles and gloves, as glass shards can pose a serious risk of injury if not handled with care. Before you begin, make sure your workspace is clear of debris and well-ventilated.

It’s important to measure your work accurately, as even the slightest miscalculation can lead to a crooked or ill-fitting finished product. Once you’ve measured your piece of glass, mark the area that needs to be cut with a pencil and a straightedge. Score the glass with your cutter along the marked line, using consistent pressure and only one clean pass – multiple passes can cause the glass to break unexpectedly and result in an uneven cut.

Next, you’ll need to carefully line up the straight edge of the straight/angle with your cutter head to ensure a perfectly straight cut. Once you’ve lined it up, add some oil to the cutter and position it against the edge of your glass panel. You’ll then need to apply pressure with both of your thumbs on the far side of the glass, on either side of the scoreline, to encourage it to snap open. If the glass doesn’t snap with the first application of pressure, try applying more gentle yet consistent force to encourage it.

While it’s possible to cut standard glass into nearly any shape and size, toughened glass requires professional equipment and a great deal of experience to cut cleanly. For this reason, it’s always best to leave toughened glass to the professionals unless you’re comfortable with working with such an expensive and dangerous material.

Slit: The Origin of the Verb

The word ‘slit’ derives from the Proto-Germanic slitan, and is related to the Old English slittan, Old Saxon slitan, and Middle High German sliten, all of which mean roughly ‘to slit or tear,’ as well as the Dutch sliten, Low German schleissen, and German slijten, all of which mean ‘to split or divide.’ The noun slit dates back to the late 12th century.

If you’re looking for standard or toughened glass cut to a specific size, you can find it in the Vidres Web online store, with all orders delivered across the UK mainland. Just get in touch with us to let us know the type, thickness, and measurements of your glass and we’ll take care of the rest.

from Glass Repair Logan https://glassrepairlogan.wordpress.com/2025/07/22/how-to-cut-glass-to-size-5/