How to Cut Window Glass
Cutting glass is one of the easiest things to learn. The best way to learn is by making several practice cuts on a piece of scrap glass. The secret to cutting glass is in using just the right amount of pressure on the cutter combined with the right amount of speed. Make a few practice cuts and you will quickly gain confidence.
Things You'll Need:
- Glass cutter
- Tape measure
- Adjustable wrench
- Light oil
- Window glass
- Glass cleaner
- Pencil
- Framing square or straight edge
- Eye protection
- Gloves
- Measure the old pane of glass. Protect your eyes and wear gloves.
- Lay the glass on a flat, hard surface and clean the area you plan to cut with glass cleaner.
- Mark the ends of the cut line using a felt tip pen and place the straight edge just outside the mark to allow for the offset of the cutter wheel.
- Dip the glass cutter wheel in oil before every cut.
- Hold the straight edge tightly and start your cut near the far edge. Pull the cutter towards you with one continuous motion while maintaining uniform pressure all the way across. Listen to the sound that the cutter makes while cutting and cut all the way across until it drops off the edge of the glass. Never score the same line twice, instead flip the glass over and score it on the other side. The biggest mistake that beginners make is either using too much pressure or trying to make a second pass on the same line.
- Place a pencil under the cut and press down on the glass on either side to break or lay the scored glass on the edge of the bench and press down on the overhanging section. If the score line is close to the edge, use an adjustable wrench to snap off the waste piece.