How to cut glass?

This article will tell you how to cut a glass sheet and thick glass materials at home.

As we all know, glass is easily crushing, resulting in both small and large pieces that are fairly sharp. How to do so at home without causing any small or big mishaps? 

 

Security

When cutting glass, wear secure eye protection to keep minute pieces of glass from going into your eyes. When possible, wear thick work gloves and a long-sleeved shirt. Stop rubbing your face until you’ve removed your gloves and cleansed your hands properly. To avoid injuries, keep children, pets, and anybody else who isn’t actively helping to break the glass away from the area.

 

What you’ll require

  • Kit for cutting glass
  • A yardstick or a ruler
  • Discarded wood board
  • Glass running pliers (Optional)
  • A cloth that is free of lint
  • A work surface that is large and flat
  • Window cleaner

 

How to cut glass sheets?

 

Clean the glass

Use a glass cleaner and a clean, lint-free cloth to clean the glass piece thoroughly. Focus on the area where the cut will be made. Allow to air dry.

 

Measure and mark the glass

Measure and mark the glass using a straight-edge ruler. Use a grease pencil to draw the line.

 

Oil the glass

Apply a thin line of glass-cutting oil on the mark.

 

Tip

If you find it quicker and more effective, dip some glass cutters directly into the cutting oil for greasing. Furthermore, some glass cutters are self-lubricating, so check the requirements of your cutter before you begin.

 

Score the line

Position the glass cutter at the start of the line on the edge of the glass, using the ruler as a guide, and slowly and gently push it towards yourself to score the line, putting equal pressure throughout the cut. Consider using light yet firm pressure. Instead of making several rapid cuts, make one long cut over the entire piece.

 

Break the glass

Place a small piece of wood behind the glass and against the appropriate score line. With one hand, apply strong but gentle pressure to the side you want to keep. With your other hand, apply pressure to the garbage side to snap it off.

 

Tip

Breaking little pieces off of a glass sheet can be difficult, no matter how good the score line is. To support your efforts, use a pair of glass running scissors to apply equal force on each side of the score line.

 

Clean the area

After completing cutting the glass, clean the area well and shift any surfaces to ensure no glass pieces remain. Because pieces might be small and nearly invisible, make sure to clean every surface.

 

How to cut thick glass

Thick glass may usually be cut in the same way as thin glass is, by cutting and breaking it. However, the glass cutter may need to be replaced with one with a diamond or carbide tip. Certain persons may benefit from a glass cutter with a modified grip for deeper scores in thick glass. A wet saw can also be used to make clean cuts through heavy materials such as glass tiles.

 

FAQs

What to do if the glass doesn’t break along the score?

Just gently tap or re-score before attempting to break.

What safety precautions should be taken?

Wear safety goggles and gloves for protection from glass pieces. Work in a well-ventilated area and be cautious of sharp edges.

How to ensure a straight cut?

Use a straight edge as a guide, apply consistent pressure and make sure the hand movement is steady while scoring.

Why is lubrication important in glass cutting?

Lubrication minimises friction, yielding a cleaner score line and easier breaking.

Is there any specific angle at which the glass cutter should be held?

It should be held at a 90-degree angle to the glass surface. This ensures an even and consistent score.

 

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com

 

Was this article useful?
  • ? (26)
  • ? (0)
  • ? (0)

Recent Podcasts

  • Keeping it Real: Housing.com podcast Episode 80Keeping it Real: Housing.com podcast Episode 80
  • Keeping it Real: Housing.com podcast Episode 79Keeping it Real: Housing.com podcast Episode 79
  • Keeping it Real: Housing.com podcast Episode 78Keeping it Real: Housing.com podcast Episode 78
  • Keeping it Real: Housing.com podcast Episode 77Keeping it Real: Housing.com podcast Episode 77
  • Keeping it Real: Housing.com podcast Episode 76Keeping it Real: Housing.com podcast Episode 76
  • Keeping it Real: Housing.com podcast Episode 75Keeping it Real: Housing.com podcast Episode 75