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Cutting Glass to Size: A Guide

Cutting Glass to Size: A Guide

Glass can be extremely fragile and therefore hard to work with - not to mention the replacement of a glass pane can cost a lot depending on the size. The main thing you need when cutting glass is a glass cutter.

Although it is recommended that you hire a professional to do this, it is achievable to do it on your own at home. However, it is important that you take the correct precautions before carrying out this task. This is to ensure that you and no one around you get injured.

It can be challenging to cut glass as it is, however, it can be trickier to cut certain types of glass such as laminated glass, toughened glass, toughened laminated glass and double-glazed glass.

This is due to the thickness of the glass. These types of glass panes are a lot thicker compared to single-glazed glass and small panes. Double-glazed glass can be used for windows and is the most common type of glass used in the UK. This is due to their high-quality, insulation properties.

There are certain steps that you need to take when cutting glass as well as tools and materials that you need to use. Read on for a helpful guide to cutting glass to the right size and more.

Glazing Tools

 

Glass Cutting: Step by Step

Glass cutting is a skill that most people will try at least once in their life, however, many people struggle. But why is this? Well, it’s simple. Glass cutting isn’t easy and like most things, it can have its ups and downs. You will most likely struggle at first, however, with the right tools and equipment you will eventually cut glass easily and efficiently. But where can you find high-quality glazing tools? Click here to find out!

 

Step One

Before we jump straight in and start cutting the glass, it is important that you clean it first. This is to ensure that there is no dirt or grime on the glass that can interfere with the glass cutter. To do this, you need a glass cleaner or solvent and thoroughly wipe down both sides of the glass pane.

Once your glass is clean it is important to ensure that the glass cutter wheel is clean and free of dirt too. You can do this by using cutting oil and dabbing it until the wheel is completely clean.

The use of oil/ lubricant is important to prevent any dry cuts on the glass. Moreover, if you want to accurately cut your glass to the right size, then a measuring tape is a necessity. This is because most types of glass have little to no leeway.

 

Step Two

Make sure that you are placing your glass pane on a cushioned, flat work surface. This is to ensure that you don’t scratch or mark the glass whilst cutting. Using a framing square or a ruler, measure the dimensions required for the size you want.

To make things easier, you can mark lines on the glass with a pencil for a visual guide. This helps you remember where you are up to as well as provides you with a starting and stopping point.

It is important that you get the measurements right because if not, you may have to start again on a new glass pane. However, try not to put too much pressure on yourself as you can always try again on another glass pane.

 

Step Three

Now you have got the confusing part out of the way, it’s time to start cutting the glass. Make sure that when you are doing this, you wear gloves and goggles. In order to cut the glass effectively, place your straight-edge steel ruler along the line and slowly pull the cutter towards you with moderate force.

A ripping sound indicates that you have got the pressure right, however, if it sounds like there is grit on the glass, don’t worry, just ease up slightly but continue cutting until you reach the end. If you retrace the score mark then you are more likely to increase the chances of ragged edges.

 

Step Four

Once you have scored the glass correctly, the next step is to remove the straightedge before lifting the glass to place a dowel under the line. Once the dowel is lined up correctly, place one palm on either side of the line and press down to break the glass in two.

 

Step Five

Finally, trim the edges of the glass with square-jaw pliers. It is important that you make sure you place a cloth between the pliers and the glass to ensure the glass is padded.

This is to avoid chipping or breaking the glass. You can also use sandpaper to smooth the edges of your glass once finished to ensure there are no sharp edges.

 

GGR Glass

Here at GGR Glass, we offer a wide range of glass-cutting tools and oils all in one place. No matter the thickness, a glass-cutting tool is a tool that allows you to make shallow scores on a piece of glass.

One of the glass-cutting tools we offer is the Glass Circle Cutter. This glass cutter allows you to effortlessly cut circles in glass and mirrors. However, if you are after a straight glass cutter, then we offer the Toyo Straight Glass Cutter.

Completed with an easy-to-grip plastic handle which allows you to cup 2-10 mm of thick glass without the need for any lubricants or oil. Regardless of what you may need, we can assure you that we have all the essential glass-cutting tools and equipment in one place.

For more information on the equipment and tools we offer, make sure to visit our glass-cutting tools section on our website. Alternatively, if you would like more information or advice, contact us at 0161 683 2580. We are more than happy to help!

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