How to cut glass

Cutting glass doesn't need to be left to the professionals. With the right tools, patience and a deft pair of hands, you can easily learn how to cut glass at home. This beginner's tutorial shows you how to trim large pieces of glass to smaller sizes for window and door repairs, how to cut new pieces of glass for a project, or just take your craft game to the next level.

Two common glass cutting tools include the traditional glass cutter and the wheeled tile and glass pliers. Both tools are cheap and easy to use, but they are handy for different purposes.

A traditional glass cutter is best for cutting large pieces of glass, such as the size you might want to cut for replacement window glass, or resizing for picture frames.

Wheeled tile and glass cutters are best for the precise cuts needed for stained glass, or for trimming other difficult-to-cut materials such as mosaic tiles or porcelain.

Step 1: Prepare your area

Setting up a large work surface, covered with an old towel or blanket, helps prevent surface damage and collects any accidental glass fragments created during the project. Wear safety goggles and gloves when handling glass.

Step 2: Clean your glass

Clean cutting starts with clean glass. Before measuring and cutting your glass, spray the surface with glass cleaner and use a dry cloth or paper towel to remove dirt and dust.

Step 3: Measure your cut

Use a framing square or ruler to plan and measure your cut. To get the straightest line, hold the glass with a straightedge.

Step 4: Apply cutting oil

While it is not necessary to lubricate a clean glass surface with cutting oil, it does make sliding the cutting blade and scratching the glass easier. Because the oil reduces friction, you will get a cleaner edge.

You can also add a drop of cutting oil to your cutting blade to make it easier to use.

Step 5: Scribing on the glass

Place the glass cutter on the surface of the material you have measured and marked. Apply pressure to the cutter and slowly roll it away from you along the straight edge.

Repeat these slow, controlled movements until the grooves in the glass become visible (usually 2-4 times, depending on the thickness of the glass).

Step 6: Snap the glass

Once you have scored the line on the glass, you are ready to fold it in half by hand. Place the cutter under the scored line and raise the glass plate. Use both hands to apply pressure on the far edge of the glass plate, on either side of the scored line. When you fold the glass, it will be folded in half. If it does not break completely, gently apply more pressure to encourage the glass to crack.

Pass sandpaper along the cut edge, making sure any loose pieces are smoothed out to prevent injury.