FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Fine Homebuilding Project Guides

Windows & Doors

Guide Home
  • Choosing Windows
  • Installing Windows In New Walls
  • Retrofitting Windows
  • Window Repairs
  • Door Basics
  • Interior Doors
  • Exterior Doors
Mastered in a Minute

How to Cut a Sheet of Glass

All it takes is a straight edge, a glass cutter, a flat work surface, and a few simple steps to get clean cuts every time.

By Matthew Millham
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles
Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
/
Duration 0:00
Loaded: 0%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time -0:00
 
1x
    • Chapters
    • descriptions off, selected
    • captions settings, opens captions settings dialog
    • captions off, selected

      This is a modal window.

      Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.

      Text
      Background
      Window
      Font Size
      Text Edge Style
      Font Family

      End of dialog window.

      This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.

      This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.

      Whether you’re repairing a broken window pane or building a new window from scratch, you’ll need a piece of glass that’s just the right size. All you need are a few basic tools and supplies to do the job yourself. As easy as the job is, you might want to wear gloves, and you will definitely want to take your time to avoid cutting yourself or breaking the glass.

      Here’s what you will need:

      • Tape measure or other measuring tool
      • Permanent marker, wax pencil, or other marking tool
      • Flat, clean work surface (cardboard, foam core, etc.)
      • Rags or paper towels
      • Glass cleaner
      • Straight edge
      • Glass cutter
      • Oil or kerosene, for lubricating cutter

      Here’s how to cut glass:

      1. Place the glass on piece of cardboard, foam core, or any other surface that is flat, clean, and not too hard.
      2. Clean the glass where you want to make the cut with a rag or paper towel and some glass cleaner.
      3. Use a permanent marker to make marks for the cutline on both ends of the sheet of glass to match your measurements.
      4. Lay a ruler or other straight edge on the glass so that the glass cutter lines up with the marks when placed next to the straight edge. The straight edge should be thick enough so the glass cutter’s wheel won’t accidentally ride over it, but not so thick that it interferes with the handle.
      5. Before scoring the glass, oil the cutter’s wheel to lubricate the tool and extend its life.
      6. Start by resting the wheel of the cutter just off of the glass on the far side of the sheet, then draw it toward you while applying consistent, downward pressure as you pull the cutter across the surface. This motion should make a single score line, and the process should sound a bit like tearing paper and look like a small scratch.
      7. To finish the cut, place a pencil or small dowel directly under the scored line near the edge, and press down on both sides with increasing pressure until the glass snaps along the score line.

      Read more about building and repairing windows:

      • Cutting Laminated Glass
      • Restoring Window Sashes
      • Shop-Built Window Frames
      Previous: Vintage Window Tune-Up Next: How to Glaze a Wood Window

      Guide

      Windows & Doors

      Chapter

      Window Repairs

      Sign up for eletters today and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers.

      Signing you up...

      This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
      See all newsletters
      See all newsletters

      View Comments

      1. user-1116121 | Feb 18, 2019 03:53pm | #1

        Having been a glazier in the past, here are a few additional points for those wanting to work with glass:

        1. Purchase a good glass cutter from a glass & mirror retailer - big box store options are limited. I always preferred a wood handle cutter...

        2. Rather than dip the cutter wheel in the lubricant, I always has a nylon 1/2" paint brush in a coffee can with lubricant and applied it along the full length of the cut against the straight edge. This cleared the path of debris and kept the cutting wheel sharp for a longer time.

        3. Scoring glass is by feel and sound - you can feel the wheel score and hear it as well. If it skips, you will know. Do not double score a cut - review the cut, rescore only the missed section, and then snap the cut over the edge of the table, lining the score up parallel to the edge. Lift it, then drop it down with your hand ready to grab the piece that will snap off. If you attempt to peel a skipped cut, it will usually run off and produce a nasty flare.

        4. Thinner glass (1/16" - single strength or 1/8" double strength) requires a sharper wheel and less pressure. Practice on a side piece - you will get the feel. Too much pressure causes little fissure flakes to pop off the surface of the glass - more than likely resulting in a break that will run away from the score line.

      2. Suburbanguy | Feb 18, 2019 04:48pm | #2

        May I also add that I keep my glass cutter in a pill container that has a round hole cut in its top. Inside the pill container I keep a small rag soaked with mineral oil. I slip the wood handle of the glass cutter through the round hole and then put the top on the pill container. The working end of the glass cutter is now contained in the pill container and its blade and axle won't rust or be damaged.
        Actually I've never cut glass, but my father gave me his spare and set me up with this system many years ago.

      Log in or create an account to post a comment.

      Sign up Log in

      Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

      Windows & Doors

      Windows & Doors

      Trusted, comprehensive guidance from the pros for choosing, installing, replacing, and repairing windows and doors on any house

      View Project Guide

      View All Project Guides »

      Become a member and get unlimited site access, including the Windows & Doors Project Guide.

      Start Free Trial

      Choosing Windows
      • Window Types
      • Design and Materials
      • Energy-Efficient Windows
      Installing Windows In New Walls
      • Installation, Start to Finish
      • Head Flashing for Windows
      • Video Series: Nail-Fin Window over Zip System Sheathing
      • Video Series: Nail-Fin Window over Exterior Rigid-Foam Insulation
      • Video Series: Nail-Fin Window over Housewrap
      • Video Series: Nail-Fin Window over Peel-and-Stick Housewrap
      • Video Series: Nail-Fin Window over a Fluid-Applied WRB
      • Video Series: Weatherproof Window Installation
      Retrofitting Windows
      • Removing the Old, Installing the New
      • Video Series: How to Replace a Window
      • Video Series: Install a Full-Frame Replacement Window in a Brick Wall
      • Video Series: Install an Insert Replacement Window in a Brick Wall
      • Video Series: Retrofit a Flanged Window
      Window Repairs
      • Restoring Old Windows
      • Repairs and Upgrades
      Door Basics
      • Tools & Jigs for Door Hanging
      • How to Install Doors
      • Hinges
      • Handles, Knobs, and Locksets
      • Fixing Door Problems
      Interior Doors
      • Prehung Doors
      • Pocket Doors
      • Other Types of Doors
      • Custom-Built Doors
      Exterior Doors
      • Door Choices and Design
      • Installing Entry Doors
      • Building Exterior Doors
      • Installing French Doors
      • Replacing a Door
      • Adding Weatherstripping and Sweeps

      Fine Home Building

      Newsletter Sign-up

      • Fine Homebuilding

        Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

      • Green Building Advisor

        Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

      • Old House Journal

        Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

      Signing you up...

      This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
      See all newsletters

      Follow

      • Fine Homebuilding

        Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

        Start Free Trial Now
        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • X
        • LinkedIn
      • GBA Prime

        Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

        Start Free Trial Now
        • Facebook
        • YouTube
      • Old House Journal

        Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

        Subscribe Now
        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • X
      • Fine Homebuilding

        Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

        Start Free Trial Now
        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • X
        • LinkedIn
      • GBA Prime

        Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

        Start Free Trial Now
        • Facebook
        • YouTube
      • Old House Journal

        Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

        Subscribe Now
        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • X

      Membership & Magazine

      • Online Archive
      • Start Free Trial
      • Magazine Subscription
      • Magazine Renewal
      • Gift a Subscription
      • Customer Support
      • Privacy Preferences
      • About
      • Contact
      • Advertise
      • Careers
      • Terms of Use
      • Site Map
      • Do not sell or share my information
      • Privacy Policy
      • Accessibility
      • California Privacy Rights

      © 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

      Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

      • Home Group
      • Antique Trader
      • Arts & Crafts Homes
      • Bank Note Reporter
      • Cabin Life
      • Cuisine at Home
      • Fine Gardening
      • Fine Woodworking
      • Green Building Advisor
      • Garden Gate
      • Horticulture
      • Keep Craft Alive
      • Log Home Living
      • Military Trader/Vehicles
      • Numismatic News
      • Numismaster
      • Old Cars Weekly
      • Old House Journal
      • Period Homes
      • Popular Woodworking
      • Script
      • ShopNotes
      • Sports Collectors Digest
      • Threads
      • Timber Home Living
      • Traditional Building
      • Woodsmith
      • World Coin News
      • Writer's Digest
      Active Interest Media logo
      X
      X
      This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

      Main Menu

      • How-To
      • Design
      • Tools & Materials
      • Video
      • Blogs
      • Forum
      • Project Guides
      • Reader Projects
      • Magazine
      • Members
      • FHB House

      Podcasts

      • FHB Podcast
      • ProTalk

      Webinars

      • Upcoming and On-Demand

      Podcasts

      • FHB Podcast
      • ProTalk

      Webinars

      • Upcoming and On-Demand

      Popular Topics

      • Kitchens
      • Business
      • Bedrooms
      • Roofs
      • Architecture and Design
      • Green Building
      • Decks
      • Framing
      • Safety
      • Remodeling
      • Bathrooms
      • Windows
      • Tilework
      • Ceilings
      • HVAC

      Magazine

      • Current Issue
      • Past Issues
      • Magazine Index
      • Subscribe
      • Online Archive
      • Author Guidelines

      All Access

      • Member Home
      • Start Free Trial
      • Gift Membership

      Online Learning

      • Courses
      • Project Guides
      • Reader Projects
      • Podcast

      More

      • FHB Ambassadors
      • FHB House
      • Customer Support

      Account

      • Log In
      • Join

      Newsletter

      Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

      Signing you up...

      This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
      See all newsletters
      See all newsletters

      Follow

      • X
      • YouTube
      • instagram
      • facebook
      • pinterest
      • Tiktok

      Join All Access

      Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

      Start Your Free Trial

      Subscribe

      FHB Magazine

      Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

      Subscribe

      We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

      Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

      Start your FREE trial

      Already a member? Log in

      Privacy Policy Update

      We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

      Cookies

      Analytics

      These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

      Advertising/Social Media

      These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

      Essential

      These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

      Delete My Data

      Delete all cookies and associated data