Laminated glass is increasingly popular for its impact-resistance and sound-deadening qualities. Because there is a plastic core between the two layers of glass, however, there’s a trick to cutting it. Using a glass cutter, score both sides of glass. Then squirt a small amount of ethyl alcohol along the cut on one side and light it. This melts the plastic core. Then, using a pair of glass pliers, snap away the excess. Heavy gloves and safety glasses are must-wear gear for this operation.
Thanks to Wooden Window Inc. of Oakland, CA, for sharing this tip–just one of the thousands of field-tested tips and techniques you’ll find in Renovation 4th Edition. Brand new from Taunton Press, R4‘s 614 pages include 1,000 photos, 250+ detailed technical drawings and lifetimes of experience. It would make a great gift.
© Michael Litchfield 2012
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Cut the replacement panes 1/8 in. smaller than the dimensions of the opening. Holding a glass cutter perpendicular to the pane, score both sides of the laminated glass. Safety glasses and gloves, please. Renovation 4th Edition.
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Rap the ball end of the cutter lightly along both cuts till clear lines develop. Then squirt a small amount of ethyl alcohol along the cut on one side and light it. This melts the plastic core of the laminated glass. Use a pair of glass pliers to snap away the excess. Renovation 4th Edition.
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Renovation 4th Edition contains the collective wisdom of hundreds of building professionals across North America.
View Comments
Easy on the alcohol (highly flammable) it can creep between the layers and burn.
A glass cutter showed me a good tip. After scoring and breaking the glass, cut the plastic membrane with a piece of a metal tape. We all have broken or bent tapes around. Cut a 4 inch length and use it like a utility knife. The utility blade is tapered so it gets thicker as you go deeper with the cut and binds on the glass. The metal tape is thin all the way through.
Great tip, Bill, thanks for posting it. If I live long enough to produce a 5th Edition, I'd like to include your tip--and will send you a comp copy of the next book. Best, Mike
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