How to Break Glass for Stained Glass Projects

After scoring, stained glass needs to be broken apart. The technique you choose to break your glass will depend on the size of the piece, thickness of the glass, complexity of the cut and other factors such as your hand strength. Apply the right technique and your glass will cut cleanly, every time.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Scored stained glass
• Gloves
• Safety glasses
• Running pliers, breaking pliers, thumb break or tapping tool.

1. Break straight cuts by placing the glass on your work table with the scored line about one-half inch over the edge of the table. Holding the piece in the middle, gently rock it to build pressure along the score. Push down evenly to break the glass.

2. Break small pieces with the thumb break. This method requires you to hold each side of the glass firmly with your thumbs facing each other along the score. Pull down and apart.

3. Use running pliers to break apart intricate or curved surfaces. Hold one piece in your hand, or with a vise if you have one. Grab the other with the running pliers and apply some pressure to see if the glass will break. Slow, steady force is more effective than sharp, jerky movements.

4. Tap along the score with a tapping tool to weaken the glass before your break it. Use the tapping tool along the length of the score, to evenly weaken along the line. This technique will produce cleaner breaks in the glass.

Tips & Warnings

• Score scrap pieces of glass and practice breaking them until you are confident in your abilities.