How to Cut Glass With Alcohol

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Things You'll Need

  • Protective eye goggles

  • Gloves

  • Glass bottle

  • String

  • Rubbing alcohol

  • Container

  • Cold water

  • Lighter

  • Wooden mallet

Empty wine bottles can be used to create beautiful and functional vases.

Recycle old glass bottles by making them into vases, lamps and other craft projects. You can cut glass without a glass cutter by using simple tools and a little ingenuity. These projects should be undertaken carefully, as glass can be dangerous when handled improperly. Alcohol can be used to create enough heat that the glass will break relatively cleanly when enough pressure is applied to it. This method is sure to please if you enjoy doing things in new and different ways.

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Step 1

Put on protective eye goggles and gloves. Prepare a container of cold water large enough to completely submerge the glass you are cutting.

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Step 2

Soak a piece of string in alcohol. Tie it around the glass tightly in the place where you want the glass to be cut.

Step 3

Light the ends of the string with the lighter. The string will burn around the glass. Allow it to burn completely before placing it in the container of water. The glass may break from the cold water. If not, you can use a wooden mallet to cut the glass at the weakened area.

Step 4

Remove the glass from the water after it has been submerged for approximately 30 seconds. Gently tap the part of the glass with a wooden mallet that you want removed. This will break it apart from the other section of glass.

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