Mirror scoring tools

Consider contacting someone who knows how to manage a project of this scale. At Glass Doctor, we will safely and professionally cut your mirror to a standard or custom size, leaving you more time to focus on other projects in your home. If you have questions about how to cut a mirror, call to schedule an appointment. Skip to main content. Your health and safety are our highest priority during this time.

Click here for our precautionary measures. Still open to serve you. Place the mirror on a clean, flat surface.

Measure the mirror. Score the mirror with a glass cutter. Snap the mirror according to the scored lines. Make any sharp edges smooth. Here are our step-by-step instructions: Clean the Area —Using your glass cleaner, clean the mirror on both sides.

You will also want to make sure all tools are as clean as possible. Any dirt or residue can interfere with the cutting process. Set Up Your Workstation —Arrange your cleaned mirror and tools on a work table or other similar, flat surface. This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Amber Crain.

She graduated from the University of Houston where she majored in Classical Studies and minored in Painting. Before coming to wikiHow, she worked in a variety of industries including marketing, education, and music journalism. Her work at wikiHow supports her lifelong passion for learning and her belief that knowledge belongs to anyone who desires to seek it. This article has been viewed , times. Learn more Learning how to cut mirror yourself has many benefits.

You can create any design or shape you desire without settling for what's available on the market. You can also save money on expensive mirror pieces since you can style them yourself.

Cutting mirror is actually a misleading term, as you will not be cutting so much as performing what is called a controlled break. In this process, you will score, or scratch, the surface of the mirror where you want to cut it. This creates a weak point in the glass.

Once you apply a little pressure along the scored line, a clean break will occur. To cut a mirror, first use a sharpie and a straight edge to mark where you want it cut. Then, score the mirror by putting downward pressure on your wheel cutter as you trace the cut lines. If you don't hear a screeching sound, try pressing down harder on the wheel cutter. Just be sure to wear protective gloves and eyewear when you score and cut the mirror to protect yourself from shards and sharp edges.

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By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Cookie Settings. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article methods. Things You'll Need. Related Articles. Article Summary. Method 1. Select a sturdy uncut mirror for your project. If you want to custom cut a mirror, almost any piece will do — you can purchase uncut mirror glass from a hardware store or repurpose something you already have. Avoid cutting mirrors that are already severely chipped or cracked in multiple places.

It may be helpful to purchase a few pieces of inexpensive mirror to practice on. Try single-strength window glass, since it is easier to cut and usually the least expensive. Clean and dry the mirror thoroughly. Clean it thoroughly — you need it to be as spotless as possible, because even the slightest speck of dirt or dust can cause interruptions during the scoring process. This may result in the glass chipping or breaking.

Wear protective gear. During the scoring and breaking process, tiny shards of glass will be discharged. These could potentially get into your eyes. Wear protective gloves, especially when handling freshly cut glass — the edges will be very sharp. If you end up with a glass splinter, try to remove it by placing a sticky piece of tape over it and then whipping it off quickly. Method 2. Choose a quality glass scoring tool that meets your needs.

These tools are sometimes referred to as wheel-cutters. The wheels come in different diameters, with the smallest ones being best for detailed work. Look for scoring tools that have a sturdy design and a true carbide wheel. The cheaper tools can cost as little as five dollars. Those of higher quality are usually closer to twenty. You can get glass scoring tools at craft shops and hardware stores. Hardware stores usually carry the more expensive, sturdier models. Select a scoring tool that can best handle your design.

Some scoring tools are meant to score straight lines and others will score curved lines. Select your tool according to the design you have in mind for your mirror. If you have a very small job to do, look for a steel-wheel cutter. They work as well as the carbide wheels, and are even cheaper. If you are looking to cut a lot of mirror, invest in the self-oiling mirror cutter. It can last longer than other cutters, and is usually easier to use. Measure and mark your cut lines with a straight edge.

To make a clean break, your measurements and cut lines need to be as precise as possible. Mark the cut line with a sharpie or white crayon. The cut line will be your guide so that you can accurately run the scoring tool over it in one continuous motion.

The cleanest break lines will be created when you score with one continuous motion of the tool. Place your scoring tool at the beginning of your first cut line. Put your mirror on a hard, flat surface that is free of debris. Hold the scoring tool vertically in your hand and line the wheel up at the beginning of your first cut line. Place the straight edge right beside the line so you can score along right next to it. This will give you the straightest, most accurate results.

You can run the scoring tool along the line toward you or away from you. Try both ways to find out which you feel most comfortable with. Apply a slight downward pressure while rolling the tool along the line. With most mirrors, you should hear a screeching sound if you are doing it correctly. If you don't hear that sound, you aren't pressing down hard enough. If you press too hard, you will notice tiny chips collecting around the score.

These may get under your wheel and damage or dull your cutter, so brush them away immediately if you see them. Try to apply an equal amount of pressure for the duration of the score.

Score the remaining cut lines. Continue scoring the mirror until you have completely outlined your intended design. Method 3. Use your hands to break a small mirror down the scored line.

If the mirror is small enough for you to hold, firmly grasp it in both hands and place one thumb on each side of the first score line. Press down with both thumbs simultaneously, taking care to do so with equal pressure. Snap larger score lines by applying pressure on a flat surface.

Use your hands to press down on the unscored side, applying pressure along the score line. The glass should cleanly snap. You can also place the mirror on the edge of a flat surface, making sure to line up the score line with the edge. Use your hand to press down on the side of the glass that is hanging over the edge until you see the glass snap crisply.