How To Without a glass cutter, you can cut a mirror.
The idea of cutting a mirror is not accurate.You score the top surface of the glass to cut it.You can snap the glass along the line you scored if the composition is weakened by this.While a glass cutter is the most efficient way to cut a mirror, you can also use any other tool that is sharp enough to score the surface of glass.The process of actually cutting the mirror will be the same regardless of what you choose to cut with.
Step 1: If you want a sharp, precise cut, pick a carbide scribe.
Some of the best glass cutter use a high-quality cutting material called tungsten carbide.A scholl is the best option for cutting glass without a cutter.The tools don't have a cutting wheel, but the tip of the scribe can easily score glass.Most large hardware stores and home improvement stores will sell a carbide scribing device.It costs less than $10 dollars.
Step 2: A diamond-tipped tool is more durable.
Diamond scribing is used to score sheets of metal.They're sharp enough to score a sheet of mirror glass.They will last longer than most other scythes.Large online retailers and some craft-supply stores can be used to purchase a diamond scribe.The carbide tipped option is more expensive than the diamond tipped one.They'll cost about 20 dollars.
Step 3: An ordinary steel file is a cheap option.
A steel file is an approximate replacement for a glass cutter with steel blades.If you don't have a steel file, you can buy one at a hardware store.The file shouldn't be large, but should have sharp edges to cut the glass.If you want to cut glass with steel, you have to position the sharp edge against the mirror.Be aware that using a rough steel edge to cut glass can result in a poor cut and a sloppy break.A sharper, more clean and accurate cut can be produced by a scythe.
Step 4: There are 4-5 sheets of newspaper on the flat surface.
You could use a table.The sheets of newspaper will smooth out any rough spots on the flat surface and give you a slightly padded workspace.The mirror needs to be supported by the flat surface.If you put the mirror over 2 saw horses, you'll break it in half.
Step 5: To clean the mirror, spray it with a glass cleaner and microfiber cloth.
There will be dust on the mirror's surface.If you don't remove the dirt before cutting the mirror, it will dull your tool.You will also risk a rough cut.Both glass cleaner and microfiber cloths can be purchased at a large supermarket or hardware store.
Step 6: Place the mirror where you want to cut it.
Measure the mirror with a metal ruler.If you want a 2 ft (0.61 m) wide mirror, measure 24 inches from one side.Measure in 3-4 different places and mark each spot with a small dot.Measure so that the cut mirror is 2–4 millimetres smaller than the interior of the frame.It will be a nice fit with this.
Step 7: You can mark the line with a permanent marker.
Hold the side of the ruler over the dots.A permanent marker is used to draw a straight line.If you use one hand to apply pressure to the ruler, you'll be able to draw a straight line where you want to cut the glass.
Step 8: Work gloves and protective eyewear are required.
Since you'll be working with a cutting tool and with the sharp edges of the mirror, put on a pair of thick leather work gloves to protect your hands from cuts.Glass dust can get into your eyes if you don't wear protective glasses.If you don't already own work gloves or protective eyewear, you can purchase them at any hardware store or home improvement store.
Step 9: Drop 4-5 drops of glass cutting oil on the line.
Rub the beads of glass cutting oil evenly across the area you'll cut with your finger.Glass cutting oil lubricates the patch of glass you cut through.You may end up with a rough cut if you don't apply oil to the glass before cutting.You can buy glass cutting oil at a hardware store.You can use an all-purpose oil.
Step 10: You can score the mirror by tracing a line across it.
Put your cutting tool's tip at one end of the line you drew.Press down hard on the tool and slowly draw the tip.Continue to apply pressure in order to uniformly score the glass.Once you've begun, don't stop scoring the mirror.It will be hard to restart scoring at the same place if you stop scoring halfway through the cut.If you're scoring the glass with a steel file, you may need to make a few passes.
Step 11: Along the length of the score, slide a dowel beneath the mirror.
The mirror will be snapped along the line you cut.It's important to make sure the dowel is centered beneath the scored line.You risk shattering the mirror if it's not centered.You can buy a dowel at a hardware store if you don't already have one.
Step 12: The mirror can be snapped on the sides of the glass.
Once you've scored, place one hand on either side of the mirror and the other on the dowels.Press downward until you feel the mirror snap.Pressing down in different spots if the mirror doesn't break first.Press once at the top, middle, and bottom of the mirror.When you're pressing down, keep your hands away from each other.
Step 13: The edges of the mirror should be sanded.
You will be left with 2 rough edges after breaking the mirror.Sand back and forth until the glass edge is smooth and dull.Don't touch the mirror's edges until they've been sanded.The edges may be jagged.