If you have a stockpile of glass bottles, a broken pane of glass, or ideas for colored glass shards- and don’t know how to get started shaping or cutting them, then you need a glass cutter. Glass cutters are easy to use, budget-friendly tools that help you score, shape, and cut glass for both practical home improvements, as well as beautiful crafting opportunities.
The following glass cutter reviews highlight the types of tools you can purchase, as well as high-quality products to use on all types of glass- thick glass included. The best glass cutters are those that work for your specific needs and comfort. Read on to explore the various uses and types of cutters you should consider.
Quick Comparisons of the 5 Best Glass Cutters
| IMAGE | BRAND | FEATURES | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | IMT Glass Cutter |
| View Product | |
 | ZUOS Glass Cutter Tool |
| View Product | |
 | Pencil Style Glass Cutting Tool |
| View Product | |
 | Bottle Cutter & Glass Cutter Bundle |
| View Product | |
 | Professional Carbide Glass Cutter |
| View Product |
What is a Glass Cutter?
A glass cutter used to be the most important tool in a stained glass cutter’s tool kit, but you don’t need to be a professional craftsman to use one. They are a small, elongated object that can be grasped or held like a pencil to score and shape glass. The tip, or ‘wheel’ of the cutter that moves along the glass scores the glass for a clean ‘cut’.
In fact, they have become a popular crafting item to have around when you have kept back used glass bottles from the trash. Even if you have a recycling program, you can easily upcycle your bottles with a glass cutter. They also are nice to have around for cutting your own glass if a pane is broken on household furniture.
How a Glass Cutter Works
Glass cutters have two main components, a handle to grasp, as well as a wheel-like blade. This blade isn’t sharp, but is pointed, and moves freely along the surface of the glass when you press down on it. Some types of cutters also have an oil chamber to help make a clean, oiled score line.
Instead of cutting the glass, you weaken it along with the score in order to break it along this line when you are done. You don’t want to gouge the glass when you cut, and the cutter should be held at an angle so you can see the cut you’ve made as you work. Always try to use the same amount of pressure as you cut to make a smooth break when you are done.
Types of Glass Cutters
The biggest difference between glass cutter types is the way you hold them to apply pressure. Many people like to keep multiple styles on hand to help with grip fatigue as well. They also may have varying metal wheels.
Grip Types
Pencil Grip Cutters
The straight grip is similar to a pencil, hence the name, and is held in exactly the same manner. This is one of the most popular styles for beginners. They are available with and without an oil reserve.
Pistol Grip Glass Cutter
The hollow, pistol-like grip holds an oil reservoir and puts less pressure on the wrist when held. This is also popular with beginners.
Custom Grip Glass Cutter
These are specially stylized cutters with grips designed for comfort and with an adjustment for even more flexibility. They also may have a tap wheel design to help make a deeper score.
Thomas Grip Glass Cutter
Similar to a custom grip, this cutter allows your index finger to sit on the head for more control. It has a swivel head and is easy to guide.
Fletcher Glass Cutter
This is an original design that has a thin metal shaft with the roller at the end. Notches at the top work like pliers to snap off any glass that is left behind after the break.
Cutting Wheel Material
Steel Wheels
Steel is the less expensive option, but doesn’t perform any less than the alternative, a tungsten carbon. It simply will wear quicker and require quicker sharpening or replacement.
Tungsten Carbon
Tungsten is a much stronger metal than steel, and will last longer overall. It also will not rust or oxidize like steel does.
Other Things to Consider
Using a special cutting oil should be used even if your cutter doesn’t have an oil reservoir. It can help make a smoother cut for a clean break. There also are other specialized uses, such as a circle cutter that allows for a smooth circular break. You may also want to use a cutting mat that will help grip the glass and also provide graphing lines to use as a guide for straighter lines.
Top 5 Best Glass Cutters
If you have been wondering which cutter is the best tool to buy, the following options highlight high-quality options that even many professionals use. These are a good choice to look over when determining what might be best for you.
IMT Pistol Grip Oil Feed Glass Cutter
- Style: Pistol Grip
- Wheel Material: Tungsten
- Best for: A wide variety of ceramic and glass materials, projects that require various thicknesses of cuts.
With a replaceable cutter head, you can change between a 2 mm – 6mm, or 6mm – 12mm thick cut when you use this pistol grip style cutter. The handle holds an oil reservoir, and the heads can also rotate 360 degrees to make it a very versatile tool overall. For use with glass, tile, mosaics, mirrors, and other materials, it also has a sturdy knock cap to break your material free.
Who Should Buy This?
When you want to provide a steady pressure without too much pressure on your wrist, this is a great choice. Plus, the dual heads allow you to work with a variety of thicker materials.
Pros
- Excellent control.
- Works great on thicker materials.
- Comfortable to hold.
Cons
- Good starter cutter, but may not work for larger, professional jobs.
ZUOS Glass Cutter Tool
- Style: Fletcher
- Wheel Material: Tungsten
- Best for: Glass jobs that require a strong, accurate pressure.
The natural wood handle of this cutter is comfortable and mimics the original glass cutting tools well for anyone wanting to learn cutting control. It works well for 2mm – 6mm thick glass, and works with other materials as well as similar thicknesses. The notches on the head make it easy to snap off any left behind glass after the break. Also has its own plastic storage case.
Who Should Buy This?
This is a great option for those who have some cutting experience as the tool is durable and well made for a variety of different jobs.
Pros
- Cuts evenly and smoothly.
- Allows for a clean break.
- Easy to apply pressure.
Cons
- Works best for an experienced consumer.
Pencil Style Oil Feed Glass Cutting Tool Set
- Style: Pencil
- Wheel Material: Steel
- Best for: When you need various blade thickness for different materials.
This popular style cutter is a great way to learn how to cut. Since this model comes as a kit complete with various cutting heads, an oiler, and screwdriver- you can take on just about any material you need to cut. The 2mm – 6mm, 6mm – 12mm, and 12mm – 20mm blades are easy to change out depending on what needs to be cut. The end of the grip has a strong ball tip to knock glass loose, and also is hollow to work as an oil reservoir.
Who Should Buy This?
Perfect for beginners, this cutter set is ideal for all types and thicknesses of materials.
Pros
- Very efficient and provides a clean cut.
- Easy to use.
- Simple to change out the heads.
Cons
- The wrist may get sore after time.
Bottle Cutter & Glass Cutter Bundle
- Style: Pencil Style Bottle Kit
- Wheel Material: Tungsten
- Best for: Crafting and cutting bottles.
If you are wanting to try your hand at glass cutting, and are interested in the popular bottle cutting technique, this is a great kit. Complete with a pencil style glass cutter, this also includes a bottle holder for precision cuts, as well as audio and ebook versions of the book, “Bottle Art” to make everything from bottle lamps to wind chimes. The tungsten carbide blade is good for up to 100,000 cuts.
Who Should Buy This?
If you have been wanting to use up your bottles rather than toss them in the trash, this is a great way to do so. Plus, the blade can be used for many other projects!
Pros
- Holds bottle steady.
- Great idea book and extra parts.
- Easy to adjust for bottle lengths.
Cons
- Might cut uneven- be sure to take care.
- Not best for small bottles.
Professional Carbide Tungsten Alloy Handle Glass Cutter Tool
- Style: Pencil Style
- Wheel Material: Tungsten
- Best for: Crafting, cutting all thicknesses of glass.
Designed for comfort and durability, this pencil style cutter is customized with a grip to place your finger for easily applied pressure. Self-oiling, the tool has a blade capable of handling 2mm – 19mm thick materials without changing the wheel head. It also is lightweight and is made for precision cutting for a more professional finish. The metal ball head located at the end of the handle breaks glass easily.
Who Should Buy This?
This is a step up in pencil style designs and is great for all your crafting needs. Plus, it has a swivel head for even more control.
Pros
- Smooth, clean cut.
- Easy to grip without slipping.
- Lightweight and nice finger rest.
Cons
- Swivel head may take time to get used to.
Conclusion
If you have been interested in glass cutting, or simply want a quality glass cutter, these options not only showcase the many options you have, but highlight some of the best available. Choose a cutter, or two, that is a comfortable fit for both your hand, and your job. Look for vary blade thicknesses and how deep they score, as well as the uses they are best for.
We’d love to see your glass cutting projects below, as well as hear what options you have about the products we’ve showcased. As always, please share!
