TOOLS FOR GLASS. THE MOST USED AND IMPORTANT
Glass is an important material at an architectural and decorative level. It is present in most houses and commercial spaces, this is mainly due to its optical properties that allow it to contribute to the lighting of closed spaces. If you want to learn more about glass, we have an entry for you where we delve deeper into the characteristics and properties of this material.
This material is used in a variety of works and products, from facades to doors, ceilings and windows. The professionals in charge of handling and installing glass have a series of technical knowledge combined with the proper use of special tools. Without these tools, glass manipulation would be a complicated task and the final results in architectural projects would not be the best.
In this post, we are going to show you the glass tools most used by all professional installers. From tools for cutting, clamping and grinding, to tools for measuring and handling glass.
THE MOST USED GLASS TOOLS
The list that we present below lists the most used tools for the execution of glass work. From cutting and polishing the edges to handling the panels for transport and installation. Of course, there are more tools that adapt to particular work cases, but these are the most essential. The tools that every glass professional should know are:
1- Glass cutters
Glass cutters or Fletcher cutters are the most common tool for glass work. It is a simple element in the shape of a handle and at its end it has a small rotating disc that makes the “cut” on the flat surface of the glass. Typically, this disc is made of some type of composite material (such as tungsten carbide) that allows for glass wear and has a long lifespan. The handle can be made of wood or any other non-polluting material and in some cases it has a spherical tip at its end to strike.
2- T cutters
This cutter is basically the same as a traditional glass cutter. It has a tip that serves to mark the cut on the glass surface and is used on flat surfaces that require small or large cuts. The main characteristic is its T-shape, conferred by the guide that serves as a rail for the cutting element and the end perpendicular to the guide that serves to position the cutter in a stable manner. This means that the cutting work can be carried out by a single person without the need to make mistakes when sectioning the glass.
3- Cut circles
For marking circumferences and cutting circles on glass panels, this tool cannot be missing. The operating principle of this type of cutter is identical to that of a compass. In the center, there is a base that does not damage the glass and at the end we have the cutting tip that allows marking the circumference. The radius of the circle is variable thanks to the guide that allows the movement of the tip more to the center or to the outside. It is an easy-to-use tool that does not cause problems when handling the glass sections that are being worked on.
4- Oval cutters
When we talk about oval cuts, we refer to ellipse-shaped cuts. For these cases, this type of cutters offer the facility to go around the perimeter of an ellipse exactly. Remember that ellipses have two radii, the largest radius and the smallest radius, so this tool allows you to vary the position of the cutting tip in such a way that both radii are covered without the need to make the cuts separately. For cases where the cuts are irregular but not oval, there are irregular shaped cutters that offer greater freedom when marking on the glass.
5- Tools to hit
After the cuts are made on the glass, it is important to have the necessary tools to open the cut with the least possible risk. For this case, there are striking tools, which are nothing more than a 2-part element: a handle, generally made of wood or any resistant material, and a spherical bronze end of considerable diameter. The worker uses this tool to give precise blows to the glass without the risk of chipping in the process. They are tools with a high durability and that cannot be missing in any glass work.
6- Rules and squares
No glass work (or work that involves any type of material) is well done if we do not have the right elements for measurement. The rules and squares allow you to carry out the cuts precisely and exactly. There are many types, the most common being straight rulers and L-squares. In both cases, these elements come with integrated suction cups that allow them to adhere to the glass and prevent slipping during cutting. They generally make work easier and can be used by a single worker. They are adaptable for radius and corner cutters at different angles.
7- Suction cups and fasteners
Within the tools for holding glass, suction cups are one of the most important worldwide. These elements, which take the concept of a suction cup from the legs of many animals that maneuver on walls and even defy gravity, allow the glass panels to be taken without having to touch the ends. By creating a vacuum pressure on the glass surface, they are securely attached and allow the glass to be manipulated without the risk of falling. Depending on the model, the maximum weight they support varies between approximately 90 Kgf and 250 Kgf.
8- Saws and drills
Saws and drills are power tools used to cut and drill glass easily, quickly and safely. They are ideal for cutting or removing glass that require a high degree of precision. These elements are generally portable with an integrated battery and for cutting they use high-quality diamond discs and drill bits that work the glass efficiently. An important point with the use of these tools is that they require a supply of water in the cutting area, so it is not recommended to work them dry.
9- Sanders and edgers
Last but not least, we have the tools that are used to treat the external or internal edges of a panel or glass cut. When we make cuts, the edges usually need a job of filing or polishing, this to avoid some type of cut when handling the glass or someone getting hurt. Sanders and edgers are used for these tasks. These electric machines are used to work outer and inner edges and guarantee an optimal final result without much effort. Besides they are resistant and have a high durability.
VISIT OUR GLASS SECTION
Glass works are products designed for interiors and exteriors that generally use tempered glass and accessories in high quality materials. The classification of this type of work depends on the type of product and the utility. Visit our section of glass products and choose the ones that best suit your design needs, by clicking here. We have personalized advice and professional installers that guarantee the best final results.
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