Glass Cutters & Suction Cups

Glass is sharp, heavy and unforgiving. A pane that breaks in your hands can cut an artery. Glaziers, window installers, mirror hangers and DIYers use scoring tools, breaking pliers and suction cup handles. Cut-resistant gloves, eye protection and a good grip on a well-tested suction cup prevent most injuries.

• Glaziers
• Window Installers
• Remodelers
• Homeowners

Common tools

• Glass cutters with a hardened wheel to score a line.
• Running pliers and breaking pliers that snap the glass along the score.
• Suction cups and lifters with a pump or lever, for carrying and setting glass. See Glaziers.
• Straightedges, T-squares and cutting oil.
• Glass carts, A-frames and racks for moving large sheets.
• Grinding stones and edge tools to smooth sharp edges.

Main hazards

• Cuts and lacerations from edges and fragments. Glass cuts can be deep and severe. See Bleeding Control.
• Eye injuries from flying chips when scoring, snapping and breaking.
• Dropped glass when a suction cup loses its hold or a pane slips while carrying.
• Back and shoulder strain from heavy panes. See Lifting & Ergonomics.
• Shatter and spontaneous breakage of tempered or stressed glass.
• Silica and glass dust when grinding edges.
• Falls when working at windows and heights. See Fall Protection Basics.

Safe cutting

• Wear safety glasses with side shields and cut-resistant gloves and long sleeves. A leather apron helps. See Cut-Resistant Sleeves.
• Work on a flat, padded surface that supports the full sheet, clean of grit that can scratch or crack glass.
• Score the glass once, in one smooth stroke with steady pressure, from one edge to the other. Don't go over a score twice.
• Snap the glass along the score using the table edge or breaking pliers. Keep your face clear and your hands to the sides of the line.
• Smooth sharp edges with a stone or seaming tool and keep the work wet to control dust.
• Never cut tempered glass. It shatters. Cut glass before tempering.

Suction cups and carrying

• Use cups rated for the weight of the glass. Inspect for cracks, hardened rubber and dirt.
• Clean the glass and the cup and press firmly. Pump up and watch the vacuum indicator, which shows a safe seal. Don't lift if the indicator shows low pressure, and recheck during the lift.
• Use two cups or more for large panes and a team of workers for heavy sheets. Use a glass cart or A-frame, not carrying by hand.
• Keep your feet clear and plan the path. Don't walk with glass on a wet or uneven surface.
• Place sheets on edge on padded racks, leaning at a safe angle against rails.

Broken glass cleanup

• Sweep with a brush and dustpan, then use a damp paper towel for slivers. Don't use bare hands.
• Dispose of glass in a rigid, labeled container, not a trash bag that workers can be cut through.

Glass handling checklist

• I wear safety glasses, cut-resistant gloves and long sleeves
• I score once on a clean flat surface and keep my face clear when snapping
• My suction cups are rated, clean and show a good vacuum
• Heavy panes are moved by team or cart
• I put broken glass in a rigid container

Last updated: October 8, 2026