Working With Glass - User contributions [en]

Breaking Pliers

2025-11-04T17:37:26Z

Autumn:

Breaking pliers or "Breakers" are a simple flat jawed tool for [[Breaking Glass]] after a [[Score]] has been put in the glass. Ideally used for small parts of glass that can't be broken with [[Running Pliers]] or other [[Breaking Methods]].

These are the alternative option to [[Combo Pliers]].

{{Todo|todo=This first part needs to be improved once it's decided how a page for glass breaking will be made.}}

== Tool Design ==
Breakers come in one style but with varying head widths. Both jaws are flat and there is no specific direction to use them.

You can find breakers made of plastic or metal, they look like an ordinary pair of pliers with no teeth.

== Tool Anatomy ==
{{Todo|todo=Place pictures here with details.}}
Temporary list

* Head/Jaws
* Pivot
* Handle

== How it Works ==
Breaking pliers work off a simple principle similar to how [[Running Pliers]] work except rather than using them on the line you grab the glass with the front of the jaws right next to the score. Then using a downward and pulling apart motion force is applied up on the underside of the score and force is applied down on the top laying flat on the glass to separate the glass. Then the pulling apart motion helps separate the glass.

As the glass often being broken with these pliers is thin and small, it's common for small sections to break off instead of whole parts.
{{Todo|todo=Make a diagram showing how pliers work.}}

== Tips, Tricks, FAQ ==

* Breaking pliers will not groze effectively and will just cause unwanted damage.
* Breaking pliers close completely, thus squeezing too hard can cause the glass to smash or explode into bits.
* Breakers can be found with wide jaws and these are great for dealing with long bits of small/skinny glass that needs to be removed.

* '''Why does the glass break off in small sections or tiny bits?'''
** This greatly depends on the glass and the [[Score]], clean scores on good glass can result in very small and long shards breaking off whole. Bad scores or odd glass can take a fair bit of time to break off small parts as you only get tiny bits at once.
* '''How small can I break off?'''
** The smaller it gets the hard it is to break. While it's possible to break less than 1/8th of an inch it gets difficult. Keeping it larger than is best.
* '''Should I use breakers over [[Combo Pliers]]?'''
** You shouldn't! They both do the same thing and it's personal preference as to what ones you use. [[Combo Pliers]] are by far more common and popular though.
[[Category:Tools]]
[[Category:Tips and Tricks]]

File:Diagram of Running Pliers.png

2025-10-25T18:34:22Z

Autumn:

A technical line drawing of running pliers, which are commonly used to break glass.

Foil

2025-10-24T19:16:48Z

Autumn:

Foil is an adhesive backed thin sheet of metal, for doing [[Foil Construction]] and widely used in [[3D Soldered Art]] and [[Suncatcher]] sized works, though there is no limit to what can be made with it. Foil is almost exclusively made from bare copper that has a pressure sensitive adhesive applied to the back but any solderable and malleable metal could be used in its place. The adhesive isn't strictly required but not having it makes for a much more difficult time. It is most commonly available for purchase as a 36-yard roll of specified width and backing color ''e.g. 7/32" Black backed.''

Foil is normally applied by centering it on the edge of the glass so that it overlaps onto the front and back faces evenly, then it is pushed down onto the faces and [[Burnish|Burnished]]. There is almost no limit in the ways foil can be applied, [[Foil Overlay]] is a common example of alternative uses.

Foil has a shelf life! Sealed it will be fine for 3-6 years, but once opened foil will only last a few years before the adhesive dries out and it will no longer stick decently.

=== Foil Parameters ===
Foil has a few parameters that are important to consider when looking for a suitable material to use in glasswork.

==== Thickness ====
Thickness is important as the thicker the foil the stiffer it is and harder it is to wrap around complex geometry. Thicker foil is less prone to tearing at the edge as the material is stronger. Depending on the shape being foiled [[Foil Saddle|Foil Saddles]] might be required to get a complete foil line.

===== Width =====
Width controls how thick of a glass can be wrapped and how thick the resulting solder lines will be on the front and back of the finished work.

===== Backing Color =====
Backing color doesn't really mean much except in cases where the glass is [[Cathedral]], [[Opalescents]] or [[Clear]] as the backing of the foil will show or reflect back into the glass. Though it doesn't have that large of an effect in the end, it mostly comes down to the makers preferences. For example, if a project uses clear/tinted glass and black [[Patina]] it may be preferable to use black-backed foil.
{| class="wikitable"
|+Normal Foil Parameters
!Parameter
!Common Values
|-
|Thickness
|1.00 or 1.25 Mills
|-
|Width
|5/32, 3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, 1/2 inch
''(3, 4, 5.5, 6, 8, 10, 12.7mm)''

Foil can also be found in sheets of various size.
|-
|Backing Color
|Black, Silver or Copper (without any backing color)
|}

=== Common Issues ===
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Problem
!Issue
!Solution
|-
|Foil does not stick to glass
|
* Glass is dirty/oily.
* Foil is old.
|
* Clean the glass more thoroughly and avoid touching the edges.
* Replace the foil.
|-
|Foil is tearing on curves
|
* Foil is too thin
* Foil is being pushed down too fast
|
* If using 1.00 Mill foil or thinner, try thicker foil.
* Reduce the rate that the foil is folded over the edge by doing multiple passes or use [[Foil Saddle|Foil Saddles]]
|-
|Foil is not taking solder
|
* Foil is dirty
* Foil is old
* [[Flux]] was not adequately applied
|
* Clean off any debris from the foil or cut out bad sections, like where the adhesive keeps the roll from unwinding.
* Replace foil.
* Apply more [[Flux]] and rub it around with the brush.
|}

=== Tips ===

* Storing your foil in an airtight bag/container can extend the life of it.
* Binder clips can be used to help keep foil rolls from unwinding while not in use by clipping them over the roll.
* Thread shears can be used to cut the foil faster and more reasonably than regular scissors.
* Foil can easily be trimmed with any [[Craft Knife]].
* Sheet foil can be cut on most [[Cutting Machine|Cutting Machines]].

**