Scratching straight

Problem: Boiler gauge glasses are always leaking. Often, the glass is cut to make it fit. The usual routine is to cut almost right through and then tap it off. Is there another approach? Solution: Just scratch the glass straight.

By Staff September 1, 1998

Problem: Boiler gauge glasses are always leaking. Often, the glass is cut to make it fit. The usual routine is to cut almost right through and then tap it off. Is there another approach?

Solution: Just scratch the glass straight. Run the scratch along a heat source, such as a propane torch. The glass breaks with a nice clean cut.

Contributor: Alex Bonin, PlantEngineering Truro, Nova Scotia