Glass Cutter Problems
by Diane
(Vero Beach,Fl)
Both my pencil & pistol cutters' cutting tip does not stay in stable position as I score; they angle off to a side, even on straight cuts with a guide.The set screw is tight.Is this normal?Also, the oil wick gets dirty and doesn't lub the tip.Snipping the tip of the wick only makes it fray.How do I maintain my cutters..How long should a carbide cutter last?
AnswerHi Diane,
Some people love the swivel head while others hate it. Try guiding the wheel with a finger from your other hand (as shown in the picture) and see if that helps. Also go to
Your Glass Cutter to see instructions on using each type of glass cutter, and the care and maintenance of glass cutters.
How long a cutter lasts depends on how often you use it and how you care for it. I have cutters that are 10 years old and are still working just fine.
You should know that you can get replacement heads for your cutters rather than buying a new cutter. It does save quite a bit of money. I saw them for around $15. Just do a Google search for Toyo replacement heads (or which ever brand of cutter you have if it isn't Toyo).
As for trimming the wick, I only do that as a last ditch attempt to get the oil to run through. It's not something I would do as routine maintenance.