Plugged Toyo Pistol Grip Cutter

by Kerstine
(Vancouver Washington)

The oil does not seem to be dispensing when I cut glass. I think it is plugged, but I don't seem to be able to unplug it. Any tips?
Thanks Kerstine

Answer

Hold the cutter up to a light. Look at the space between the top of the wheel and the piece that holds the wheel on. If you can't see light coming through that spot, take a small pin and push it through the spot. There is probably debris in there that needs to be cleaned out. That might be all it takes to get the cutter "unplugged".

If that isn't the problem, try putting a small amount of alcohol in the cutter and let it set for an hour or so. That might loosen up the oil. If the oil and alcohol starts to come through the wheel (you can tell by doing a test score) you can assume it's unplugged. If that works, dump out the remaining alcohol before you put any more oil in it.

Many people, including me, don't put oil in their cutter just because problems can arise from oil running out too fast to not running out at all. They dip the cutter in oil every third or fourth cut.

Put a small amount of oil in a shallow container and keep a folded paper towel near by. Dip your cutter wheel in the oil, dab it on the paper towel and score your glass. It really is not time consuming and for you it will give new life to a cutter that no longer works properly.