What do you do when you need to cut plexiglass but don’t have a saw?
Do you really need to buy (and store) yet another power tool that would probably go unused for the majority of your life?
Is it worth $30 or more just to get one job done quickly and efficiently?
No, I thought not.
The best thing to do is what countless others before you have done: use a utility knife!
This is cheaper in the long run, as well as giving precise control over how much material is removed from the work surface.
Let’s look at how to cut plexiglass with a utility knife!
How To Cut Plexi?
This is very easy, cheap and does not require much skill at all.
All you need to do is place your plexiglass work piece on a hard, flat surface such as your workbench or kitchen table.
Then by holding the handle of the utility knife firmly in one hand, use your other hand to push down on the blade and drag it across the plexiglass in a single swipe.
Step By Step –
How To Cut Plexiglass With A Utility Knife
Materials:
- Plexiglass
- Utility Knife
- Tape or Marker
Budget: $30 – $50
Duration: 15 – 20 Minutes
Step One:
Place your plexiglass work piece on a hard, flat surface such as your workbench or kitchen table.
Step Two:
By holding the handle of the utility knife firmly in one hand, use your other hand to push down on the blade and drag it across the plexiglass in a single swipe.
Step Three:
Once the plexiglass is removed, simply do the same process on the other side of the plexiglass for a perfectly clean cut.
All you have to do now is tape up your plexi and start building, and when you’re done simply take it down, cut another piece of plexi ready for another project!
Below is a detailed instruction video:
How To Cut Plexiglass Without Breaking It With A Utility Knife
So you’ve seen people do it, and wondered why is this so easy? The simple answer is because there’s no force applied from the utility knife to the plexiglass. This means that the plexiglass doesn’t just break, it simply loses its integrity and breaks apart.
That’s also why using the Utility Knife would be the best option for cutting the plexiglass.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Drill Holes Through Plexiglass?
Yes, you can drill holes through plexiglass. There are specific drill bits for delicate material like plexiglass.
Do You Need To Use A Saw To Cut Plexiglass?
No, you don’t need to use a saw at all. I have used my utility knife with no problems and the results were identical.
I’ve seen people who have used their jigsaw or circular saws and had a medium success rate with plexiglass (that’s not exactly what they wanted). A lot of it is cutting your material at the right angle and keeping from wobbling while doing so.
What Is The Difference Between Plexiglass And Acrylic?
There is absolutely no difference between plexiglass and acrylic. Acrylic is the actual name of the material while Plexiglass is the worldwide famous brand manufacturing acrylic sheets. That is why most people refer to Acrylic as Plexiglass.
How Do I Bond Plexiglass?
You could use any kind of adhesive to bond the plexiglass. Epoxy, silicone or just regular glue would do the job. Line the plexiglass sheets properly to ensure proper bonding.
Final Thoughts on
How To Cut Plexiglass With A Utility Knife
This ends our How To Guide of How To Cut Plexiglass With A Utility Knife.
We hope the knowledge you gained here will help you in the future with your DIY or Professional Glass installation projects. We want you to be sure of that what you get from us are 100% facts, so please don’t hesitate to ask for advice or to advise us in return with accurate facts.
Love our How To Cut Plexiglass With A Utility Knife How-To Guide?
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Weldon is a Single Dad who loves teaching others about the workaround in the house. He loves to write about DIY and Home Improvement Hacks and just recently had his first child. You’ll have some fun read with his write-ups and more of his works in his own home!
