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DIY Glass Working Supplies

Glass tools & supplies for terrarium related projects

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About Our DIY Glass Tools & Supplies:

Introduction

We cut & shape glass in our workshop whenever we make vertical conversion kits, custom terrarium tops, and other unique supplies. Many of the tools & supplies we use for custom glass terrariums are available below, with our specific advice for use listed in each product's description. We hope you find the advice helpful! If you are new to working with glass, we recommend taking things slowly, investing in some scrap "test" glass from your local hardware store, and slowly getting a feel for it. After a few cuts, sanded edges, and drilled holes, even our newest team members agree that it's really not as difficult as they'd have expected. YouTube has some good (and some awful) videos on this subject, so be sure to get a few opinions before jumping in. Customers are also welcome to shoot us an email directly if you have any questions on anything below! We're happy to help!

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Page Contents:

Glass Cutter: Economy
Glass Cutter: Self-Oiled
Glass Drill Bits
Living Hinge
Razor Scraper Tool
Sanding Bar For Glass
Sharpie Markers
Silicone (Black)
Silicone (Clear)
Silicone Spreader Tools
Silicone Squeeze Tubes
Silicone Gun
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Glass Cutter: Economy

Our least expensive glass cutting tool

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2020 Update: Color + specific shape may vary slightly w/improved model!

NEHERP Staff Description
A basic glass cutter for use with 1/8" and 3/16" thickness plate glass. This is the best entry-level glass cutter we've tested, and we're glad to say that it works better than the price suggests! Since this isn't a self-oiling unit, we suggest touching the wheel of the cutter to an oil soaked towel between uses for the cleanest cuts. As with all glass cutters, never double-score glass, as it will create an uneven break. (Plus it dulls the tool) We recommend placing the glass on a flat surface on top of a few sheets of newspaper before cutting. Always wear gloves & eye protection when working with glass.

$5.49/ea

20% Off!
$4.39/ea

Sold Out

Inventory is low, but we are expecting a shipment to arrive within 3-5 business days. Order now, and we'll ship as soon as we're able!

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Glass Cutter: Self Lubricating

The cutter we use most in-house

Note: 2022's updated model has a slightly broader cutting head than is shown above. Colors may vary.

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NEHERP Staff Description
This is the best option we offer for folks looking to cut larger pieces of glass for terrariums. The swiveling head of this glass cutter features a self-lubricating carbide cutting wheel which prevents a loss of lubrication mid-score. We recommend it for scoring accurate lines in larger pieces of 1/8in - 3/16in plate glass. This model is nearly identical to cutters which cost 4X as much, and we've had excellent luck ours over the years. Compatible with all similar brands of cutting wheels. For lubricant, we recommend adding a small quantity of vegetable oil, baby oil, or Novacan to the handle. A little goes a long way, and please completely remove all traces of cutting oil before using glass for housing animals. A recent update to this product now allows more oil to make it down to the cutting wheel than the older more narrow-headed cutter. Always wear gloves & eye protection when working with glass.

$12.99/ea

20% Off!
$10.39/ea

Sold Out

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Glass Drill Bits

Diamond tipped drill bits for installing bulkheads

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NEHERP Staff Description
Our diamond-tipped glass drill bits provide the perfect size hole for either our NEHERP bulkhead kits, or Mist King 1/4" bulkheads, and can be reused multiple times before wearing out. Suitable for drilling most common non-tempered glass enclosures. (Most Exo Terra, Tetrafauna, and Zoo Med enclosures are not tempered, and only large aquariums commonly are) We recommend keeping the bit fully saturated in water while drilling to lessen the chances of cracking the glass panel, and to ensure longer bit life. We suggest applying very light pressure at a steady speed to cut the smoothest hole. If you've never drilled glass before, it may be worth Googling it^{ext. link} before trying it yourself on an expensive aquarium/terrarium! Not suggested for use on glass thicker than 1/4". For your safety, please wear safety glasses/gloves when drilling glass. Both bits fit a standard 3/8in drill chuck.

Small Large

$8.99/ea Small

25% Off!
$6.74/ea Small

This option sold out, the other may be available

Sold Out

Small - For 1/4in Mistking Bulkheads

Small Large

$10.99/ea Drill Bit

15% Off!
$9.34/ea Drill Bit

Sold Out

Large - For 1/2in NEHERP Bulkheads

Always wear safety glasses + gloves when drilling glass

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Handles For Terrariums + Aquariums

Two types of self-adhesive handles

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We have both clear and amber colored handles available, and both types are roughly 2.5in X 1/2in. We've used both with good luck, so it's a matter of personal preference. Both handles utilize 3M brand adhesive, and can be removed using a razor blade if desired. Great for vertical conversion kits, custom terrarium tops, sliding glass doors, and more.

Clear Amber

$2.99/ea Clear

This option sold out, the other may be available

Sold Out

Clear Amber

$2.99/ea Amber

This option has sold out!

Sold Out

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Living Hinge

A black cut-to-fit hinge for 1/8-3/16in glass

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NEHERP Staff Description
This is the industry standard hinge material for vertical conversion kits, aquarium tops, custom glass lids, and more. If vertical conversion kits are your goal, each hinge length can comfortably create three 10 gallon vertical conversion kits (seen above) or two 20/29G kits. To cut this material we recommend using a fine toothed jig saw, hack saw, or very sharp razor knife. (Wear eye protection, etc!) This is a true opaque black material, not the more common partially translucent amber/smoke/gray color. Our hinges fit 1/8in - 3/16in glass, which is the same stuff available at most hardware shops. Approximately 1.5in X 29 1/8in.

$6.99/ea

Sold Out

Accepts 1/8in-3/16in thick glass / 29.125in x 1.5in

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Razor Extension Tool

Great for cleaning hard to reach glass and shaping/trimming custom backgrounds

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NEHERP Staff Description:
This is a very useful tool to have while working with larger vivariums. It can be used in a number of ways, but we use it most often to scrape hard-to-reach silicone off of the glass while building a custom background. These can also be used to scrape algae, water spots, and other things from hard-to-reach glass sections of established vivariums. Be sure the razor blade used on this tool is cleaned of all manufacturing oil before use. You must be at least 18 years of age to purchase this item.

$8.99/ea Extension Scraper

Usually ~~$8.99/ea~~
25% Off - $6.74/ea

Sold Out

Our records show that this product has very little or no stock left at the moment, but we're expecting a shipment imminently. If ordered today, we'd expect it to ship within 1-5 business days.

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Razor Mini Scraper Tool

Great for cleaning glass and shaping/trimming custom backgrounds

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NEHERP Staff Description:
A basic tool used most often for shaping foam & silicone during construction of custom backgrounds. On established enclosures, these can also be used to scrape algae, calcium deposits, and more off of flat glass surfaces. Be sure the razor blade used on this tool is cleaned of all manufacturing oil before use. You must be at least 18 years of age to purchase this item.

$1.89/ea Scraper

Sold Out

Our records show that this product has very little or no stock left at the moment, but we're expecting a shipment imminently. If ordered today, we'd expect it to ship within 1-5 business days.

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Sanding Bar

For wet sanding the edges of freshly cut glass

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NEHERP Staff Description
These are the same sanding bars we've been using for custom glass pieces for years. When plate glass is cut, the edges are often be razor sharp. Beyond the safety issue, cut plate glass without a sanded edge is actually more likely to crack! By using a water-saturated sanding bar, it's easy to round-off the edges of freshly cut plate glass pieces up to 1/4in thick. It can be used wet or dry, but the wet results seem a bit better in our experience. (Dry sanded shown above for simple illustration) Be sure to wear hand and eye protection while working with glass. Packaging may vary.

$2.99/ea

Sold Out

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Sharpie Marker

For marking just about anything (Glass, wood decor, etc!)

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NEHERP Staff Description
The original Sharpie permanent marker. We go through a ton of these at the shop, and have found a few terrarium-specific uses for them over the years. They are great for marking-out "to-be-silicone-coated" areas of glass terrariums during the custom background process. We arrange the wood decor first, then trace the wood's profile on the outside of the glass using a sharpie. From there we just apply silicone to the the traced area, so it closely follows the contour of the wood decor. (No excess silicone to scrape!) The ink won't rub or accidentally wipe off during the build process, and can effortlessly come off glass surfaces with a little rubbing alcohol. We also use these for marking-up wood decor which will be custom-cut to fit specific areas of a terrarium, as well as for labeling plants. Get 'em from us, and support the company who loves this hobby as much as you do. :-)

Fade & water resistant, quick-drying ink AP certified nontoxic formula, permanent on most surfaces. Non-toxic when dry.

$1.19/ea

Sold Out

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Silicone Adhesive: Black

Terrarium safe, high tensile strength black silicone

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NEHERP Staff Description:
This is the same black, neutral cure silicone we offer in our Custom Background Kits. Our top-of-the-line silicone is completely safe for Aquariums, Terrariums, and Paludariums in locations above and below water. An excellent choice for custom background work, with extremely high tensile & sheer strength. Our silicone is very fresh from the manufacturer, so you can count on it curing correctly without any risks associated with older product. Comes with removable nozzle, and each 10.2oz tube works with our dripless silicone applicator gun.

$12.99/ea Tube Only $10.99/ea when purchased in a Custom Background Kit!

Sold Out

Our records show that this product has very little or no stock left at the moment, but we're expecting a shipment imminently. If ordered today, we'd expect it to ship within 1-5 business days.

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Silicone Adhesive: Clear

Terrarium safe clear silicone

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NEHERP Staff Description:
A 100% non-toxic aquarium & terrarium safe clear silicone adhesive. These are from Marineland, one of the top manufacturers of glass aquariums. At the shop, we most commonly use clear silicone to repair or re-seal enclosures. The cured appearance is more clear than some of the other brands we've seen. If you'll be repairing a leaky corner in any aquarium, we recommend scraping out as much of the original silicone as is conveniently possible first, to help ensure a clean bond. Like the other types we carry, our Marineland silicone is restocked often from the distributor, to ensure a fresh & effective product.

★ Covid-19 Price Jump ★

This product has become exorbitantly expensive during the pandemic. Check out our ASI Silicone instead.

$13.49/ea Tube

Sold Out

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Silicone Adhesive Squeeze Tubes

Terrarium safe black & clear silicone

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NEHERP Staff Description:
These are the same 3oz containers of silicone we include in our Heavy Duty Background Kits, and they are perfect for getting smaller-scale jobs done right. These silicone tubes are especially great for mounting our Modular Cork Planters to background surfaces! Like the other brand we carry, this is a terrarium-safe silicone which is neutral cure and easy to apply. The included applicator tip can be cut at different spots to increase or decrease the size of the bead you'll apply. We order from the manufacturer every couple of weeks or so to ensure our stock is always fresh, in an effort to prevent issues with using older silicone. Available in either black or clear color, and sold in 3oz tubes.

Clear Black

$7.99/ea Clear

This option sold out, the other may be available

Sold Out

Clear Black

$7.99/ea Black Always discounted in our Heavy Duty Background Kits!

This option has sold out!

Sold Out

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Silicone Dispenser Gun

A heavier duty, no-drip, silicone gun

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NEHERP Staff Description:
This is a heavier duty alternative to some of the economy caulk guns out there, and is the same model we use & recommend for silicone. Traditional caulk is more viscous and squeezes out much easier than silicone, so a traditional (pop-riveted) caulk gun typically won't hold up to the "abuse" of applying a thick silicone sealant. These welded models are the best option we've seen for the price, and have held up to even long-term frequent use at our shop. Their design also helps to minimize drips after it's used, as the "dripless" name suggests. We have a handful of these being used at NEHERP right now, and they are the same units included in our Background Kits.

$8.99/ea Silicone Gun
Always discounted in our Custom Background Kits!

Sold Out

Our records show that this product has very little or no stock left at the moment, but we're expecting a shipment imminently. If ordered today, we'd expect it to ship within 1-5 business days.

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Silicone Spreading Tools

Reusable tools for spreading silicone on custom backgrounds

▾ Show Description ▾

These are used to spread silicone on the glass background of a terrarium as the first step towards building a custom background. For background work, these simple plastic knives actually work better than more expensive stainless spreaders because clean-up takes just a second after the silicone cures. When your project is complete, just leave the tool out for 12-24 hours to allow the silicone to cure. Once cured, it peels right off the tool with no mess! These are the same ones we offer in our Custom Background Kits. The 5in model is pictured above. Colors may vary.

1.5in Wide 3in Wide 5in Wide

$1.99/ea 1.5in Wide Always discounted in our Custom Background Kits!

35% Off!
$1.29/ea 1.5in Wide

This option sold out, others may be available

Sold Out

1.5in Wide 3in Wide 5in Wide

$2.99/ea 3in Wide Always discounted in our Custom Background Kits!

This option has sold out!

Sold Out

1.5in Wide 3in Wide 5in Wide

$2.49/ea 5in Wide Always discounted in our Custom Background Kits!

40% Off!
$1.49/ea 5in Wide

This option has sold out!

Sold Out

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DIY Glass Working Supplies

Glass tools & supplies for terrarium related projects

About Our DIY Glass Tools & Supplies:

Glass Cutter: Economy

Our least expensive glass cutting tool

Glass Cutter: Self Lubricating

The cutter we use most in-house

Glass Drill Bits

Diamond tipped drill bits for installing bulkheads

Handles For Terrariums + Aquariums

Two types of self-adhesive handles

Living Hinge

A black cut-to-fit hinge for 1/8-3/16in glass

Razor Extension Tool

Great for cleaning hard to reach glass and shaping/trimming custom backgrounds

Razor Mini Scraper Tool

Great for cleaning glass and shaping/trimming custom backgrounds

Sanding Bar

For wet sanding the edges of freshly cut glass

Sharpie Marker

For marking just about anything (Glass, wood decor, etc!)

Silicone Adhesive: Black

Terrarium safe, high tensile strength black silicone

Silicone Adhesive: Clear

Terrarium safe clear silicone

Silicone Adhesive Squeeze Tubes

Terrarium safe black & clear silicone

Silicone Dispenser Gun

A heavier duty, no-drip, silicone gun

Silicone Spreading Tools

Reusable tools for spreading silicone on custom backgrounds

Related Categories:

Background Supplies

Enclosure Add-Ons

Plant Care & Mounting

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