Glory Hole
A reheating chamber that brings a cooling piece back to working temperature without touching the main furnace.
Shaping / Blowing
| Length | 150 - 300 mm |
|---|---|
| Tip width | 1 - 4 mm |
| Material | Stainless steel or tungsten |
| Maximum service temperature | 900 °C |
| Jaw profile | Straight or slightly curved |
Compatible glass types
Soda-lime
Borosilicate
Lead crystal
Compatibility assumes the tool is rated for the working temperature of that glass family. Check the maker's documentation before use.
Overview
Tweezers are the precision tool of the hot shop. They pull a thread of glass out of a surface, pinch a lip, place a small bit of colour, or open a hole. The tips matter more than the length: a fine tungsten tip holds its shape at temperature, while a soft stainless tip deforms and starts marking the glass.
Safety notes
- Tweezers conduct heat to the handle quickly. Work close to the tip and keep the handles cool.
- Never use tweezers to hold a heavy piece. They are for detail, not for support.
Using it well
Practical guidance
- Warm the tips before the first contact so they do not chill and crack the surface.
- For a clean pull, pinch, then rotate the pipe away rather than dragging the tool sideways.
- Keep a second pair for dark colours to avoid cross-contamination.
What to look for
- Fine tips for detail work without marking
- Spring temper that returns to shape after use
- Comfortable grip that stays cool during a session
High temperature tool
This tool operates in or near the working range of molten glass. Read the safety notes above before first use, and never work with it without eye protection, heat-resistant gloves and working extraction.
Reference information only. Specifications are published ranges drawn from manufacturer documentation and normalised for comparison. They vary between makers and between individual units. This page does not sell or endorse any product, and does not guarantee any result. Follow the equipment manufacturer's instructions and take hands-on instruction before operating hot glass equipment.
Related
Tools used alongside the tweezers
Gathering Pipe
A solid rod used to pick up a gather when you are working solid rather than hollow.
Gathering / Shaping
Heat Shield
A radiant barrier that slides onto the pipe and protects the back of your hand.
Gathering / Shaping
Wooden Block
A soaked fruitwood block used to shape and chill a gather while it is still soft.
Shaping
See the shaping & tools workflow
Read the category overview, or jump into the 3D Studio to see these tools applied to a live piece.