Removing a windshield with Harbor Freight Tools, Windshield Removal Tool & Kit, New Tool Day Tuesday

[@takinglifebythelens]

4:23 "You're probably gonna break or chip the windshield"???? If so, that defeats the entire purpose of removal for me. I do appreciate the video and tools demo, but if it's hopeless to remove w/o breaking the glass then I'll leave this to a pro.

[@1D10CRACY]

There are folks who do it without breaking the glass, but if it's your first time, I would think the odds are high that you may. A lot folks have mentioned a torpedo on a sawzall is easier, might be worth some research. The tool is here: amzn.to/3ZSBzXW

[@JasonPetersen0]

Get a wire cut out tool 98 percent not gonna break the glass

[@garrett689]

@@JasonPetersen0 I do glass for a living and it’s way less than 98% if you don’t have experience with things like wire out tools or using them and where setting pins could be you are most likely to break it, saving windshields is not as easy as it sounds

[@tykendrick800]

Inexperienced people I know repair windshields all the time. Pulling them from junkyard cars.

[@halflifevanlife2590]

As soon as I heard that, I thought the same thing lol.

[@johnv4217]

I tried to get a windshield at the junk yard today using these tools. Broke 4 of them before i gave up. Even had one of them 3/4 of the way out too.

[@techanswer9391]

I have experience and i can remove it with a sharpened scraper in less than 20 mins usually with a help of a hammer

[@tenthplanet3342]

4 windshields ouch, practice on some broken ones, 1st especially with new tools

[@gabooda2380]

Do the salvage yards charge you for the ones you broke?

[@johnv4217]

@@tenthplanet3342 Those were the practice ones. I did get the windshield out of my parts car in one piece eventually.

[@johnv4217]

@@gabooda2380 lol, no I didn't tell them. All the windshields just end up getting junked anyways.

[@antichrist_revealed]

Haven't done a window since the 90's. But I always used piano wire and a helper on the inside or outside. Trick is to go slow and not rush it. Works just fine.

[@wizardmaster6639]

how many wires did you break or you used the thicker wire? I do have a grand piano that I can borrow a wire from.

[@antichrist_revealed]

@@wizardmaster6639 Primarily the mid-sized ones. Guitar wires will work and much cheaper and easier to find. Use wire size according to the need. Some spaces are easier to get into, and some are not and require a thinner wire. As such, I never broke a wire and always took my time, especially if I had to use a thin wire. Use any wire that is wrapped. They act like a saw.

[@pcmikeoftheup]

If you don't have access to a heat gun, a hot day in full sun, however uncomfortable definitely helps soften as well.

[@tyepetrie-dunnett8311]

Yeah and then the windows so hot in the sun it’s breaks up and folds when trying to cut it out 😂 just use sharp drag knifes the right technique will get it done

[@mysterydude1]

A friend and I used a drill bit to drill through the seal at an angle being careful not to hit the glass so we could get the wire through. We used the wire from an old bicycle brake cable and wrapped the ends around a couple of sticks for handles. Total cost was like $50 for the windshield. It took us about 45 minutes of cutting to get it out. You don't need these tools. It can be done with stuff you already have.

[@Blazer02LS]

One tip, on the outside of the vehicle, apply a couple layers of painters tape to the painted surfaces around the glass, helps you prevent paint damage when you slip with the cutter or are using the saw. To prevent glass damage you can try to keep the cutter as far below the glass as possible to keep from chipping the glass edge. If you do chip it but it didn't break it is possible to polish the area with a diamond cutting bit and water to remove the chipped area. For the places you do scratch the pinch weld you just use some window weld primer to touch up the area.

[@1D10CRACY]

Awesome tips!!! Thanks! I imagine with experience this may a breeze. It seems like the mobile glass companies do this fairly quickly.

[@Blazer02LS]

@@1D10CRACY Usually the big difference with them is that they are replacing the glass so they don't care about chips or breaking the glass so the power cutting tools just need to avoid vehicle damage. If you are trying to save the glass from the vehicle or from a salvage yard it becomes a real test to cut it free, even they a cordless multitool with a glass blade can make it easier.

[@sylviabaca7178]

I removed a wind shield with guitar string (wire) it worked just worked slow

[@jayinmi3706]

Thanks for describing the difference between the right angle cutter. I did auto glass like 27 years ago for a little while, and I've never been able to get a windshield out in one piece even with the right one of those. lol But I did indeed buy the wrong one the last time I tried.

[@ГеоргиРайков-ъ6м]

The wire method is way more efficient if you have someone to help you out. Wire needs to be a bit longer and also a bit thinner. In most cases there is no need to remove the pillars because you could use plastic plates or just a big flathead to protect the interior bits. On some cars the polyurethane is too close to almost all of the interior and with the blade you risk damaging it. For working alone there is a toolset with a wire which would be the most helpful for removing the glass without breaking anything.

[@TheFreesabin]

I cover the inside of car and the motor and brake the glass with rubber hammer, after cut the glass with a handsaw "electric " gives u much room . Ez job 30 minutes.

[@Un_Sicario]

Honestly this video helps a lot! Especially after leaving my hood open and destroying my windshield lol

[@hhunting_trolls9500]

Im Literally in the same boat 😂

[@johnalexander4940]

Was flying up GardenState Pkwy NJ and the hood flew up on me OH crap, luckily no windshield damage, hinges got bent up but that was it.

[@sernani99]

Thanks for this, I have to replace my windshield on a 2001 dodge neon, what cutter do I need? Thank you.

[@OnlineAutoRepairVideos]

Just like you, I prefer the cutter with the handle over the saw type, and those suction cups (the handle type WORKS GREAT!! Nice instructional video!

[@corey5109]

If you have any intention of saving the windshield, do not use these substandard tools, use a fiber lne, or an equalizer cold knife.

[@jesusespinoza8655]

Just being careful will do the tricks. I removed a front and rear windows with a bicycle brake cable and a few blades I didn’t know this tools existed this would make the job way easier and even then it takes me about 2 hours for both front and rear

[@timekeeper5275]

If you have any self respect on your time and money don’t buy any of these tools.

[@jma8352]

is thare any solvent that works on the glue?

[@1D10CRACY]

I'm not really sure! If you find something that works, please reply back and I will pin the comment.

[@lothianmcadam1]

No. Both butylene and urethane based windshield adhesives are completely impervious to solvents after completely cured. Solvent will damage the glass (by etching) AND damaging the finish (clear coat, paint and primer) and possibly damage you. Mechanical removal with the purpose-designed windshield adhesive cutting tools is the only effective method.

[@QwertyQwerty-jq3cu]

@@lothianmcadam1 that's not true. Butylene is petroleum based product. There are a lot of chemicals that will soften it. Albeit it will make a huge mess and not really do any good as it is really thick. Unless your using some type of acid, theres not much else that will effect glass. They stores tons of chemicals in glass containers for that reason. Urethane is not solvent dissolvable. It is a thermostat polymer that very little chemicals effect. Even the ones that do effect it would takes months and years to break it down.

[@cassandralow2187]

Do you think the chances of cracking the windshield would be less using the wire saw than the other tool?

[@1D10CRACY]

I would imagine yes, it would be less likely to crack the windshield with the wire saw.

[@Flowerchild778]

I'm looking to remove my busted back windshield (2012 GMC) There's about 1 inch of glass stuck all the way around

[@jacobcammer9935]

A guy with experience if you can’t cut through the urethane you can just break the glass we’re it’s difficult and the blade will cut through a lot easier just be careful not to cut yourself

[@ZERONEINNOVATIONS]

If you are trying to pull the windshield at junkyard, DON'T USE COLD KNIFE. You will crack the windshield in just 5 seconds. USE stainless wire tool. That's the correct tool for this job. Don't, never touch the cold knife at the junkyard. I learned the hard way today. I cracked the windshield at the beginning so I spent 10 minutes to practice cutting with the cold knife, but I cracked the windshield everywhere. If you hit the windshield with cold knife, it will crack. Then you try not to hit the glass and you hit the car body, your knife will get dull in just a few seconds.

[@wreckstoracecars]

Thank you for posting this!

[@PeterHernandez-lg2eh]

Never done windshield removal

[@samhellaby9443]

OK this for everyone you guys are sturgling way to much doing this making life hard for your self rakes half the time if not less time and almost no effort have a bottle of soupy water and keep sealant lubed its like cutting butter with a knife same if your cutting the walls off your tyres for recycling with a knife use soupy water you will be amazed

[@doraemeah3424]

Thinking of replacing my friends badly cracked windscreen, I guess removing it just a matter of totally taping up the glass before breaking and removing?! Anybody?

[@TheSilvrSeraph]

Not a single person in this comment need to be trying to remove any windshield without Proffesional help or practice. No 2 cars are the same and you have no idea who did your windshield before you. That changes the entire dynamic massively.

[@1D10CRACY]

Practice is key, but you have to start somewhere. Sometimes mistakes made are the best way to learn. I posted this video for other people like me, who pretty much do everything themselves.

[@TheSilvrSeraph]

@@1D10CRACY I understand DIY but practicing with something that can harm you in the events of an accident or cost you thousands of dollars in leak damage isn’t worth it. If you absolutely HAVE to try find a video with an exact how to or ask a professionals opinion.

[@AceSolomon94]

Thank you, this was practical & helpful.

[@jtwilson1982]

In a pinch that t handle set great in a pinch the metal braided line is trash might as well use your shoe string

[@PeterHernandez-lg2eh]

Have to remove windshield to get at lost sd card that fell between dashboard and window. Easier than removing the whole dashboard.

[@joegalante2325]

You're better off using a fiber line or wire cut out tool, regardless of the reason or intention. They make the job easy with as little destruction as possible.

[@herbertmichaels2841]

90% are coming out for a new one.

[@topgunpressurecleaning8930]

I heated the butyl on my quarter glass on the oldsmobile and pushed them right out. Maybe I'll try it on the windshield.

[@QwertyQwerty-jq3cu]

Depending on the year, most likely that wont happen. Side windows uses butyl tape. A nice gooey rope, so you can do that. Front and rear windows use urethane adhesive that sets up like tire rubber. Heating does very little to effect it. It may soften it slightly but that's about it. The rope saw works the best if you're careful. DO NOT let the wire touch the glas period! If it chips it, it will crack guaranteed. It is best to use two people on this. You need way more cable, at least 6' so you have a long stroke available and you can keep the cable under the glass. You need to make 12-18" strokes with the cable and go slow. If you make short fast strokes, the cable will heat up, break and possibly chip the glass. And you'll go through a bunch of cable. The better approach is to run the cable around the outer edge of the windshield. Be sure to tuck it under the corners of the glass. Since it is laminated, the cable can get between the layers and ruin the windshield. Once the cable is laid around the glass, either tie it off on a wiper arm post or have someone hold it. Get on the inside of the car and start pulling the wire through. Not sawing it, just straight pulling it. It works great and is a lot less effort. Less chance of damage also. I have pulled several like this successfully by myself.

[@topgunpressurecleaning8930]

@@QwertyQwerty-jq3cu thanks for the information.

[@1D10CRACY]

Normally on a sunny day the urethane is already warm from the sun. Cutting cold urethane vs warm urethane can make a ton of difference! If you are struggling, warm it up and it will help!

[@angelsdontsleepwalton936]

Thank you very much, I really needed your ideas,❤

[@leelaboy5373]

I'm trying to find out an easy question I have a 1974 f250 can I take out the windshield and put it into an F350 82 Ford

[@OldSchoolNoe]

very detailed review, I bought most of these tools!

[@yvettedurbin2819]

Thank u I didnt know what tools to use

[@thomaspond6670]

I’m fineful for your video. I’ll standing in Harbor freight about to buy the Pittsburgh brand that would’ve been a mistake

[@thomaspond6670]

Thankful*

[@saiho1548]

It looks great but it is not I bought those two tools and found not working well, I think it is more easy just to break that bad windshield instead of trying to take it out in whole

[@Mr909calibaby]

Great video (!)

[@Sinsirink]

7:05 smh store of my life

[@Roberts_munitions]

Reading your comment I had to go back and yeah bro. Same… 😅

[@andrewholt9332]

Make sure your not wearing a watch with a steel bracelet like this guy and scratch all your paintwork !

[@1D10CRACY]

Especially if it's just an old work truck, prior to body and paint work. ;)

[@andrewholt9332]

Just doesn't look right and it creates further unnecessary work,

[@1D10CRACY]

LOL I'm sure for a professional, they should take their watch off. For me, it didn't create unnecessary work. ;)

[@pcmikeoftheup]

WD40 helps, but can be messy.

[@damianbotello1372]

Soapy water not heat

[@1D10CRACY]

Heat makes a big difference! Especially when it is cold outside. On a hot sunny day the heat will already be there. Soapy water would help as well.

[@vincentkeith1800]

I'll pay the 700

[@killed_phill796]

Weakling

[@W333dm4n]

Noob

[@TheCafeBoy]

Why buy 2 tools? The better blade will cut them both. The Butyl tool has the blade installed in the wrong orientation. Those blades are crap, the handles are probably OK if you put a good quality blade in it. I am not a HB guy, much more of a SO guy. But we all have our things. Ycats

[@1D10CRACY]

I'm not sure why you would buy both tools. Some will argue the butyl blades tend to be wider and don't bend and flex as much, but a good quality Urethane blade will handle it. As far as blade direction, sometimes it's just a preference. The butyl one in the video has never been used, it is configured as it came out of the package.

[@saiho1548]

@@1D10CRACY

[@victorvazquez4657]

lol Safelite repair safelite replace I’m a windshield expert

[@steveessig6739]

😮

[@goognamgoognw6637]

"you're probably going to break the windshield or chip it at one point, probably with some experience you might be able not to damage it but i never had that luck" WTF ?! So tell me straight, i am looking to go to the junkyard to find a used oem replacement windshield to extract and to replace my cracked windshield. I've never done that before, just tell me even with the right tool , it's not going to happen ? Also even if i get the windshield in one piece, i bet windshield repair place will refuse to install a used part. Also with all the molding still glued to the glass.

[@1D10CRACY]

I'll tell you straight, I typically chip or break the glass, but I'm not a professional. There are folks who do it without breaking the glass, but if it's your first time, I would think the odds are high that you may. A lot folks have mentioned a torpedo on a sawzall is easier, might be worth some research. The tool is here: amzn.to/3ZSBzXW

[@goognamgoognw6637]

@@1D10CRACY thanks for the reply, after watching your video another one convinced me it's not a job worth doing yourself for the time, difficulty and money.

[@ManuelQuiroz-u2k]

Honestly I don’t think no one works

[@1D10CRACY]

I work. :D

[@rudyromero3406]

Can you do a silent video

[@1D10CRACY]

This is an instructional video that requires sound and a semi-intelligent person who can listen and follow directions.

[@ferbzy1826]

@@1D10CRACYI think he meant for people that are heard of hearing aka deaf

[@waltercastro2015]

@@ferbzy1826 They dont know there is Close Caption option

[@goognamgoognw6637]

stupid idea

[@JasonPetersen0]

😂😂😂

[@catelyaospina]

i hate this guy he talks too much and less right into it

[@1D10CRACY]

Thank you very much, most of my viewers say they like the fact I get right into the video and don't talk too much! It's nice to see kind commenters who are constructive and not hateful!