How to remove glass from an old window in one piece.

After getting replacement windows for my house i saved the old windows thinking if several projects for them.  The major problem is several of the sashes are painted with lead paint.  No Martha Stewart you cant just paint over the wood.  At least not in Massachusetts.    So always take safety first.   Do this on a drop cloth like an old shower curtain.  Ware a dust mask.  Wash your clothes separately not with the kids.  Keep all kids away until after the clean up.  Also we will be using razor blades and have the potential for sharp glass.   

Sorry about the pictures there is no flash on my phone and the glass was transparent.

Your going to need
a razor both the double pointed (like in a box or dry wall cutter) and the straight edge both with holders
flat head screw drivers
soap & water
towel 
drop cloth
dust mask
small pliers (needle nose work goodgreen scrubby

Step 1 Select the window

Select  good window.  

Things to look for 

Hard dry Glazing putty that is falling out, cracked, pulling away from the wood.
no cracks in glass
rotten frame
no silicone holding window in 
 

Comments

[psullivan1]

A cool glazer trick it to use a heatgun or torch on particularity hard putty. It helps a bunch, but will bubble paint or scorch if you leave it there too long. I repair these things on a daily basis. Mostly I just attack weak spots with a utility knife when I'm at someones home.

[turbobug]

Good suggestion. Be careful when the paint starts to bubble the fumes are toxic. Ibbles get exponentially more views when you add flame or explosions.