Replacing your stove glass is a straightforward DIY task. Whether your glass has cracked, shattered, or simply become unreadable, this guide will help you replace it safely and efficiently.
Watch the Guide:
Narrated guidance on replacing glass and seals, including tips to prevent breakage.
An unedited demonstration of the full process.
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Step 1: Preparation
Safety First: Ensure the stove is completely cool before touching anything. This prevents burns and makes the metal easier to work with.
Step 2: Remove the Door (Recommended)
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If possible: Lift the door off its hinges or unscrew the hinge pins. Laying the door flat on a workbench or floor makes the job much easier.
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If not possible: You can replace the glass while the door is attached, but you must be careful that the glass doesn't fall out when you loosen the clips.
Step 3: Protect the Door
Lay the door on a soft surface (like an old towel or blanket) to prevent scratching the paintwork or the new glass.
Step 4: Remove the Fixings
Remove the screws or bolts holding the glass clips in place.
💡 Pro Tip for Seized Screws:
Stove screws often seize up due to heat. If they won't budge:
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Apply penetrating oil (like WD40) and wait 10 minutes.
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The Drill Trick: Take a hammer drill (set to medium), remove the drill bit, and press the chuck against the screw head. Pulse the drill for 15–20 seconds. The vibration often cracks the rust seal, allowing you to unscrew it easily.
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Last resort: Drill out the screw and re-tap the hole.
Step 5: Remove the Old Glass
Gently lift out the old glass.
Warning: If the glass is shattered, wear thick gloves and safety goggles to avoid cuts from sharp shards.
Step 6: Clean and Inspect
Before fitting new glass, the door must be clean.
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Remove all old rope or tape seals.
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Wire brush the grooves to remove old glue, rust, and debris.
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Ensure the surface is flat and clean.
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Step 7: Replace the Seals
Crucial Check: The "Paper Test"
Open the door. Place a strip of paper across the seal. Close and lock the door.
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If it grips tightly: The seal is good.
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If it slides out easily: The rope needs replacing.
Installing New Seals:
Type A: Round Rope Seal (In a Groove)
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Clean the groove thoroughly.
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Apply high-temp rope adhesive (glue) into the groove.
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Press the new rope in firmly. Tip: Ensure the join (where ends meet) is at the bottom of the door.
Type B: Flat Bedding Tape (On the Glass)
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Peel the backing off the self-adhesive tape.
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Stick it carefully around the edge of the glass (or directly onto the door frame if preferred).
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Ensure it wraps around the edge to create a "U" shape cushion if required by your clips.
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Step 8: Install the New Glass
Carefully place the new glass into position.
⚠️ Centering is Vital: Ensure there is a 1–2mm gap between the edge of the glass and the metal door frame on all sides.
Why? Metal expands faster than glass when hot. If the glass touches the metal, the metal will expand and crush the glass, causing it to crack.
Step 9: Secure the Glass (Do Not Overtighten!)
Replace the clips and screws.
⚠️ CRITICAL WARNING:
Tighten the screws to "Finger Tight" only. The clips should hold the glass loosely enough to allow for slight movement. If you screw them down tight, the glass WILL crack the first time you light the fire.
Tip: Use copper grease on the screw threads to stop them seizing up next time.
Step 10: Reattach & Test
Put the door back on the stove.
Check the seal again with the "Paper Test."
Light a small kindling fire to cure the adhesive and ensure everything is seated correctly.
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Troubleshooting
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"My glass cracked immediately!"
This is almost always because the clips were too tight, or the glass was touching the metal frame (no expansion gap). -
"The screws snapped off!"
This happens with old stoves. You may need to drill out the old hole and use a slightly larger self-tapping screw.
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