Starter kit: what the first paid job needs
A glass shop works with heavy, sharp material, so the kit starts with handling gear and protection. Cutting, measuring and setting tools come next, with a rack truck when you take on bigger pieces.
| Item | Why you need it | Price on the maker's site |
|---|---|---|
| Glass cutters and running pliers | Clean breaks on single pane cuts | Varies by brand |
| Suction cup lifters, a pair | Carrying and setting glass safely | Varies by brand |
| Cut-resistant gloves, sleeves and safety glasses | Glass work needs them on every job | Varies by brand |
| Tape measure and a glazing gauge | Exact sizes for ordering | Varies by brand |
| Glazing tools: putty knife, glazier's points driver and setting blocks | Setting glass in old and new sash | Varies by brand |
| Caulk gun and sealant tools | Finishing seals on doors and showers | Varies by brand |
| Cordless drill and driver | Hardware, clips and channels | Varies by brand |
| Window cleaning squeegee | A clean finish at handoff | $33 (Ettore Pro+ squeegee, 14 in, Ettore) |
| Razor scraper | Removing labels and old sealant | $16.19 (Ettore Pro+ 6 in scraper, Ettore) |
Pro kit: what a busy shop adds
Add these when the calendar is full and the starter kit is slowing you down. Most glass companies buy them one at a time, when a job pays for one.
| Item | Why it pays | Price on the maker's site |
|---|---|---|
| Glass rack for the truck | Moving large panes without breaks | Varies by brand |
| Glass drill bits and a drill press setup | Holes for shower hardware | Varies by brand |
| Edge polisher or sanding belts | Safe, finished edges | Varies by brand |
| Laser level | Plumb shower doors and mirrors | Varies by brand |
| Two-person vacuum lifter | Heavy glass and large panels | Varies by brand |
Van stock: what you restock every week
Parts and supplies that let you finish on the first visit. Keep a short list on your phone and restock on the same day each week.
- Glazing tape and setting blocks. Every insulated unit needs them.
- Silicone in clear and common colors. Showers, mirrors and storefront.
- Mirror mastic and clips. Mirror installs.
- Shower door seals and sweeps. Common small repairs.
- Board-up plywood and screws. Emergency calls for broken glass.
- Protective film and edge guards. Keeping glass safe in transit.
What a glass kit costs
The 2 starter kit items we could price add up to $50 at the maker's listed price, out of 9 on the list. The rest vary too much by brand and size to give one honest number, so price them with your supplier.
None of the 5 pro kit items has one maker's list price we could check, because brands and sizes vary so much. Price them with your supplier.
The rack truck swings the total most. Many glass companies start with window glass and mirrors they can carry by hand, then add a rack and shower enclosure work.
Prices are the ones shown on each maker's own site on the date in the sources. Dealers and sales change them, so treat them as a starting point.
Where to buy it
Most glass companies buy hand tools and small parts wherever is closest, and set up a trade account for the items they buy every week. Our glass suppliers list names the distributors and pro programs for this trade, and the Home Depot Pro vs Lowe's Pro page compares the two big-box programs row by row.
With Koira: the office side of the kit
The kit gets you to the job. Koira runs the rest: estimates with signing and deposits, invoices and card payments and your day plan, all on the free Office plan. Start with the glass services list to set your prices.
Sources
- Ettore: Ettore Pro+ squeegee, 14 in, checked October 9, 2026
- Ettore: Ettore Pro+ 6 in scraper, checked October 9, 2026
- Insureon: Insurance cost for contractors as a group, checked October 9, 2026
Last checked October 9, 2026. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change and differ by state and city, so confirm with the agency named before you act.