Instead of replacing a whole window, Fix-it Chick Linda Cottin says you can replace a broken pane with the right tools.

Step 1: When replacing glass in a wooden window frame, prepare the area by removing the cracked or broken glass completely. Scrape away all the old glazing with a glazing tool or putty knife. Use pliers to remove the old glazier points. If you expose bare wood, prime it with an oil based primer.

Step 2: Next, measure the opening – twice. Make sure you measure all four sides of your opening and choose the smaller of the dimensions. To be safe, minus about an 1/8 inch from your final measurements to give yourself enough play to fit the glass into the frame without breaking it.

Step 3: Once you have all your supplies – glass, glazing compound and glazier points – you are ready to begin.

Step 4: Set the glass in the frame and push one or two glazier points into the wood along each side to hold the glass in place. If you have a glazing tool, use the tool to set your points. Otherwise, a flathead screwdriver should do the trick.

Step 5: Once the glass is in place, start knifing in the putty. Glazing compound has a very low melting point, so do not touch it with your hands or you will have a sticky mess. Use your knife to scoop out about a tablespoon of putty and lay it in along the frame edge inch by inch.

Step 6: When you have puttied all the way around the frame, hold the flat edge of your glazing tool at a 45-degree angle and smooth the putty down between the frame and glass. (This is the hardest part.) Remove the excess putty, wash your window and admire your handiwork. You are now a glazier!