Lead came is the grooved strip of lead that holds the pieces of glass in a leaded window. It is soft and easy to cut, and the aim is to produce clean, square ends that fit tightly against the neighbouring came. Lead is toxic, so read the safety guide before you start and wash your hands afterwards.
What you need
- Lead came in the width and profile you need
- A lead knife, or a sharp craft knife
- A stretching vice or a pair of pliers and a vice
- A flat board and a straight edge
- A damp cloth
Stretch the came first
New came is slightly crinkled and a little soft. Clamp one end in a stretching vice, hold the other end with pliers and pull gently until the came is straight and a little longer. This hardens the lead and makes it easier to cut and use.
Cut it
- Lay the came on your board and measure the length you need from your pattern.
- Open the came slightly so the channel does not collapse as you cut.
- Place the knife blade across the came at the mark and rock it through, or press down firmly, so the cut is square.
- Check the end against the neighbouring came and trim a little if it is not tight.
- For a mitre, which is a diagonal cut for a corner, mark the angle and cut across it in the same way.
Tips
- Cut a little long and trim to fit. You can always take more off.
- Cut the end of each piece cleanly, because soldered joints show any gaps.
- Keep the came free of dirt so the solder takes cleanly.
Next
Once your came is fitted around the glass, the joints are soldered. See how to solder.
See also How Lead Came and Overlay Lead Are Made.
Published 16 October 2026 · Last updated