tl;dr: try 65# [or more] SpiderWire braided fishing line, HF double edge Japanese style hand saw.
I recently removed a shattered windshield. That was enough to pay someone to get a clean one from the local U-pull-it - where they also have a part removal service(!), and in particular a glass expert. A clean, good windshield cost $75, and the removal cost $20.
ABSOLUTE BEST $20 I've spent in - I can't remember how long!
I did that because I needed to get the car inspected in PA, and I needed it done quickly. And the windshield was on their car in their lot.
By the way, forget the HarborFreight cold knife - the one I got was a complete waste of time. Not tempered well, not long enough; the shaft twisted in the first 8" I cut.
If I had a little more time, I would have tried the fishing line technique on a clean windshield at the U-pull-it. That's the 'wrap it completely around the perimeter of the windshield, underneath the glass on the outside, stick both ends through the sealant [using whatever method doesn't crack the glass], tie one end to the steering wheel, wrap the other end around an extension on a ratchet, and pull smoothly. There's YouTube video of someone [purportedly] successful with the technique.
On the removal of the shattered windshield, I used 65# test weight braided Spiderwire line I got at K-mart for about $15. I looked for the 100# recommended weight.
Each crack cut the line. But I easily got through 3/4 of the urethane sealant on the windshield in about 20 min. of steady pulling and ratcheting the slack. Pretty much steady through each section not cracked. After it was out, it looked like what I removed was the third windshield on the car, based on the sealant levels.
I had the biggest problems on the bottom of the windshield, where there was uneven metal and the sealant was about 1.75" deep edge to interior; the A piller was maybe 1/8" to 1/4".
What helped me get through the bottom was a HarborFreight flexible wood finishing saw, the Japanese style saw - the one with the long handle [about $10] [link]:
https://m.harborfreight.com/10-inch-jap … 67058.html
I hope this helps.
