Score the rod with a tungsten glass cutter (usually a triangular blade so there are three cutting surfaces) or a new, small, fine triangular file. Just score about 1/3 of the circumference of the rod. Hold the rod with your thumbs on each side of the score and the score facing away from you. Snap the rod by pulling the ends toward you and pushing the scored section away from you.
Another method is to wet the score and touch it with a small (pea size or smaller) gather of molten glass. The rod will usually break cleanly or will require less effort to snap.
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