Stupid Eggcrate!!!

froggsong · #1 (**permalink**) 07-31-2008, 02:04 AM

How the heck am I supposed to cut this crap???

Jason · #2 (**permalink**) 07-31-2008, 05:28 AM

HA , it sucks ... i use plyers and just remove the sections i need by grabbing and twisting till a cross piece snaps off, Used my Dremel and that melts it, saws are useless because its so brittle unless you can fully support the parts your not cutting.

Garnek · #3 (**permalink**) 07-31-2008, 09:53 AM

I used a wire cutters to cut down each row and then filed down the edges so they wouldnt catch on the screen covering. I tried a utility scissors but the wire cutter (side cutters) seem to work the best. Hope this helps.

taipan · #4 (**permalink**) 07-31-2008, 11:42 AM

Froggsong, you could try a hacksaw ( or whatever they call them in the US ) & just take it easy & slowly for each "square" being cut. You may have to be a bit more careful as you near the end - even supply a bit of support.

froggsong · #5 (**permalink**) 07-31-2008, 01:03 PM

Jesus.... that is WAAAAAAYYYYY to complicated, lol... We should find something easier to use for FBs. Thanks for the input guys, I think I will try pliers first. If that doesn't work, I'll go with the hacksaw, if THAT doesn't work, I'll buy some snips (wire cutters). And of course, if I still can't cut it after that, I'm taking it back to the store and claiming it broke in the car, lol.

I thought about using the dremel last night... BUT, I'm going to end up cutting some of my plexi with it (I hate trying to use that stupid tool that is FOR cutting plexi, I can never get my lines straight) and I'll have ENOUGH molten plastic flying at me and giving me burns and blisters when I get to that point. I'm not even TO this point in the CWD vive. I decided to make a BG for my BP tank... I want to be able to just drop it in, so I am doing it on the eggcrate.

How heat resistant is this stuff? Can I put a piece in the bottom of the tank to keep the snake from being able to reach the glass (I'm finally installing an UTH)? I don't have a thermostat yet, just a dimmer, and my room temps fluctuate a little much for that, so I need to be able to keep him away from the glass. If the eggcrate can take the heat, I think it would be better than repticarpet (my thought process on this is too convoluted to explain).

Revision17 · #6 (**permalink**) 08-04-2008, 03:32 PM

Diagonal Pliers work pretty well. Bolt cutters work as well. Since you have to clip every connector, working with it is a bit tedious.. however you don't have to cut all the way through. Even if you cut 25% of the way through it'll fall apart when you're done cutting.

froggsong · #7 (**permalink**) 08-05-2008, 11:54 AM

Great tip! I noticed that it does seem to almost... disintegrate when you break it, lol...

DrRich · #8 (**permalink**) 08-13-2008, 11:02 AM

I used a mini air hacksaw,,,cuts it like butter...LoL..

mh32 · #9 (**permalink**) 08-13-2008, 01:16 PM

I agree with revision17 diagonal pliers work perfect it just takes a little more time to clip each little peice but it works great. And you can pick up a pair for a couple of bucks at the hardware store.

Waterkeeper · #10 (**permalink**) 08-14-2008, 07:06 PM

Diagonals all the way, the stuff is just too brittle to snap off the pieces and be accurate about it.