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View Full Version : Best tool for cutting/trimming eggcrate?

ACBlinky
08/02/2006, 07:04 PM
I'm going to Home Depot tomorrow to purchase some eggcrate to replace my glass tops -- the tanks are overheating even with the tops propped open and fans over them, and open top isn't an option with skittish wrasses and gobies in the mix. I was at a hardware store asking about it today (I wanted to order some, but I would have had to buy 15 sheets!) and they told me that eggcrate is very difficult stuff to cut without cracking, as it's so brittle. Can someone tell me what tool(s) to purchase, so I can cut it to size without ruining the panel? Thanks :D
Clouded
08/02/2006, 07:07 PM
I used a hack saw...its not hard at all...and it really does not crack.
Buster4900
08/02/2006, 07:11 PM
I used diagonal cutters, or tim snips works fairly well and quick.
dhoch
08/02/2006, 07:16 PM
I use the same tools I use to frag hard corals... they are a kind of hard scissor....shorter blade...

here is a link:

http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_miscellaneous_coral_propagation_tools.asp?CartId=

works great.

Dave
godoggo
08/02/2006, 08:02 PM
sharp wire cutters work great!
Foster
08/02/2006, 08:03 PM
Dykes are my tool of choice for eggcrate
just dave
08/02/2006, 08:09 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7867587#post7867587 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by platapus
Dykes are my tool of choice for eggcrate


And they don't mind?
Billybeau1
08/02/2006, 08:12 PM
:lol:
Foster
08/02/2006, 08:12 PM
Nope, just make sure you keep them lubed up. ;)
ACBlinky
08/02/2006, 09:24 PM
Um... ew! :)
Thanks much guys, I look forward to cooler tanks tomorrow :D
affan
08/02/2006, 09:24 PM
I use my Judo Chop!
CoralFiend
08/02/2006, 09:29 PM
I have an old Black and Decker VersaPak battery operated circular saw with a 3" blade that cuts through egg crate like a hot knife through butter. Doesn't crack the eggcrate and even leaves smooth edges. Before I discovered how well it worked, I always used a good pair of side cutters and then sanded down the rough edges with a good course sand paper.
TKByrnes
08/02/2006, 09:40 PM
dykes work very well
Philip Parrott
08/02/2006, 10:12 PM
Side cutters work the best and are simple to use. Hacksaws and circular saws throw plastic dust on the ground. No cleanup with wire cutters (side cutters).
PatrickJ
08/02/2006, 10:13 PM
A grinder with a stone blade.