Best tool for cutting/trimming eggcrate?

[ACBlinky]

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

 

[Clouded]

I used a hack saw...its not hard at all...and it really does not crack.

 

[Buster4900]

I used diagonal cutters, or tim snips works fairly well and quick.

 

[dhoch]

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]

sharp wire cutters work great!

 

[Foster]

Dykes are my tool of choice for eggcrate

 

[just dave]

<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]

:lol:

 

[Foster]

Nope, just make sure you keep them lubed up.

 

[ACBlinky]

Um... ew!
Thanks much guys, I look forward to cooler tanks tomorrow

 

[affan]

Re: Best tool for cutting/trimming eggcrate?

I use my Judo Chop!

 

[CoralFiend]

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]

dykes work very well

 

[Philip Parrott]

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]

A grinder with a stone blade.