Can't cut frag plug stem...

[RaymondL]

This is a first for me - I purchased a coral on a frag that is sooo tough that I can't snap it off like I normally do with a pair of pliers, so I brought out my dremel tool and it did nothing! So I resorted to a jig saw and that didn't work either....not even a hacksaw.

I've never encountered this before in the hobby - what am I missing here? Is there a special 'older' type of frag plug that is made from some material that is so difficult to cut off?

Geezes!

 

[javajaws]

Could be a really hard ceramic? If you have an air powered die grinder (or even an angle grinder) with a cutoff disk that would probably work.

 

[shcrimps]

Could be a really hard ceramic? If you have an air powered die grinder (or even an angle grinder) with a cutoff disk that would probably work.

angle grinder is not a good idea on such a small thing, that’s how you lose some fingers

 

[redfishbluefish]

A diamond blade on your Dremel or a grinder with a concrete blade (diamond) or masonry disc

 

[RaymondL]

Thanks folks - I'm just going to leave it as is - whoever fragged this coral used what I assume some really really old frag plugs that were made of something other than what's made today.
It's kind of funny at the same time - all my tools brought out for this cut and no luck! An angle grinder is the way to go, but too small an object might result in personal injury.

I don't have access to a bandsaw and that's my next thought, but if a dremel tool at high speed couldn't do it, I'm skeptical. I might need a diamond cutter, but not going to pay $20 for one.

 

[revhtree]

I've used heavy duty garden snips or metal cutters to pop these things off.

 

[Uncle99]

This is a first for me - I purchased a coral on a frag that is sooo tough that I can't snap it off like I normally do with a pair of pliers, so I brought out my dremel tool and it did nothing! So I resorted to a jig saw and that didn't work either....not even a hacksaw.

I've never encountered this before in the hobby - what am I missing here? Is there a special 'older' type of frag plug that is made from some material that is so difficult to cut off?

Geezes!

Me too!
The plug is indestructible.
Actually had to separate the coral from the entire plug.
I don’t buy these types any more.

 

[javajaws]

angle grinder is not a good idea on such a small thing, that’s how you lose some fingers

Sorry, I forget a lot of people out there aren't really the DIY type or have much common sense. I would suggest holding with a pair of vise-grips or some other clamping tool that won't touch the frag itself.

 

[Dburr1014]

I use these to cut them.

 

[shcrimps]

Sorry, I forget a lot of people out there aren't really the DIY type or have much common sense. I would suggest holding with a pair of vise-grips or some other clamping tool that won't touch the frag itself.

that’s better
common sense isn’t very common
too often i see people with sharp cutting tools waaayyyyyy tooooooo close to their hands or other body parts