Unable to remove stem off frag plug using bone cutters and dremel

[tbone28]

I'm having trouble removing the stems off frag plugs. I've tried bone cutters and a dremel. Any tips on how to remove the stem? They are zoas so I'm a bit hesitant on removing the zoas and gluing them onto a new plug.

 

[JTP424]

I had the same issue with bone cutters, picked up these, they seem to do pretty well.

BRS Large Curved Blade SPS Coral Cutter

The ultimate coral cutter for large colonies of branching SPS! Add this to your coral propagation kit for those mature SPS colonies. These are technically called Plastic Nipper Cow Horn Jaws. We've found these to be especially useful for fragging larger colonies of branching SPS like Acropora...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

 

[SPS2020]

I had the same issue with bone cutters, picked up these, they seem to do pretty well.

BRS Large Curved Blade SPS Coral Cutter

The ultimate coral cutter for large colonies of branching SPS! Add this to your coral propagation kit for those mature SPS colonies. These are technically called Plastic Nipper Cow Horn Jaws. We've found these to be especially useful for fragging larger colonies of branching SPS like Acropora...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

I too, have used these with success. I have some purple (forget the name) frag plugs that are a PITA to cut with anything else. Wish I had purchased a band saw in the beginning.

 

[afrokobe]

there is one brand of frag plug, I just cannot cut. Or I have to spend so much force with both hands that it causes the frag to fly across the room.

They look similar to these, very rounded. I absolutely hate getting frags that come in with those. Really messed up a hammer having to remove it from the plug since I couldnt snip it off

 

[JGT]

Dremel with a diamond wheel cuts through anything.

 

[SPS2020]

Dremel with a diamond wheel cuts through anything.

That it does and is what I go to if I cannot snap it with the large sps cutter.

 

[MoshJosh]

I use the wire cutter portion of these. . .

Crescent 9 in. Pivot Action Dual Material Grip Lineman's Compound Action Pliers CCA20509 - The Home Depot

The Crescent Pivot Action Linesman's Pliers feature a unique compound action that cuts material with 40% less effort. Unlike standard pliers that pivot on the center bolt only, additional leverage can

www.homedepot.com

 

[Cell]

I use cutting pliers.

 

[TCK Corals Verified Sponsor]

there is one brand of frag plug, I just cannot cut. Or I have to spend so much force with both hands that it causes the frag to fly across the room.

They look similar to these, very rounded. I absolutely hate getting frags that come in with those. Really messed up a hammer having to remove it from the plug since I couldnt snip it off

For these you’ll want to use a frag saw to safely remove the stem. From an aquaculture standpoint these types of plugs and tiles provide a nice surface for corals to encrust and grow onto but at the cost of not being able to snap the peg off

 

[Cell]

Cutting pliers works fine on those too. My complaint with those black plugs is the little dip in the middle which is a pain when I want to remount on a normal flat plug. I have to trim the point of superglue down flat.

 

[afrokobe]

For these you’ll want to use a frag saw to safely remove the stem. From an aquaculture standpoint these types of plugs and tiles provide a nice surface for corals to encrust and grow onto but at the cost of not being able to snap the peg off

Got it, I was thinking I was the only one lol. I guess Ill just remove the coral off the plug next time I receive these

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

I use the wire cutter portion of these. . .

Crescent 9 in. Pivot Action Dual Material Grip Lineman's Compound Action Pliers CCA20509 - The Home Depot

The Crescent Pivot Action Linesman's Pliers feature a unique compound action that cuts material with 40% less effort. Unlike standard pliers that pivot on the center bolt only, additional leverage can

www.homedepot.com

I also use a old set of lineman pliers or a harbor freight combo wire stripper/cutter tool.

 

[LeannaBanana]

Some wonderful soul with big doggos on here recommended dog nail trimmers if you have them on hand. Worked like a charm for me!

 

[edd59]

you cant grab the whole stem with the cutters. just sort of pinch it with the tip of the cutter, it snaps right off.

 

[tbone28]

Thanks Everyone for the suggestions. I'm going to start with the diamond cutting wheel as I can forsee using it for other tasks as well

 

[tbone28]

This may sound unbelievable....

The diamond cut off disc didn't work. It started to heat up the plug to the point where the zoas started to melt, so I stopped. I have cutting pliers at home, didn't work. Bought the BRS cutter, no bueno. At this point, not sure what to do

 

[Cell]

Squeeze harder.

 

[Cell]

 

[DanyL]

How come no one suggested to simply leave it alone?

Most of the times I either remount the frag or remove the stem, however sometimes I also take a small rock, drill a hole in it and stick it right in, or otherwise find a matching hole to glue right onto the rock work.

You don't have to remove it, sometimes it doesn't worth the effort or the risk of hurting the frag, and in other times the stem can actually be useful.

 

[gbroadbridge]

How come no one suggested to simply leave it alone?

Most of the times I either remount the frag or remove the stem, however sometimes I also take a small rock, drill a hole in it and stick it right in, or otherwise find a matching hole to glue right onto the rock work.

You don't have to remove it, sometimes it doesn't worth the effort or the risk of hurting the frag, and in other times the stem can actually be useful.

Problem is that sometimes those plugs bring in nasties like some types of algae.
I never leave them on anymore.