hood holes

[xfishkeeper]

Anybody have any tips for removing the holes for the filter and heater on the back of an "all glass", aquarium hood? It's perforated ridged plastic around the holes, like that is gonna pop out for you. One time I broke the glass part of the hood trying to cut out the holes with a steak knife I was almost done when the glass cracked.:eek: The last time I had to do it I used a wood burner to melt the plastic, worked, but looked a little messy.

Anyone know what I'm talking about? How did you deal with these kinds of hoods?

[The Zigman]

I havent really had a problem with them, but you could cut it with a pair of Tin snips, Hacksaw, or avaition shears. You could cut the tabs on one side and then you should be able to bend and break the other tabs...

Leave the steak knives for cutting steaks... before you cut your thumb off!!

[beblondie]

utility knife with a new blade worksmake several light passes instead of trying to force the issue in one or two.
jig saw with a fine tooth blade works well as does a rotary tool

[excuzzzeme]

I have use a pair of wire cutters and took my time doing it. I just cut the sides and then bent it up and down to free the rest.

[svf]

Hacksaw worked for me - also by just cutting the sides and then the rest came out easily.

[Penfan66]

Dremel's work wonders!

[Slappy*McFish]

I usually just cut them a little (at the edges) to get them started, then just work them back and forth with pliers until they break off. Never had too much trouble getting them off.

[jpappy789]

:iagree: thats what I've done

[Rbishop]

Yep, snips work great as does a sharp utility knife.

[1oooop]

well... you can always use what I use for just about everything including cutting thin pieces of wood... a hot piece of metal heated on your stove... I recommend a dremel though but I don't have one... so...

[Star_Rider]

Dremel's work wonders! works for me too ;)