I use bolt cutters or even a grinder or disc grinder with a metal cut off wheel. Bolt cutters work well and then I take the grinder and make it nice and flat. Remember to mark each cut and only cut 1/8" at at time. It might take a couple more cuts, but you won't risk going to short!! You'll get some conditions soon. It will come. Take your time. I just listened for a few weeks and then made my first contact to 696 needle bender out west. I was hooked after that!! You'll see what I mean when Mother Nature opens the dx door for your area. It will come!!