For those who live in the United States, you can purchase the tubes and tube stoppers cheaply from Jameco and possibly from other places as well.

Jameco direct link here.

 

After I shorten the tube, I use a brad (small short nail) which is easier to insert/remove using the tools shown.

 

i feel.. Sir Nigel's Idea was good..

but instead of side cutter.. better use Tweezers..

See..

__________________
Simran..
8051 Specialist..

 

No, likewise not longnose pliers either, the point of using side cutters is they slide under both sides of the head of the plastic plug, and you can then lever it out easily.

__________________
PIC programmer software, and PIC Tutorials at:
http://www.winpicprog.co.uk

 

This is also the way I do it [as Nigel] , just dont squeeze the cutters to hard, easy peasy

__________________
Eric
"Good enough is Perfect"

PIC tutorials:
Gramo's: www.digital-diy.net/
Bill's: www.blueroomelectronics.com/

 

I usually remove them ( using on of the above methods ) and use Scotch Tape instead Scotch tape

__________________
Its what your friend in Your mind, what you in your friends mind