What is generally recommended when cutting a nut to prevent damage to adjacent parts?

When cutting a nut, the recommended practice is to split it carefully to prevent damage to adjacent parts. This approach allows for controlled manipulation of the cutting process, which helps to minimize the risk of exerting excessive force or heat that could affect nearby components.

Using a cutting torch, for instance, can generate high temperatures that may deform or weaken surrounding materials. Cutting on both sides of the nut or dividing it into quarters could also introduce unwanted stress and potentially lead to collateral damage. Splitting the nut allows for a more precise and cautious process, ensuring that the integrity of adjacent parts is maintained throughout the operation.