Something i didn’t include are some of the tools that i use and those knipex flush cutters are some of the best ive ever used.
Also i use a set of bonsi nippers and ball cutter:
My advice in addition is to be absolutely anal about deforming the negative. Do everything you can to prep to make the negative come off clean and not apply any pulling or leverage against the negative side. I go so dar as to thin the weld with a dremel before cutting or removing. If you break a cell and vent the electrolyte : do not breathe that poison. It’s worse than you think for you