Always cut mine I just drill several holes in the cups
Then knock a slot with a flat screwdriver enough so you
Can get a jubilee clip through the cup to hold the spring in
Both sides top and bottom. As for spring clamps I used to
Take the strut off aim it at the wall and undo the top nut
Very carfully untill it fires off the top cup and spring and you
Lose the nut and hopefully not your hand .