Carbon fiber rods are not to be cut with bolt cutters or pin cutters; however, they can readily be sawed with a fine-toothed hacksaw blade. Carbon fiber dust is potentially dangerous, so it is recommended that a damp paper towel be laid over the cutting area to capture any dust. Small SK titanium rods can be cut with a large bolt cutter but tend to develop a significant burr that must be smoothed with a file or sanding material. All SK ESF System connecting rods are stocked in several length choices. The variety of lengths available should greatly reduce the need for cutting rods.

Carbon fiber composite rods cannot be contoured. Readily constructed circular and hybrid frames, stable double clamps, and other alternatives to rod-bending usually result in fixation superior to contoured rod frames. Contouring rods is rarely performed with modern external fixators.

The 6.3 mm titanium rod is approximately twice the strength of the 6.3 mm carbon fiber rod. On lower limbs, Type I-b or Type II minimal frames will extend the upper weight range for carbon rods. For larger patients, the added strength of titanium rods is advantageous, especially if attempting to simplify frames or in most fractures involving the humerus or femur. At some point, more complex frames need to be built or large SK ESF rods and clamps should be utilized. Both carbon and titanium rods are in the small SK starter kit, but customers usually reorder their ultimate preference. Differences in strength can be utilized as part of a plan for staged disassembly or rod downsizing.