You don't have to cut the post. If you get a pair of needle nose pliers, you can squeeze the wedged out flanges on the post and the plastic spacer will come off. Make sure when you put the new damper on, you use something to push out the wedges on the post to prevent the spacer from sliding off. Do this at your own risk, but I did this about four months ago, and have had no problems with the spacer coming loose. If you are concerned about them coming loose, then cut them off and buy some new ones.