I came across a handy little tool that works great for cutting parts from sprues (small ones) AND it works fantastic for trimming off the part left over from the sprue.
Fishing line cutters ! They work like tweezers, and look like nail trimmers without the handle.
The flat face allows you to trim the excess sprue on your parts without any damage to even the smallest parts......They work GREAT !
You can purchase them at any fishing tackle shop....I found mine at Walmart.
Happy modeling !
Jerry