Yes the best way to deal with a short is to start unscrewing parts to break connection somehow. Grab your shirt or something to insulate you from the heat. I've had the insulation from my battery become damaged once and heat up the unit. Thank goodness it was a protected battery and it just cut out.
Shorting your atomizer will cause the battery to drain very quickly and if you are not using protected
batteries such is the case with the IMR you could be in for a real surprise if you don't stop the chain reaction. While the IMR is safer chemistry it will still vent, just not with flames.
Over tightening atomizers has always been an issue on devices with fixed center poles and with all mods in general. Most of the newer style atomizers are built with a harder material for the grommet but it is still possible to push the center pole in far enough to make contact with the negative side of the circuit.
I've posted this pic before but it is a good reminder of what not to do. And if you notice something like this take note of how tight you are screwing down that atty. It should only make contact, nothing more. It shouldn't bottom out in the connector of the mod.
The four in the back row are all damaged and causing shorts.
