Simplified slab cracking?

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Posted By: Dave Haas

I am new to this forum and I am sure you been asked this before? Is there a relatively simple way to crack slabs for regrade. I have several to crack and so far have had mixed results. Naturally I started with inexpensive cards. I appreciate your input.

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Posted By: Jay

Easy and works on any slab. Hold slab in hand. With a pair of pliers break off a corner of the slab. Slip a screwdriver in the opening and run it down an edge rotating it slightly back and forth as you go. I haven't met a slab I can't open in under 30 seconds. Wear glasses if you have them to protect your eyes from bits of flying plastic.

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Posted By: JimB

I use the exact same method as Jay and have never had a problem. As he said, be careful with the eyes because small pieces tend to fly off.
JimB

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Posted By: Dave Haas

Thanks for the tips. Sounds better than the jigsaw method I use now. I like power tools.

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Posted By: Paul

Does anyone know how the grading companies do it? Do they have a special tool?

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Posted By: Joe Jones

I just gently use a screwdriver and start at a corner. For most slabs there is no need to clip off a corner to start. Lay the holder flat on the table while cracking the case to limit the possiblity of the card sliding around in the slab (do not hold upright or in hand). I do this just about everyday.

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Posted By: Kevin

"Does anyone know how the grading companies do it? Do they have a special tool?"



I have seen them use nail-cutters (snips) and clip off the top two corners first then clip the middle top edge and pry the rest by hand.

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Posted By: leon

I do it the same way Jay does it....however, I will bet you have never tried a BVG Jay? It won't take only 30 seconds......they are like tanks...

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Posted By: Tom Hufford

If you don't want any plastic pieces flying around, you can always just use a razor saw (Xacto makes them)- make one cut in the short direction, another in the long direction, pry the corner of the slab apart a bit, and the card will fall out. Or you could use one of those little gizmos with a heated wire (available at Michaels and other craft/hobby stores) that model railroaders use for cutting styrofoam for scenery.

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Posted By: Dave Haas

Paul had a good question. You would think that the grading companies would have a tool to crack slabs. They couldn't risk damaging the cards by cracking and prying. And they cross grade a lot of cards.