Breaking cards out of slabs?

[Balticfox]

What's the best way to break a card out of its plastic coffin without damaging the card? Suggestions?

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by Balticfox

What's the best way to break a card out of its plastic coffin without damaging the card? Suggestions?

Depends on the slab. The old PSA and SGS slabs pop apart by just sticking a knife blade in a corner and twisting the knife a little. I have had the new PSA slabs fall apart from a slight twist. If not just break off the edge and stick a screwdriver in there and pop them apart at the top.

[Belfast1933]

It's a little nerve wracking to be sure - but I found a You Tube video that worked for me... I just used heavy duty clippers (sheet metal, I believe) and clipped the upper 2 corners far away from the card itself.

Once that was done, I pry the slab open using a flathead screwdriver, again, far away from the card.

I think I've only opened 2-3 slabs in total so I'm hardly an expert - but this worked well for me. Good luck!

(btw, the outcome for me was a bummer - I was SURE that my 56 Hank Aaron was incorrectly graded! And I was RIGHT! It went from a grade 4 slab into a nice new 3.5 slab )

[Balticfox]

Oh I won't be regrading anything. If and when I absolutely, positively need that one certain card to complete a set and a slabbed one seems to be the most reasonable (and reasonably priced) option, I want to be prepared.

[perezfan]

Here's a recent video we did on the topic. You can see the step by step procedure we used....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrNLnjjWPIU

We will be filming again tonight, and may break out T206 cards of Cy Young and Walter Johnson. It will be a last-minute decision. The only thing I may do differently is to use an everyday kitchen knife instead of a screwdriver to pry it apart. The knife blade is thinner than a screwdriver, and is thus, a bit more maneuverable.

[JollyElm]

I threw this video together a couple of years ago. Pretty straightforward:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynvzyfNcIVM

[Fuddjcal]

Originally Posted by perezfan

Here's a recent video we did on the topic. You can see the step by step procedure we used....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrNLnjjWPIU

We will be filming again tonight, and may break out T206 cards of Cy Young and Walter Johnson. It will be a last-minute decision. The only thing I may do differently is to use an everyday kitchen knife instead of a screwdriver to pry it apart. The knife blade is thinner than a screwdriver, and is thus, a bit more maneuverable.

Please don't break those 2 beauties out. They look great the way they are. They aren't getting 10's like you. Why bother. They were undraded for so many years, not you want to start chasing grades. I personally feel it's idiotic. Maybe you can damage the card and get it on video for us!!!!!!!That would be funny.

[SleepyWill]

Originally Posted by Balticfox

What's the best way to break a card out of its plastic coffin without damaging the card? Suggestions?

What is the cert number? Some of the newer PSA slabs from last year are a newer form of plastic and are next to impossible to crack without damaging the card.

[Balticfox]

Originally Posted by SleepyWill

What is the cert number? Some of the newer PSA slabs from last year are a newer form of plastic and are next to impossible to crack without damaging the card.

Don't have any right now. This thread is just to help me decide whether I might consider a slabbed card at some point if I really need/want that card to complete a set.

[notfast]

Originally Posted by SleepyWill

What is the cert number? Some of the newer PSA slabs from last year are a newer form of plastic and are next to impossible to crack without damaging the card.

It’s still possible but not as easy as it used to be. Just need to be gentle and take your time.

[Kutcher55]

I use wire cutters to chip off an edge on top, where the grade is located. I recommend you wear eye protection to avoid a catastrophic injury from flying plastic. Also probably best to cover the area with your hand when you’re pinching off an edge but also make sure you don’t inadvertently slice a piece of your hand when you do this. This happened to me once and I suffered a minor injury. Coulda been much worse! Once I get enough of an edge off I use a paint chistler rather than a screwdriver to pry open the slab. The wider surface helps prevent slippage. This is the part of the process that requires tons of patience. Often times the slab doesn’t willingly part and you can get stuck in spots. The top slab can begin to have spider veining. At this point you should “pull out” and reassess your options. Perhaps work the other side. Perhaps chip off more of the top with the wire cutters.

This is an exercise in patience. I have never damaged a card with this process but I have had plenty of tense moments and as mentioned I did pinch off a chunk of palm that required a bandage for a week or so, no stitches.

Note I have never tried this with a BVG slab. They are supposedly the toughest.

[drew40820]

I was feeling heat inside while reading this thread.