Cracking the Slab Tutorial

[hockeyhockey]

Originally Posted by Kutcher55

Has anyone cracked a CSG slab? I got my first victim (a 67 Clemente) and the slab seems thick. Can it be easily pried open or do I have a battle on my hands?

i cracked a few CSG ones, and it's certainly a battle.

[Pat R]

It's easier for me because they're a tool I use for my trade but I use ceramic tile nippers which I think are a better choice especially on a high value card.

12.jpg

My main concern is not damaging the card and I could do it faster if I wanted, it usually takes about 30 seconds per slab including Beckett slabs.

With the nippers you don't have to worry about getting close to the card because you only nip the very outer edge. I usually do the two long edges and one short edge and then you can usually just open it with your hands.
To do this you just hook the upper jaw on the raised edge and pull back towards you to snap mall pieces off.

[Pat R]

Sorry for the double post but it must be the site because I see there have been a few this morning.

[Kutcher55]

Well the CSG wasn’t that difficult. I was able to snap off a corner and use a chisel. The slab came apart with similar resistance as a PSA or SGC. But then to my surprise was an inner fully sealed sleeve that caused me some problems. I needed a sharp knife slice off one side and then the deed was done without damage!