Breaking cards out of slabs?

[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.