50% off topic, 50% on topic

[FrankWakefield]

I strongly advocate not prying or sticking anything in there. One slip and your pry bar goes too far, you've damaged the card.


I set the slab on concrete and use a hammer and screw driver. I tap around the edges, patiently cracking the plastic. Eventually the front side will separate from what remains. No risk to the card.

I save the little paper slips. I didn't at first, but now I keep them. It's kinda neat to look at the slips anytime someone is opining about pop report accuracy.

[Doug]

I've always taken a box cutter and gently run it around the edges until the seal is broken all the way around and it will open right up. It takes a while, but there's no prying involved that could possibly damage the card.

[Mark]

I find that a butter knife does the job if, as was said, you start at the top. Then you just pull the two sides apart and there is your card. Now, does anybody have an easy open formula for GAI?

[Joe Hunter]

I've cracked several GAI slabs, but they are much tougher than PSA, and you really have to be careful. I started by using pliers to crack one corner, and then carefully slid a screwdriver under the lip of the slab and gradually worked it around the sides. Eventually, the top will pop open, at least on one end, and by carefully lifting the opened side, slid the card out onto a soft surface like a bed. I've never had a problem, but, again, you have to be very careful. The one PSA slap I opened was a piece of cake compared to the GAI.

[tothrk]

Butter knife worked great. Easier than anticipated. Thanks