Crack Them Slabbed Cards Open

[x26stastny26x]

Rather odd thread question but was wondering what different methods collectors use to crack open 'dem slabs!!

 

[cards-gotta-go]

a flat head screwdriver usually does the trick... why are you craking a slab open?

 

[x26stastny26x]

Cards for my own PC. Doesn't make sense to have oversized slabs on a few cards when the rest of my collection are in screw downs.....

 

[langway05]

Larry

I lean towards a 'hacksaw' incision just below the label... Cut away widthwise and once the label portion falls off. It exposes the the interior on a BGS/BVS slab. Then a screwdriver of the flat-tip variety gets the job done...

Brian

 

[Seahawk 8]

Yeah the flathead is the way I went,...after prying and prying and then prying some more it sure makes you feel better when you have a BGS 9.5 or 10 because you know she's in there good and safe. Sometimes you just gotta let the 8.5's and under breathe again!

USJ

 

[2fnlo]

Pliers, and twist the top two corners off then flat screw driver the rest. Messing up the registry is awesome

 

[lemeiuxrules]

Even the 9s (on newer cards) might be better off 'raw'. I am experiencing that now and I believe that it was all because the BGS grader was having a bad day. Card was in unbelievable condition when we sent it (via a cardshop here).

Time to crack 'em open I think and let er go raw.

Mike.

Yeah the flathead is the way I went,...after prying and prying and then prying some more it sure makes you feel better when you have a BGS 9.5 or 10 because you know she's in there good and safe. Sometimes you just gotta let the 8.5's and under breathe again!

USJ

 

[x26stastny26x]

Thanks for all the tips guys!

 

[gomaz]

I crack open all my ITG cards that are in my PC. I like all my cards to be in the one-touches. I keep the certs in the one touch with the card.

I use a flathead and a hammer. I go around the top of the slab and crack away the overlap. Then I slide the flathead between the two sides and twist the screwdriver to pry open the slab. Have cracked around 15 cards out and have never done any damage.

EDIT: I completely reversed the aboved-noted practice when I got hooked on UM9. Now I keep all my UM cards in their slabs and I take extra precaution to ensure the slabs stay clean and free from scratches by using graded card sleeves..

 

[malskelton]

I've always been an advocate of breaking out my ITG / BAP Ultimate slabbed cards - the first one I received was badly damaged in the mail and it literally fell out of the holder.

The second Ultimate card I received then looked out of place in my binders - so I chipped away at the holder until it cracked.

Now the easiest way I've found is to hacksaw the corner where the BGS logo is - or ITG logo for the latest Ultimate - and then prise it open with a flat headed screwdriver

But be careful of any flying plastic shards - they can be bloody sharp

Mal Skelton

 

[card_collector_007]

Any advice on how to open PSA graded cards?

I have a graded card that I really want to resubmit for evaluation.

The problem is, I don't want to damage it when I open it up (and I don't want to have it evaluated in its current case because it may bias the grader).

Any advice or thoughts?

Cheers, :beer:
Jeff

 

[smekm]

what is it and what grade does it have on it right now ?

 

[terry1hockeyfan]

Use a saw (hacksaw works good) to saw across the top above the card. Then stick a screwdriver in and pry open. Be careful, but it works pretty well.

 

[langway05]

Use a saw (hacksaw works good) to saw across the top above the card. Then stick a screwdriver in and pry open. Be careful, but it works pretty well.

This is my preferred method as well of releasing cardboard from their encased prison...

 

[28matty28]

Use a saw (hacksaw works good) to saw across the top above the card. Then stick a screwdriver in and pry open. Be careful, but it works pretty well.

also sounds like a good way to lose a finger.....
be careful!!!

 

[card_collector_007]

smekm - it is a Don Cherry OPC rookie and I honestly believe it should receive a higher grade than it did.

Terry - thanks for the advice. Seeing as others use a similar method "of releasing cardboard from their encased prison... " I think I'll give it a try.

Cheers, :beer:
Jeff

 

[itsonlycardboard]

if that doesnt work, a 16 lb sledge hammer and blow torch will do the trick! Just remember to be safe and wear safety glasses

 

[mrconie]

Just incase those options fail send the cards to me. Ive got the perfect tools.

Or,

Just sayin'

 

[card_collector_007]

I am actually laughing out loud right now. Thanks for the laughs

Cheers, :beer:
Jeff

 

[cburt]

I fully understand your predicament, and know why people break open slabs. But when that kind of thing happens it messes up the population reports.