How do you "Crack Out" a slabbed coin?

maddox

I need to crack open a few slabs and don't want to damage the coins. Whats the best way?

dorkkarl

i consistently use the tech. of placing on edge (lengthwise), hammer the edge at the corner furthest from the coin. after a couple or 3 whacks, the slab should split open. works on all slabs that i've done, including segs (which are the toughest suckers).

K S

RKKay

Link to Prior Thread about Cracking Out

jeffnpcb

If you have a decent 6" or better bench vise, lay in side ways and slowly turn till it pops! DO NOT GET FORCEFULL!!
Wear protective glasses as well!!!

jbsteven

pcgs slabs:

use large wire cutters and cut directly under the insert from one of the sides. usually the slab will split all the way across. then take a large flathead screwdriver and put it into the slab (away from the coin) and twist. this should open the slab completely open and you can take the coin directly out.

the hammer/vise thing scares me.

prooflike

this is what
I use...
see image link below

edited to add:

Powered by total enclosed 1.5 HP motor with clutch for high speed screwing heads. Belt speeds to 100 Slabs per minute attainable. 0.5 HP motor for use with standard screwing heads.

Pictured with Union Special model BCIII high speed screwing head, power infeed, automatic start/stop and slab cutter.

MadMarty

big hammer!!! and whack!!!

GaCoinGuy

Band saw and a screwdriver

Blade

I've used the same approach as dorkkarl. Works like a charm. Just be careful removing the plastic around the coin. Prying it woth a screwdriver seems to work well.

beartracks42

I just cracked a Segs slab today. Tapped it on the edge with a hammer until it cracked. Pryed it open far enough to remove the coin in the protective ring and it was done. Wore cotton gloves while removing the coin over a carpeted floor. Easy as pie!

ANACONDA

Put a helmet on. Carefully tape the slab to your helmet. Get into a plane. Go to 30,000 feet. Jump out of the plane.

(Do not wear a parachute.) Hold your hands to your side and try really hard to land on paved earth, head first.

That should do it.

SemperFI

Never EVER use a screwdriver....believe me...the screwdriver slipped and I ruined a nice 1972 ms68 silver ike doing that.

Now I just use a flat nose pair of heavy duty pliers, step on it with my boots and take my time cracking off the edges of the slab. Once the edges are off, simply pull the slab apart with ease.