Cracking a slab

Brianruns10

Can anyone recommend a good method for cracking an ANACS holder? I would appreciate any help.
Best,
BR

nwcs

Dremel and saw off the outside edge.

Russ

Russ, NCNE

JoyofCollecting

A large set of bolt cutters with the cut about midway between the coin and the slab description. Use them slowly on both sides (right and left) of the slab. The plastic slab will then slip right off of the internal holder and the coin can be carefully removed from the holder.

Good luck.

razorface1027

Russ's idea + a flathead screwdriver...GENTLY though!...

keets

.........what JoyofCracking said!!

al h.

matto

Use a vice. Put it between and slowly close until you hear a crack. Then use a screwdriver if needed

relayer

ALWAYS protect your eyes from shards of plastic either with glasses or covering the slab with a cloth

flaminio

WaterSport

Hack saw does nicely, then carefully "crack" with a screw driver but avoid too much pressure so as not to run it across the face of the coin...Not that I have ever done that

PutTogether

hammer works, pounding on the edges til it splits. I wouldnt recomend the flathead screwdriver though.......i ripped my hands to shreds just to night when the screwdriver slipped. Thank god my hand got it and not the coin. But still, it really hurts.

islemangu

K6AZ

DCAMFranklin

I use a vice as well. Wrap the holder in an old towel. Be SURE to use protective eye wear, just in case.

Boom

A vice mounted securely on a workbench, Snug it up and go slowly till you hear it crack then go a little more

and you're in business.

ScarsdaleCoin

just be careful....you know how many coin dealers drip blood at a show because they cut their finger open....

Baley

I agree with those who said "vice"

I've tried all the other ways mentioned and the vice method gives by far the best results, safest for both the coin and the "cracker"

place slab in vice with edges against the jaws, tighten and squeeze, turn 90 degrees, repeat.

slab opens like a book:

Betta285

i think the eastiest way is tojust take the slab and bend it diagonally, like as if you were cracking ice cubes out of an ice cube tray..and eventually, it should crack down the middle and you can just pull the two halves apart..works for me

K6AZ

The C clamp works just like a vise, and is a good alternitive for those who don't have a garage or workshop. I'm able to bust slabs right in half with it.

bigd349

I used a pair of channel locks. Just grip the outer edge and squeeze, when it cracks just move your way around. You need strong hands though. I also strongly suggest you put on you safety glasses because the $hit starts flying.

Dave

Dog97

I light smash the slab around the seam until it separates, the whole time keeping your hand on it to prevent the slab ½s and coin from flying off in different directions.

or:

K6AZ

Dang Dog, just looking at an image with an old NGC 92-CC MS63 DPL and a chainsaw runs shivers down my spine. Cut it out.

K6AZ

If you are going to do a chainsaw picture, use an ACG slab. I have one if you don't have any.

NoGvmnt

I hear just putting it in a bubble mailer and mailing it to yourself will get the job done.

Jim

kamehameha00

ANACS slabs open easily with a couple gentle hits with a hammer.

paigowjohnny

Stuart

Baley: Thanks for suggesting to use a vise to crack slabs. I tried it tonight and it worked incredibly well!

No mess, no muss, no fuss!!

BigE

Baley, I noticed those were 2 different slabs in your photos, what did you do with the silver $ one that cracked open like an oyster shell-----------------------------------BigE

Baley

Glad you like the vice, guys, I wouldn't do it any other way, and I've tried 'em all.

BigE, what did you do with the silver $ one that cracked open like an oyster shell

Why, I put an AU coin back in and superglued it shut again, what else?

<---- here's a "winkie" for the literal minded who may not have gotten the humor.

Real answer: I still have it, in a big box with all my other broken slabs.

JrGMan2004

Personally, I like smacking the top half off with a hammer... I tried the hacksaw method for 30 minutes on an NTC slab and didn't get very far......... smacking the lable part of with the hammer and then gently prying it the rest of the way open worked in 2 1/2 minutes

Baley

sure, prying apart the broken slab works fine, until the screwdriver slips and puts a nice gouge in your coin

BigE

Baley, you should put it on E-Bay with a selection of rubber gaskets and insert labels-------BigE

guysmy