What's the best way to crack open a GAI Graded Pack?

thegemmintman

I don't remember any discussions on this before. Does anyone have a solid method that they would recommend? I remember EJ cracking open some GAI '67 Topps graded packs at the National. Anyone?

AlanAllen

I think a strong pair of scissors would do it.

Joe

WinPitcher

GAI are a bit dificult in opening as they are re-sessed. I would drill holes across the top to create a scoring effect then break down where I had scored. I like PSA holders for the very fact that they can be opened easily. Thus making them tamper evident. PRO GEM and all those 3rd and 4th tiered companys make it very dificult to break and the drill/score method is about the only safe way. If all else fails use a HAMMER...j/k


another way (if u do not want to destroy the case) is to turn the case upside down and with a single edge razor score the seams
do not go to deep all at once sorta score it like u would if you were cutting copper pipe........I have opened only PSA and PGS holders to get to cards that i was able to purchase cheaper graded then raw for some of my raw sets. GOOD LUCK

34GoudeyCollector

A chainsaw works well also, but wear goggles

SUPERPUNK813

I call myself an expert on this since ive cut out at least 40 GAI graded packs. 1) Take a LARGE pair of scissors and cut all the way accross the top between the pack and the GAI flip. 2) Then cut down both sides of the holder between the pack and the edge (where it's sealed, get as close to the edge as you can). 3) And then pull the holder apart at the top and pull the pack out.

You'll be bustin wax in no time!


Paul.

WinPitcher

scizzors? they will cut that heavy guage plastic? hmmm I own only 1 GAI card and will cross it over one day. I just cant see where a scizzor would work....i take your word for it though. Ill buy a cheap GAI card b4 i try and practice on that.


i guess i should have asked are single cards and packs in the same case? that is the same guage?

thegemmintman

Thanks AlanAllen and Superpunk .

Win, I'm asking about graded packs. I think you're giving advice about graded singles, but thanks!

Any others?

SUPERPUNK813

The holders that GAI seales there packs in are soft plastic (you can even bend them), it's not the same hard plastic holder that they seal cards in.


Paul.

"scizzors? they will cut that heavy guage plastic? hmmm I own only 1 GAI card and will cross it over one day. I just cant see where a scizzor would work....i take your word for it though. Ill buy a cheap GAI card b4 i try and practice on that."

WinPitcher

Thanks nice to know, I guess they use a soft flip just for that reason.

Virtualizard

You guys should have let winpitcher go on about it and try it with a cheap graded card. I would have liked to have read his results when he tried to cut open a slab with scissors!

Actually it's probably a good thing that it won't happen - it sounds potentially dangerous.

JEB.

WinPitcher

lol winpitcher would have seen that it was impossible and would have sat here and wondered what the heck were these guys talking about. lol




sounds like a job for the myth busters!!

Virtualizard

<< <i>lol winpitcher would have seen that it was impossible and would have sat here and wondered what the heck were these guys talking about. lol




sounds like a job for the myth busters!! >>




HaHa! Well, I'm glad no blood was shed, but it would have been funny to read your post a month from now.

Someone ought to send some of these discussions here to the myth busters - like the WIWAG thing. Let them attempt to switch cards - they always seem to find the best available technology for performing their experiments.

JEB.

ejguru

Yes--After using/improvising with a razor blade with Shane at the National, I've become much more adept with scissors. After several minutes of deep prayer, seperate the grade information from the pack. Then, puncture/cut a hole big enough so you can seperate the layers of plastic, so the cello pack can be clasped with forefinger and thumb (not on a corner). Open the cello from the back, unfolding it so the pack lies face down. If I can get my hands on a '67 cello or two, I'll be glad to demonstrate in Cleveland on Friday.

NewbietoPSA

<< <i>GAI are a bit dificult in opening as they are re-sessed. I would drill holes across the top to create a scoring effect then break down where I had scored. I like PSA holders for the very fact that they can be opened easily. Thus making them tamper evident. PRO GEM and all those 3rd and 4th tiered companys make it very dificult to break and the drill/score method is about the only safe way. If all else fails use a HAMMER...j/k


another way (if u do not want to destroy the case) is to turn the case upside down and with a single edge razor score the seams
do not go to deep all at once sorta score it like u would if you were cutting copper pipe........I have opened only PSA and PGS holders to get to cards that i was able to purchase cheaper graded then raw for some of my raw sets. GOOD LUCK >>




the only problem with the PSA holders being so easy is you get a WIWAG thingie going.

thegemmintman

Thanks EJ .

SKINSFAN

GEM I have opened a couple i look for low grade gai packs cheap to open. Just cut the top then you can run a knife or srewdriver down the sides just like a slab. They are very easy to open

thegemmintman

That sounds good too. Thanks Skinsfan!

Lots of good replys here!

packCollector

I have opened a bunch of these, get a large industial pair of scissors, cut the top off , then cut at least 1/2 way down the sides and the pack will slide right out. then you can use the holder to store another pack.

thegemmintman

Thanks Packcollector . That may be the strategy I use. They all are good.

mikeschmidt

I've always used industrial-like scissors with great success. Cut the top off, and then start to cut along one of the sides so you can rip the pack out (carefully of course!!)

thegemmintman

I've got a pair of Ginsu scissors that can cut through a car!

ejguru

In regards to the unopened material going up on Mastro, anyone want to venture a guess on what percentage of graded packs get opened? I'll say less than 1/2 of 1% which is about equal to the chances of me winning a single lot. How foolish would one have to be to open one of the early 50's packs?

thegemmintman

Those '52 Topps graded packs look very very risky to open. Every card could be dinged in one corner according to how the outside of the packs look.

rbeaton

So, did you get it open? What was it, and what cards did you get? Inquiring minds want to know...

Robert

thegemmintman

Nothing yet RBeaton. Just doing some "research" .

packCollector

Rob, I will give you a couple as i have been bored waiting for my submissions the last few weeks
1) 68 4th series (raw), picked it up real cheap so I decided to have fun, I wasn't 100% positive on authentication either , after I pulled the flap a little I was kicking myself as it was definately authentic results - clemente all star o/c
2) 75 topps pack , nice centered yount rookie
3.) 75 opc 8 miscut cards , typical
4.) 73 1st series clemente o/c , centered brooks robinson , ryan leader and bench leader , 3 other well centered cards . a very nice break
5) 2 - 72 2nd series (trying for the schaal IA ) nothing a couple decent cards but as with most of the 72's i have broke , they are 80% oc and the centered card usually has the wax stain

jmullen

Scissors work and are the way to go. I do it all the time.

Jeff