Exactly how do you "Crack out"?

constablescott · October 26, 2006 5:28AM

How do I remove a coin from a slab? Looks to me like the only way would be with a pair of vise grip pliers and a screw driver. There has to be a better way. How to be sure you don't damage the coin?

Cladiator · October 26, 2006 5:29AM

The method depends on what kind of slab it is.

ABC123 · October 26, 2006 5:29AM

Very Carefully !

ziggy29 · October 26, 2006 5:30AM

If it's an SEGS slab, dynamite is a good start.

MrEureka · October 26, 2006 5:30AM

Way too dangerous. Better just to sell the undergraded coins to dealers as is.

Cladiator · October 26, 2006 5:31AM

<< If it's an SEGS slab, dynamite is a good start. >>

I thought that was for ACG slabs?

quattrocoins · October 26, 2006 5:34AM

Bobk · October 26, 2006 5:35AM

I use a band saw. I do not resubmit the coins. I dont care for slabs. Bob

RYK · October 26, 2006 5:36AM

robertpr · October 26, 2006 5:37AM

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I agree. You can get these channellock brand end cutting pliars for about $15 to $20 at Home Depot. They work great: I recommend getting a pair with at least a 10" handle length.

ziggy29 · October 26, 2006 5:38AM

Seriously, though, at least with the slabs I've cracked, I use a combination of a hacksaw, a hammer and a flathead screwdriver. I usually carefully wrap and protect the area around the coin, leave the top 1/3 of the holder exposed and hack away at it. Usually after cutting through the top corners with a hacksaw, a few light taps on the upper edge of the slab will pop it open.

Again, this hasn't been with SEGS, though. I think the real reason Iran wants nukes is because it has some SEGS slabs it wants to open.

RichieURich · October 26, 2006 5:50AM

The easiest way to get a coin out of a slab is to convince a dealer that it will upgrade. Problem solved, with no physical effort and no danger of cutting yourself on shards of plastic.

guitarwes · October 26, 2006 6:05AM

I can usually twist them with my bare hands and the slab cracks in two pieces.

At this point, the coin that WAS in the slab is flying through the air usually heading straight for the open toilet.

Lost a 89-CC $ that way. but that MS-70 stuff and acetone will take any kind of crap off the coin that's on there.

MikeInFL · October 26, 2006 6:12AM

Wrap slab in an old towel, hit with hammer on edge until it cracks, then turn the other way and do the same. Once you've done it a few times, it takes only a few seconds. A vice is rumored to be safer, but alas I don't have one...Mike

Coinhog · October 26, 2006 6:21AM

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I agree. You can get these channellock brand end cutting pliars for about $15 to $20 at Home Depot. They work great: I recommend getting a pair with at least a 10" handle length. >>

make sure you put a towel over the slab before you squeeze. The PCGS slabs will splinter with razor sharp glass like projectiles.

ROBERTB · October 26, 2006 6:27AM

Get a super big pair of channelocks, put the slab in between with one of the pliers teeth into the groove on each side of the slab. Squeeze, move down the slab, squeeze, repeat........Pull slab apart.

WoodenJefferson · October 26, 2006 6:28AM

Insert slab

between teeth, kick field goal...cracked out!

Baley · October 26, 2006 6:28AM

bench vice. put in, squeeze until one set of seams pops, turn 90 degrees, squeeze until other set of seams pops, open like a book.

wear safety glasses, no matter what method you choose.

vaq45 · October 26, 2006 6:34AM

that was damn funny guitarwes--cracked me up !!!

53BKid · October 26, 2006 8:20AM

I've used the Dremmel cutting tool. Smells bad as it cuts into the plastic. Once a clean cut is made into corners and along the side, there's leverage to pry the rest open without damaging the coin.

By the way, aren't we nuts?

pharmer · October 26, 2006 8:47AM

<< 

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I agree. You can get these channellock brand end cutting pliars for about $15 to $20 at Home Depot. They work great: I recommend getting a pair with at least a 10" handle length. >>

make sure you put a towel over the slab before you squeeze. The PCGS slabs will splinter with razor sharp glass like projectiles. >>

Yep, best method, learned it here, very quick and easy. You may not be able to sqeeze them and get a pinch unless you have stronger hands than me, but a nice slam down with your palm and you're in like Clint.

WoodenJefferson · October 26, 2006 9:04AM

By the way, aren't we nuts?

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YES!

JJM · October 26, 2006 9:08AM

I put the slab in a vise flatwise,....then hacksaw right along the bottom of the lable,....then use a screwdriver and pry/crack one portion , then pry open.......I wrap the slab in a rag, and have a towel around the vise and a large pc of scrap carpet under the entire event.......I got 3 I really need to get to......using this method I throw all the slab grades in a ziplock and save just that portion.

ps......do not drink and crack !

drjules · October 26, 2006 9:10AM

I have cracked NGC and PCGS. I found the NGC a bit of a pain as the plastic bends and deforms and has to be peeled apart. PCGS is easier, apply enjoy pressure / torque and the plastic shatters. I don't see any damage but I haven't resubmitted any of my crack outs.

I use large pliers / pincers, wear gloves and goggles and one thing I found useful is to hold everything inside a reasonably large cardboard box. That way a long plastic shard won't go skidding across the garage floor and lodge itself under the tire of your wife's car!

Edited to add - I have tried sawing but I find the plastic melts with the heat of the friction, Maybe I didn't saw fast enough to get through

Dr J

DNADave · October 26, 2006 9:15AM

100proof1957 · October 26, 2006 9:30AM

dorkbar · October 26, 2006 10:27AM

Definitely wear safety glasses!! The hard plastic pieces will explode everywhere. Do NOT overlook (sorry) this step. We don't want the "I was blinded in one eye thanks to you guys" thread.