What's the best way to open a PCGS slab safely??

RB1026

Just picked up a couple nice old nickels and want to put them in an album. What the safest way to open a slab so as not to harm the coin???

Thanks in advance,
Roger

notwilight

Several forum members are right now on google images looking for sledgehammers, jackhammers, chainsaws, and wrecking balls to make their clever answer to this post.

seateddime

with a cutter, around the edge

MadMarty

<< <i>Several forum members are right now on google images looking for sledgehammers, jackhammers, chainsaws, and wrecking balls to make their clever answer to this post. >>




Those items are only used on SEGS slabs!!!

Frankcoins

Tile nipper

quickwing

"

<< <i>with a cutter, around the edge >>

"




I use a hacksaw. Safe for the coin (and the label which I like to save). "Busted out" 24 the other night in about 45mins.

JeremyDie1

IrishMike

You could always try what a forum member used to clean the slab......................acetone. Make sure you put the butt out first though.

Deadhorse

Since I've got a table saw, I decided to give that a try.

It's the easiest and cleanest way to do it. I just shear off the outer edges and it comes apart clean. Only takes a few seconds.

A hacksaw will do the same thing, just takes a little longer. I've also used a tile nipper, just take off the corners first and it should fall apart.

TwoSides2aCoin

<< <i>Just picked up a couple nice old nickels and want to put them in an album. What the safest way to open a slab so as not to harm the coin???

Thanks in advance,
Roger >>



Some might suggest the only safe place to crack out a PCGS slab is across the street . It might upgrade.

guitarwes

wrap it in an old t-shirt or hand towel on all sides. set it on a concrete floor and hit the short side of it first, then turn it 90 degrees and hit one of the long sides. When you unwrap it, it should be either cracked enough to pull it apart or it should pop open when you twist it a little.

or, tile nippers work well also.

tahoe98

tin snips.......................but be CAREFUL!

ricko

Dremel tool... fast, easy, clean, coin undamaged. Cheers, RickO

57loaded

i have used PVC pipe cutting cable and a vise.

NGC and ICG just pop open when put in a vise with a wee bit of pressure. the pcgs slabs are tough nutz and need to be cut.

mozeppa

What's the best way to open a PCGS slab safely??


sand wedge.

..stick slab into sand ...remember to keep your head down and to follow thru.

JJM

YukonCharlie

Run them over gently with your truck and they usually pop right out.

BAJJERFAN

I saw a gent at ANA in Milwaukee crackin out Saints in PCGS slabs. He used a tile nipper or one of those blunt ended side-cutting pliers and just touched one side about halfway up. I bet he did 10 of em in 30 seconds.

tmot99

<< <i>Several forum members are right now on google images looking for sledgehammers, jackhammers, chainsaws, and wrecking balls to make their clever answer to this post. >>



You forgot flame throwers.

mgoodm3

<< <i>

<< <i>Several forum members are right now on google images looking for sledgehammers, jackhammers, chainsaws, and wrecking balls to make their clever answer to this post. >>



You forgot flame throwers.

>>



I was heading to Google to find a flamethrower image also, but the first comment took all of the fun out of it.

Newcomp103

So...are you telling me that some people actually DON'T want coins in PCGS holders???

notwilight

I'm sorry. I meant the comment in the same vein of fun as the photos would have been. I'll hold my tongue next time. --Jerry

slabfab

Double barrel shotgun. Have the wife carefully balance on her head, but take careful aim that you do not damage the coin

CoinKing1969

Thought this was interesting. Go to coincracker.com and they actually have a machine that cuts the edges of slabs. He is also showing one on YouTube(just search on certified coins and you see his at the top)I never used one but looks cool

PQMorgans

Whatever way you decide Please wear "Safty Glasses". If they only work 1 time you will be thankfull.

"Forsight is better then NO SIGHT"

BlindedByEgo

Safety glasses are a great idea, and the below cost less than $25 at Home Depot and work a charm:

Cameonut

I have tried a number of methods, but when I saw a major dealer cracking out coins at a back table with an end cutter, I gave it a try. One nip at 3 o'clock and you are done! Here is a link - End Cutter

Please make sure you wear safety glasses - you can create sharp shards of plastic that can hurt. For added safety, I also crack them out under a piece of cloth.

BAJJERFAN

<< <i>I have tried a number of methods, but when I saw a major dealer cracking out coins at a back table with an end cutter, I gave it a try. One nip at 3 o'clock and you are done! Here is a link - End Cutter

Please make sure you wear safety glasses - you can create sharp shards of plastic that can hurt. For added safety, I also crack them out under a piece of cloth. >>



Was that the same guy I saw in Milwaukee? A little nip at 3 o'clock and the PCGS slab split right across the middle. Just simply pull the 2 halves apart. Pretty neat huh??

Type2

Just tap the eages wih a hammer and you can hear it opening up then pull it apart.

NumisOxide

Hammer.