Is There a Trick to Opening Kointains?

Coinosaurus

These things are like slabs, they seem to be airtight and don't budge once closed.

TomB

In my experience it is best to have a bit of a thumbnail that can be used to get between the two Kointain shells. At that point you may either pry the top shell off of the bottom shell or use the wedged thumbnail to ride along the perimeter of the coin and the two shells should come apart. Taking these apart is one thing, but I always have had more issues with getting them to fit together properly when putting a new coin into them.

MsMorrisine

box cutter, just don't cut your fingers.

renomedphys

<< <i>box cutter, just don't cut your fingers. >>


Yes, there is a seam. Find the seam and use a razor to slice the edge of the exposed shell. Then it will pop off easily.

Hotfootspin

I don't like to get a razor so close to my coins :-(

Mark

ModCrewman

I keep a pearing knife on my coin desk for just such a purpose, though I'd suspect any ole pocket knife might work as well.

STONE

I have a dull pocket knife which does the trick!

AMRC

xacto knife. A little push, a little wiggle and then use my fingernails.

mrearlygold

Don't exhale on the coins!

originalisbest

They are tricky to get out; I always have to destroy the edge of the outer shell half to do so. However, better to lose a holder than hurt the coin.

ricko

Pocket knife.... slide blade into separation between the pieces and twist slightly. Cheers, RickO

RichR

Dynamite!

PerryHall

Everyone is basically giving the same advice---use a knife, fingernail, razor, etc into the seam to separate the two shell halves. I just want to add that once you get your tool of choice into the seam, work it around the full circumference before you separate both halves of the shell.

DorkGirl

<< <i>xacto knife. A little push, a little wiggle and then use my fingernails. >>



That's what I do too.