Card Saver 1

billm0323

Does anyone have suggestion on how they load a baseball card into the Card Saver 1 for submission? I feel like I risk dinging the card up every time I try to load one in. Thanks in advance..

charrigan

If you grip on both edges and push together, it will widen the opening. Usually, I use a finger to push down on the back from the inside. You'll hear a "pop" as the plastic separates and bows outward. After that, card should slide in easily.

dytch2220

Here is how I do it. Pinky through middle on one side, thumb on the other. Squeeze, pointer finger to hold up the center. Take care not to let your fingernail on the pointer drag along the card surface. Sometimes I'll extend the middle finger up to the top flap if the "tent" is trying to collapse. Card in my other hand, pinched between pointer and thumb. When I start to insert the card I set the edge going in first down against the CS1 flap and apply a little pressure to make sure the corners don't catch on the way in. Then I slide all the way in (carefully), use my thumb gently against the top edge of the card for any final push/alignment. As the card gets started I will lower the tent taking care not to drag my fingernail so the card slides in more easily.

charrigan

That is how I do it as well. The picture helps.

I will add that "pre-popping" it helps a lot. It should work any way, but if you put a finger in to separate the plastic before putting the card in, it goes much easier.

dytch2220

<< <i>That is how I do it as well. The picture helps.

I will add that "pre-popping" it helps a lot. It should work any way, but if you put a finger in to separate the plastic before putting the card in, it goes much easier. >>



Agreed, I also slide a finger in before inserting the card to separate the sides of the plastic from one another.

LarkinCollector

I think we need a picture of the tape/bandage to prevent CS thumb as well

billwaltonsbeard

I've always put the card in a penny sleeve first, which makes it easier to slide it into the Card Saver without fear of damaging corners/edges.

Of course, there are some people who cannot figure out how to put cards into penny sleeves, so.......

dytch2220

<< <i>I think we need a picture of the tape/bandage to prevent CS thumb as well >>



Hahaha, that is a future installment...

dytch2220

<< <i>I've always put the card in a penny sleeve first, which makes it easier to slide it into the Card Saver without fear of damaging corners/edges.

Of course, there are some people who cannot figure out how to put cards into penny sleeves, so....... >>



I started out doing this but found that it was harder to insert the card and not necessary in my opinion. I have graded a number of gems (even chrome) where the card was placed into the card saver raw. It comes down to preference and what makes each of us comfortable.

DezHood

I'm glad to see this thread so I don't feel like only one struggling with this. I think I usually do what was discussed here or a variation of it, but if PSA didn't require it, I wouldn't use card savers. I don't understand why they are so difficult to work with. Last time I think I wound up throwing away a couple because I had to try so hard to open them I actually creased them.

Whether penny sleeve or card saver, I much prefer working with small cards like 50 Bowman. Full sized cards stress me out.

DanBessette

I hate card savers, only use them when PSA requires, which I think is stupid.

lawnmowerman

First of all welcome to the forum billm0323. There's nothing else that can be said about this that hasn't been said already. dytch2220 did a nice job with the pic and explanation. My only advice would be, if you're that uncomfortable loading cards into cardsavers, practice on some junkers till you feel you can do it safely. Good luck!

billm0323

Thanks everyone! The tips have all been a huge help, I appreciate it..