Cracking Slab with a Hammer Video.... Updated ... Results of Grading just came in ....
ctf_error_coins
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Ok, I wanted to show just how easy and fast cracking a slab can be. Going to Long Beach and wanted these two in the right plastic.
Note: This was a very hurried video as when I asked my wife to video it, she was going out the door, Super quick set up, and yes the hammer is dirty as I just grabbed it. Use a clean hammer.
https://youtu.be/q287XyMDElU3
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Yup, tried to, but unavailable !!!
I am technology impaired, I forgot to hit the publish button, should be up now.
It worked for me just now but it was not a PCGS holder. But judging how easy they broke it won’t make much difference. Hammer VS Plastic? Hammer wins.
What about the small chips that are on your glove.?
soft plastic and blew off the coin before putting in the sleeve.
...your absolutely crazy bro...I love it
I’ve never been brave enough to try the hammer method. I put the slab in a towel, tighten down 2 pairs of cresent wrenches on opposite sides, one at the top, one at the bottom, and twist in opposite directions.
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Always make sure that you wear eye protection when hammering on plastic!
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Last time I tried a Dremel, what a mess.
This is quick and easy.
Way too much chance for a flying coin meeting hard object in my opinion. I use a vise with the slab wrapped in newspapers. Nothing flies around, just cracks open slowly.
I'd like to what happens when that's tried on a SEGS holder.
I just use my bandsaw. No fuss. Run a piece of hard oak wood through to clean the blade. I've done this for years without damaging the blade nor the coin.
Jim
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I wrap the slab in a towel like a terrycloth or similar so the tiny plastic bits don't fly all over creation, and then crack it with a hammer.
I have used a bolt cutter and works very well.
Well, then the video would be kinda boring
Indeed, I do hear that a lot. Thanks brother
I find these Channel Lock cross cutters work the best on all slabs. No coins and plastic flying everywhere.
Or just crossover at any grade.
no kidding. Lots of platic flying! way to get it done
The question is not if a coin will sustain damaged using this method but when. As others described there are much better ways to remove coins from slabs.
Also have to be mindful of what you are using to blow off coins. Compressed air has entrained oil from the compressor. Not sure what is in the can one uses to blow off your computer keyboard. Lots of ways to screw up. I use the hammer method as well in my shop, but first wrap the slab in a paper towel tightly to contain flying plastic. I have seen Dealers using the tool above at a show.
KRRRAAAACKKKKK
With the hammer method, I'd be afraid my coin would bounce across the floor. That's the kind of luck I have at times.
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I wouldn’t use your technique on a $500.00+ coin. Yikes!
Dabe
I like your method much better ..... less debris to harm the coin but needs very strong hands tho
I have never cracked one open but I think I like the band saw with a fine tooth blade to saw it open the best. With eye protection of course.
If you just tap it with the hammer to crack the locked parts, you don't have pieces flying everywhere, with the possibility of putting the hammer in contact with the coin. I just tap and move around the edge, then the two halves come apart. No worry about getting small pieces of plastic in the flip that can scratch the coin. These didn't look like valuable coins, so no harm, no foul.
The hammer method works well, so does the bolt cutter and band saw methods. Did I see you handling the coins with your bare hand??
Thanks for the video....Cheers, RickO
The video was made for fun.
I did expect to get chit for it.
People do use hammers to crack slabs among many other methods. So I wanted to show how it is done.
No coins were harmed in the making of this video. I used the glove to pop out the coin from the holder. I do hold the coin by their edge after wiping my bare hand off with alcohol.
Plastic flying everywhere, (away from the coin), duh. No way to harm a coin doing this IMO.
These coins are worth $300 each.
Anyone know how exactly the do it at PCGS? I’m sure they have a handle on this by now and an iron clad proven technique. Would be kind of funny to find out they used the hammer method, but I’m thinking they don’t.
indeed, its done that quick, wow
I assumed the glove was so you wouldn’t damage the hammer. Did I misunderstand?
Collector of randomness. Photographer at PCGS. Lover of Harry Potter.
I've always wrapped the slab in a towel and hammered the edges (much the way you did). I have actually (slightly) damaged one coin (one of the first I ever cracked), but thankfully it was one of, if not the cheapest coin I've ever cracked (about ~$100). It also was just a very minor scratch. My lesson from that was be more careful about how many time you hammer it! I think I hammered two times too many on that side, and obliterated the slab.
Good video, very quick and efficient!
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I've liberated many coins using that method, but I try and avoid hitting the area where the coin is located.****
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This is the right answer IMHO. I have tried many methods (including hammers) but the end cutters are the easiest for me and make the least mess. I actually use a smaller design Channel Lock model 357 ($18) because I still have enough hand strength to clip all but SEGS slabs.
Why?
Two nips - one at 3 o'clock and one at 9 o'clock and 95% of the time the flexible coin insert is free
Few (if any) flying shards - I lay a old clean towel or rag on a table. Put coin on the towel 1/3 from an end. Position the nippers and cover the coin with the long end of the towel to cover the nip. Nothing goes flying.
Fast - two nips take seconds
I still wear eye protection. Not worth the risk.
When done shake out or dispose of the towel. Usually large pieces only but edges will be sharp.
I learned this method (less the towel) from Heritage over a decade ago. I watched in amazement as someone cracked out dozens and dozens of Morgans at their booth at a major show. Must not have received the show grades they wanted so they made the plastic disappear. They did an extra nip or two to retrieve the cert - IIRC you got 50 cents each for them.
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Wow, congratulations on the upgrade !!!