Here is a simple method of cracking slabs - Pictures

LanLord · September 12, 2003 4:48AM

Over the course of about 16 months or so, I can recall many requests for information about how to crack slabs.

I saw someone do this in a very elegant manner at a coin store a few months ago, and thought I might be able to
drop a little science on for posterity.

Just a little care is required so as not to injure the intended coin to be freed.

The pictures below show the process:

Using a pair of $14.00 bolt cutters and nothing else (except the coin of course)

I'm not really sure which one is the tool, the bolt cutters or the
jamoach holding them.

This is a bit of a close-up of the cutters

The cutters, jaws agape

This was the coin I chose to sacrifice for this educational post

This is the intended victim, in the jaws of ... (well, you get the picture)

Just make sure that the jaws of the cutters are well short of the coin
to be emancipated, otherwise, this will be a disaster.

Ever closer to the end

Done

Here is the results of the operation

Here is the remains to be disposed of as you wish.

Placid · September 12, 2003 4:49AM

Do you make house calls?

keets · September 12, 2003 4:52AM

hey Tom

a definite improvement. thanks for sharing.

al h.

LucyBop · September 12, 2003 4:55AM

too dangerous Daddy-o, you donot want to crack a slab with the crack running across the coin. This could damage the coin..
Simply beat it along the edge with a hammer, it will crack, then pry it open with a screwdriver.... The Russ method, works like a champ...

LanLord · September 12, 2003 4:59AM

<< too dangerous Daddy-o, you donot want to crack a slab with the crack running across the coin. This could damage the coin.. Simply beat it along the edge with a hammer, it will crack, then pry it open with a screwdriver.... The Russ method, works like a champ... >>

No danger at all, as the jaws of the cutters close, the slab splits to the north and south along the same plane as the coin, it doesn't scratch or even come close to scratching the coin being liberated. 2 seconds, no flying plastic.

LanLord · September 12, 2003 5:01AM

<< Do you make house calls? >>

I can but you pay shipping

Should I consider setting up a booth at the upcoming shows?

Placid · September 12, 2003 5:02AM

Can you fit in a crate and use ups?

poptopsRus · September 12, 2003 5:05AM

I use a hand held pair of wire cutters, same method otherwise, and it works great for me. It cracks and breaks no different than the bolt cutters.

LanLord · September 12, 2003 5:06AM

<< Can you fit in a crate and use ups? >>

As long as a sofa can fit in there too!

braddick · September 12, 2003 5:07AM

Those three Beanie Babies on the TV set behind you have frightened looks on their faces!

trozau · September 12, 2003 5:10AM

No matter what the method, I'd be too scared of damaging the coin.

Coulport · September 12, 2003 5:13AM

Oh, and don't forget to return the certs to keep the population report accurate.

Yea, right.

SDCollector · September 12, 2003 5:14AM

<< Those three Beanie Babies on the TV set behind you have frightened looks on their faces! >>

Maybe they're coin collectors.

I must admit, seeing that bolt cutter so close to the coin makes me a little nervous.

LanLord · September 12, 2003 5:23AM

<< Those three Beanie Babies on the TV set behind you have frightened looks on their faces! >>

While there is a possibility that they may be next, I'd have one hell of a ticked off wifey to deal with if that happened. No worries.

paigowjohnny · September 12, 2003 5:26AM

jeffnpcb · September 12, 2003 5:29AM

I prefer my Craftsman benchvise with the soft jaw insert! Bolt cutters are for fingers of people who tick me off!!!

paigowjohnny · September 12, 2003 9:01AM

mgoodm3 · September 12, 2003 9:33AM

wallstreetman · September 28, 2003 4:28AM

I hammer the edges enough to be able to pry with my fingers. The most important thing of all is common sense. The problem I see with your method is, what if the plastic twists?

cosmicdebris · September 28, 2003 4:33AM

A small jig saw works as well.

That hammer looks like one from Obryckis.

ksteelheader · September 28, 2003 4:57AM

Gee, and I've been wasting time and ammo using the AR15....Ken

GAT · September 28, 2003 5:05AM

I disagree with using bolt cutters. The easiest and safest method is a large "C" clamp. It allows you to use just the right pressure to crack a slab.

g097103 · September 28, 2003 11:22PM

I used to put them in a bench vise and tighten it just enough to squeeze the slab a bit. You can hear the seam cracking slowly around the slab if you get it set just right. I wear eye protection since the day one blew apart and a chip put a nice cut on my forehead.

MyWorldCoinTypeSet · September 29, 2003 12:21AM

Two words ... band saw.

(sorry, no photos - maybe some other time)

razorface1027 · September 29, 2003 12:48AM

WOW! Looks perrrrrrrrrrrty easy! Beats those 4ft bolt, chain or lock cutter I was using...

TWQG · March 26, 2005 12:40PM

yep

clw54 · March 26, 2005 12:42PM

Does this work on SEGS slabs?

100proof1957 · March 26, 2005 1:09PM

2 Words !

Bench Vise !

LanLord · March 26, 2005 1:12PM

<< Does this work on SEGS slabs? >>

I don't have enough SEGS to know, my only one is a 1916d dime and I have no desire to crack it. If you send me one I'll give it a shot.

rabbitracks · March 26, 2005 1:19PM

Thanks Tom for the Upgrade I've got the bigger cutter but always used a small version a lot harder on the hands with the smaller cutter, but did the job.

NumisOxide · March 26, 2005 1:38PM

MS. Liberty on the reverse of the coin must of been really scared from seeing that bolt cutter coming at her.

Hey, whatever works for you to crack a slab then do it.

carl · March 26, 2005 2:02PM

Why is everyone using things that cause pieces to fly. Just melt the thing with a torch and the whole thing will melt and/or burn away with no pieces flying. Soaking in acid will also get rid of all that plastic stuff and no scratches on coins. Actually, I to use the bench vice method.

Deadhorse · March 26, 2005 2:04PM

I've used bolt cutters, a hammer, tile cutters, a vise, a vise and a hacksaw or a coping saw and I've used a jigsaw. I've even used a table saw and that's the least work of all.

Whatever is handy and you feel comfortable with is kewl. In my case it's whichever tool I haven't misplaced or buried under other stuff in the garage.

I haven't tried a cutting torch yet, but with the right tip, that would be a piece of cake too. Might be fun to try that out.

What does burning slab plastic smell like, anyone know?

BAJJERFAN · March 26, 2005 2:10PM

<< What does burning slab plastic smell like, anyone know? >>

Yuck!! Its obnoxious.

mozeppa · March 26, 2005 2:25PM

i use this

eyoung429 · March 26, 2005 2:50PM

<< Gee, and I've been wasting time and ammo using the AR15....Ken >>

ya need to put that Mattel toy away... either a LAW or M60 some of those slabs are monsters.

Deadhorse · March 26, 2005 3:12PM

<< i use this

>>

That can't be your garage. It's way too clean. Garages are made for clutter ya know.

clw54 · March 26, 2005 3:14PM

<< 

<< Does this work on SEGS slabs? >>

I don't have enough SEGS to know, my only one is a 1916d dime and I have no desire to crack it. If you send me one I'll give it a shot. >>

Don't have any more. I opened one with a saw and the other one is at ANACS being reholdered. Probably won't buy any more coins in them.

SilverDollarMan · March 26, 2005 9:20PM

Burglary Tools, TTT.

majorbigtime · March 26, 2005 11:55PM

<< too dangerous Daddy-o, you donot want to crack a slab with the crack running across the coin. This could damage the coin..
Simply beat it along the edge with a hammer, it will crack, then pry it open with a screwdriver.... The KnowItAllRuss method, works like a champ... >>

[quote edited by MBT]

I agree wholehartedly!

pawnee · March 27, 2005 12:46AM

Throw it up in the air and shoot the dam thing with a 45

TOMCATTOM · March 27, 2005 1:27AM

I USE C-4 AND A 10 SECOND FUSE. YA'LL BETTER RUN LIKE HELL!!!!!!!

Here is a simple method of cracking slabs - Pictures

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