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what is the best way to crack open slabbed cards ?

i am going to the nationals this week and i have seen on here that alot of people crack slabbed cards that they werent happy with the grade and resubmit them....i have around 8 such cards but i cracked open 3 of them but damaged a nice card...can anyone please tell me the best way to do this without damaging the card holdered?...thanks terryimage

Comments

  • lostdart58lostdart58 Posts: 2,938 ✭✭✭
    Use a flat screwdriver's blade at the top of the slab above the label.....gently pry apart (twist).....
    Collector of:Baseball
    1955 Bowman Raw complete with 90% Ex-NR or better

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  • AllenAllen Posts: 7,165 ✭✭✭
    1. Hold card between index finger and thumb with a light touch.
    2. Walk up a minimum of 5 flights of steps.
    3. Jump from great distance distance, striking ground psa card first.
    4. Dust off and collect your cracked psa case and card.
    5. Repeat.
  • swartz1swartz1 Posts: 4,911 ✭✭✭
    use a chisel and a hammer at the top end by the label - strike straight down and take off the entire end - then use a screwdriver and pry up gently image


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  • TNTonPMSTNTonPMS Posts: 2,279 ✭✭
    I have never taken one out of a holder , but I guess if I was going to or had to , I would use a high speed angle grinder with a fine metal cutting disk and just cut just a little ahead of the locks around the entire case .

    I wouldn't pry anything or crack anything .

    A high speed dremel might work too , but it would take a bit longer , I suppose it's a little safer too, but still might take while , just choose the right disk , might be called a cut off disk with the dremel
  • Bosox1976Bosox1976 Posts: 8,566 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Snip off a top corner with a set of shears, pop open with a screwdriver.
    Mike
    Bosox1976
  • Here's a couple of links you may find useful...

    Link 1

    Link 2
    image
  • 1neatstuff1neatstuff Posts: 1,156 ✭✭✭
    thanks alot everyone i tried to snip the tops of the holder and then use the screwdriver but i still managed to damage the card slightly with the small screwdriver..i appreciate all the help thanks
  • elsnortoelsnorto Posts: 2,012 ✭✭
    You know, I have never actually tried popping a card from its plasticy tomb, but it seems to me using a Dremel like tool to cut around the edges would be an easy and safe way to do so. Anyone ever try this and, if so, is there something I am not thinking about as to why this would be a bad idea?

    Snorto~
  • julen23julen23 Posts: 4,558 ✭✭
    butterknife works 100% of the time.

    j
    image
    RIP GURU
  • PubliusPublius Posts: 1,306 ✭✭


    << <i>Snip off a top corner with a set of shears, pop open with a screwdriver. >>



    I just did about 20 cards just like this method yesterday. Cut the corner of the top with the flip off with some diagonal cutters, Im an electrician so I used wire cutters, slip a screwdriver in flat under the flip and pry it open. SGC is the easiest, the just fall apart, GAI and PSA were the hardest.

    Good luck

  • nam812nam812 Posts: 10,601 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I am an electrician too Publius, why did I think you were a teacher? Anyway, are you a member of the I.B.E.W.?
  • Place the holder flat on a table top (bench)...with just the head sticking slightly over the end...take a pair of pliers and basically use it it bend a corner (break it off)...holding the card down tight...only end should break...once broken...use a flat screw driver to pry the holder open carefully...one side at a time...use the screw driver to lift one side up and it should pop open...do not try to remove the card until once side is completely off...you can use the screwdriver to run down one of the sides...try not to touch the card...holder will come off easily...just be careful and slow...after you get the hang of it...they are pretty easy to do...
    Henri
    Collector
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  • lawnmowermanlawnmowerman Posts: 19,477 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i>what is the best way to crack open slabbed cards ? >>



    You are all wrong! This is by far the fastest easiest way!

    image
  • rube26105rube26105 Posts: 10,225 ✭✭
    ive used the dremmel trick and it works fine, there are tons of ways to do it
    the rube
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