How do you open a slab?

plifter · January 22, 2008 11:43AM

I want to submit a crossover but I think it might score higher if I sent it in raw. Is there a safe way to remove it? Also, is PSA serious about not accepting cards in screw down holders? I can't imagine sending a $3500 card in one of those little card savers.

WinPitcher · January 22, 2008 12:19PM

I use a screw driver, and yes they are serious.

With PSA stating that no card can go down upon review I can't believe anyone would risk sending a card in raw. They have also stated that cards can get full bumps not just .5's

By cracking you run too many risks imo.

Steve

wolfbear · January 22, 2008 12:31PM

For breaking cards out of holders, I use the same method for all brands.
Place holder on concrete slab and beat all around the edges with a hammer. Then just pry them open.

If you put the card in a clear freezer bag first, you can avoid flying chunks of plastic.

You're not supposed to use the 'little' cardsavers. Use a cardsaver 1 which is fairly roomy.
Then put it between 2 pieces of cardboard, then put it in a box. That's plenty secure even for a $ 3500 card.

rube26105 · January 22, 2008 12:35PM

some of psa's you can just twist a little and the pop right open, otherwise i take a butterknife to corner of it,comes right off,m i did a bgs one once,those are some tough holders, i cut it with band saw when i saw i was getting nowhere fast

WinPitcher · January 22, 2008 12:46PM

Yep i have used the band saw too.

Steve

SportsItUpCards · January 22, 2008 1:45PM

The only cases I would crack, are the BGS holders, never try to do a PSA, its almost impossible!!!!!

Its pretty simply to crack the BGS cases, just chip away at the edges

I think PSA would accept cards in any holder, as long as your check, money order, or credit card payment is there

I remember everybody telling me that PSA would only accept packages vis Registered mail, so I did, and it took like 3 weeks!!!

Now, I do what a friend told me, I send them via USPS Priority mail, with Signature Confirmation, and maybe some insurance.

By the way, its alwasy good to crack a card, and send it in for regrading, rather then send it in as is, they will not insult their own company by giving you a point or 2 higher

IMO

Giovanni

ripkenintheminors · January 22, 2008 1:48PM

I recently broke a slab by using a small hand saw. Took a steady hand and 1-2 minutes.

bigredone · January 22, 2008 4:08PM

Wow Im suprised at all the methods used here!

PSA holders usually pop right open. I use a steak knife and simply wiggle it on the top corner and they pop right open.

I actually save the holders as the can be used to display other cards in. Paid for it might as well get some use out of it.

SGC and Becket are a different story. I had to bust the corner off with a pair of pliers first before I could pry it apart.

I have yet to try the "Smash it with a hammer" approach

gotsparks09 · January 22, 2008 4:09PM

helpful links...

link 1

link 2

How do you open a slab?

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