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 Replies: 32 / Views: 21,084 |
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Valued Member
United States
184 Posts |
I use a hammer and cement block for busting slabs. Place the holder with your thumb and forefinger on the obverse and reverse of the coin (keeps the coin from moving when the case cracks) set it on the cement block and wack it near the top (away from your fingers) with a medium to light blow( repeat as necessary). I've busted thirty or forty cases this way and have yet to damage a coin.
Kie
PS Always wear goggles as stated in previous posts as the plastic has a tendency to fly
Edited by Bullnuke
01/29/2011 6:40 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1027 Posts |
I use a cutting wheel on the dremel and cut into the sides all the way around the slab (along the original weld lines). As stated, it can weld back together in a few spots but I just insert a large slotted screwdriver and gently twist and it pops open. PCGS and NGC slabs are welded and can be very difficult to break open without doing at least some damage to the coin so I do not recommend anything involving a hammer. Many ANACS slabs are glued and often so poorly so that they can be opened by hand. The welded slabs when done right have no weak points so you never know where they will break under pressure. I have absolutely no issue taking any coin that I know I will never sell out of its slab, no matter what. A buyer who does their own grading won't care whether it is slabbed or not or what name is on the slab.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1510 Posts |
one day ill move up to buying slabs........I usually get my coins in ziplok bags  Retired USAF 1983-2003
Edited by Coinstar
01/29/2011 7:52 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4085 Posts |
If you take a bolt cutter and make a small cut in the middle of the slab even with the coin, it will crack all the way across. Then you just open it like a hinge and pull out the coin and clear insert. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wf6nyVmuHvg |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3077 Posts |
i knew I had seen a vid w/ bolt cutters thanks Ken
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Moderator
 United States
23522 Posts |
I have yet to meet a slab which my Dremel with a fiber cutting wheel didn't laugh at. Just sayin'.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1027 Posts |
Yup, that's the one, the fiber wheel. Never any risk of a scratch on the coin, just a nice clean opening up and coming out ceremony.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
17884 Posts |
Quote:
I also have to confess that in 35 years or so... I've never purchased a certified coin. Well there's two of us. |
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Moderator
United States
188440 Posts |
How about three of us? Okay, I am actually working on only 33 years.  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
14454 Posts |
I noticed some pictures I had posted awhile back while looking through previously uploaded pictures and noticed I hadn't commented on this thread (even though its a few months old now, but may help others). I have two tools I use to crack open slabs, one is a dremel with a cutting wheel (which seems to melt the case back together in places if not done just right) and the other is this tool, I am not sure what its called but I got it from Home Depot so I am sure SuperDave can find out the name is anyone wants to know  this is an old picture of the aftermath  |
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Valued Member
United States
175 Posts |
WOW, lol, that is some major damage there Bryan. I bet that took a little while to crack through all those.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2150 Posts |
Looks like nail pulling pliers?
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Moderator
United States
16679 Posts |
Bryan,
That tool you have there is all I use. It works great, makes a nice cracking sound as the slab is screaming in pain :P
swcoin.ecrater.com
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Valued Member
United States
313 Posts |
That tool is a tack/nail puller/tile nipper and it works GREAT on slabs. |
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Moderator
United States
15432 Posts |
I fire up my 1.5 Hp bandsaw with a 1/2" blade and the slab is done in about 12 seconds ... insert and all! No worries I say ... just keep your fingers clear of the blade.  David |
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Replies: 32 / Views: 21,084 |
First Page
Posted 01/29/2011 7:25 pm
