I always use a large pair of pliers or bolt cutters to snip off a corner. Then I simply (gently) pry the slab open with a screwdriver. Never had a problem.
may i suggest buying a wide thin wood chizel to use in place of your screwdriver. they are only few bucks usd 5 at most and would make that much easier. just a suggestion my friend!!!
Hey Chris I’m asking for Rod Yiartie..how would you crack a PRO holder..he says it’s a rubbery plastic holder without a leading top edge? This video worked great for me!! Thanks in advance ..Mark
Great video Chris, I prefer this method over the one I always had done which was snipping a corner and then using a tiny screwdriver to pry it apart. It worked, but was quite nerve wracking. And the garage floor isn’t always available as well so I’m limited with my card cracking times using this method 😎
Just dropping a comment to complement your Screen Writing department, they do a very good job of making sure the dialogue in post production matches the on screen action. Based on their level of detail and commitment you can tell they don't mix much with the Research department.
@@DanielMartinez-nv5gb You’re supposed to and a lot of people do this. Why wouldn’t you? You just send them in to the grading companies so they can update the pop report.
The grading company I worked at made a machine to crack slabs, works with all brands. It runs a small blade along all 4 sides of the card, then when done the slab just pops open into 2 pieces. Its the ONLY method I have seen that cannot damage a card.
Just a quick question. If people crack slabs and resubmit the cards to the same or different companies, how far off are the population reports? Is it statistically insignificant? It seems with low population cards cracking and resubmitting could really alter that card's report. I am by no means saying it's wrong, just wondering about that aspect.
It makes a huge difference with high value numbered cards (lebron exquisite, mahomes national treasures, etc). If you add up the pop reports for cards like those (bgs+psa pops) you can end up with a higher pop than there are actual cards. Which really says a lot about how crappy psas grading is imo. If they had any consistency nobody would be resubmitting.
@@gabriels1163 Do they keep track of the actual number on the card? So if you resubmit a #16/25 card, do they will see it in the database so it doesn't get duplicated? If not, then this is a monster flaw in the card grading industry that will kind of ruin the entire system and I can only see it getting worse as the years go on.
@@TheClavichord PSA and BGS do not keep track of serial numbered cards. And it has made a few of their pop reports look idiotic. This doesnt affect very many cards though. Maybe 50 different cards have this problem total. But it is a problem for those cards. SGC and the rest of the companies out there dont get very many resubs (because they are more consistent with their grades), so its not really an issue for them. Just psa and bgs, because they are sloppy graders.
I worked for a grading company. We had a machine custom built specifically to crack slabs. Would never even consider using a hammer and screwdriver on a customers card. But I wouldnt be surprised if some companies just do it like in this video.
I think a lot of collectors or at least newer ones in the hobby or flippers ''crack'' cards from holders to try, and get better grades... , I would just buy cards in the grade they're looking for... But, grading in general is, just too subjective though, most people can't tell the difference between a 9 and a 10.
Except for the number they see. You're absolutely correct. People can't tell the difference because PSA says it's this but then it's not because it's different than the other one. Without physically holding the card and dealing with pictures on the internet, you can't tell. You only see the grade which is skewed by PSA 's inconsistent grading and then put a high dollar value on it and truly not knowing with a lot of money at stake..
With the older SGC labels, why not just resubmit for a re-holster? I am planning to do that with some SGC Old Label cards I have just for aesthetic reasons.
I have an sgc 10 slab that came to me with a corner cracked off (due to poor packaging from the seller, I believe), and I'm thinking of resubmitting either to psa or sgc. I don't think the inside card was affected ( I hope not!). If I do try cracking any slabs, I'll follow these instructions. Thx
Thanks Chris! I have always used tile nippers but I am going to give this a shot too. Nice putting a non -virtual face with the name in Chantilly! Safe travels
Good for you. The Arenado isn't a 6 so don't blame you for cracking it. Better off with SGC at this point I'd say. I no longer trust Beckett with recent grading scale nonsense or PSA with POP report manipulation. Thanks Chris for sharing your method.
"This is the way" ......I may be strange but I prefer the old SGC label. I can't wait until "Ahsoka" comes out. It's in post production. There several Star Wars series in the works. I look forward to each and every one of them. Being your Padawan 🙃, I have learned a lot from you about Star Wars and cards. Your videos are very informative. Do you have any Star Wars cards in your PC? After the National I'd like to pick up some of them. I especially want the Topps Chrome Refractors.
You're spending way too much effort to crack the SGC holder. I use a butter knife, get it in the seam near one of the top corners, and turn it once. It will crack a little and allow you to slide into the seam and separate. SGC has the easiest slab to crack. BVG is the most difficult of standard slabs. The PSA slabs for wax packs was the absolutely most difficult.
I've seen it done other ways - mostly snapping corners - but your way appears to be safer not messing up the cards. Thanks for the information. PS - people should be instructed to wear glasses/goggles whenever snapping slabs - Chris you could lose your eye!!! (Christmas Story reference....LOL) Have a great one!
Your process is "more humane" than mine! Ha. I use cutting pliers to clip off a corner and then use the screwdriver method. My medieval method also means that debris can go flying, so I like to keep the slab in a sleeve until the screwdriver part to contain any 200-mph slab corners from traveling in the direction of my face. Thanks for this alternate way, which I may have to try.
I thought you were joking when I saw a hammer Lol. But that actually worked out really good. I usually use a pair of cutting pliers on the top corners and start prying from there.
Great vid, Chris! I think a cool follow-up idea would be strategies for cracking in the first place (vs not doing so). But also when to crack vs. doing something like a crossover submission. Example: I have an Ohtani Topps Chrome CSG 10 and am opting for a Crossover to PSA (instead of cracking/submitting raw). Submitting raw would be cheaper, but I believe the existing CSG grade will influence the grader. No idea if that theory will hold true, but it’s an example situation you might be able to shed some light on for us!
That's very interesting how you break the cards out of the slabs Chris..🤔 Thanks for sharing your knowledge on cracking cards out..😮😍 Very informative also the Arenado RC auto looks much better than a 6..😥😉 Take care..👍💕🔥👊
Great Video Chris!! What happens to the pop count after cracking.. Do you report to PSA or whichever grading company that there is one less in the pop count now or just let it slide..I’m thinking that there is a lot of cracking in the 7 and lower grades hoping to get higher grading the next time.. thanks Chris!!
I practiced on a couple junk slabs before cracking a $5k Herbie lol, made me feel much more comfortable. Now I’m confident. I use tin snips to crack the top corners but otherwise our processes match up. Wrap it in a towel so the corners don’t destroy your eyes if they fly off lol
There goes the pop report.
Thank you. Keeping it really simple. It works great.
Whoa!! New starting picture!!
I always use a large pair of pliers or bolt cutters to snip off a corner. Then I simply (gently) pry the slab open with a screwdriver. Never had a problem.
Chainsaw and blow torch are my preferred methods
Chris “The Hammer” Sewell
may i suggest buying a wide thin wood chizel to use in place of your screwdriver. they are only few bucks usd 5 at most and would make that much easier. just a suggestion my friend!!!
Just take a large metal clipper and cut the upper corners. Easily splits the plastic holder.
Star wars buff....nice 1000 extra cool points 😎
Thanks for sharing
That’s actually a 2008 Merlin/Topps Ahsoka Sticker, as you know Merlin is primarily a UK issue.
Thanks for the tip I have a couple of cards to crack
Still miss the regular rollers.
I could be wrong, but you may be the only one.
The video we've all been waiting for.
Hey Chris I’m asking for Rod Yiartie..how would you crack a PRO holder..he says it’s a rubbery plastic holder without a leading top edge? This video worked great for me!! Thanks in advance ..Mark
Cracking slabs is coming to an end
Nice neat way to crack the cards. Thanks for sharing.
Great video Chris, I prefer this method over the one I always had done which was snipping a corner and then using a tiny screwdriver to pry it apart. It worked, but was quite nerve wracking. And the garage floor isn’t always available as well so I’m limited with my card cracking times using this method 😎
Great video I use tin snips cut the label corners then flat head pop right open.
Just dropping a comment to complement your Screen Writing department, they do a very good job of making sure the dialogue in post production matches the on screen action. Based on their level of detail and commitment you can tell they don't mix much with the Research department.
Do you inform the grading company that you cracked XYZ case to help maintain accurate pop reports?
That's why POP reports are a sham and inaccurate. Nobody ever reports it
@@DanielMartinez-nv5gb You’re supposed to and a lot of people do this. Why wouldn’t you? You just send them in to the grading companies so they can update the pop report.
I use a drill with a small bit, drill a tiny hole and use the bit to crack the edges, takes 5 seconds and the case isn’t as damaged
I wish that companies would put "1st" or something like that on first graded pop 1 cards what you think?
Yeah GAI used to do that and I thought it was a good idea
@Baseball Card Collector Investor Dealer the other companies should do what Taco Bell needs to with the Smothered Burrito and #BRINGITBACK 🤣🤣
When I first saw the hammer I thought it was gonna be an April fools joke.. good technique. I have a few I've thought about cracking myself. Thanks!
The grading company I worked at made a machine to crack slabs, works with all brands. It runs a small blade along all 4 sides of the card, then when done the slab just pops open into 2 pieces. Its the ONLY method I have seen that cannot damage a card.
Just a quick question. If people crack slabs and resubmit the cards to the same or different companies, how far off are the population reports? Is it statistically insignificant? It seems with low population cards cracking and resubmitting could really alter that card's report. I am by no means saying it's wrong, just wondering about that aspect.
Yeah I've been wondering the same thing. What if I resubmitted a card numbered 1/1? Would they look at the pop count and notice that?
I suspect that for the vast vast majority of cards, its statistical insignificant.
It makes a huge difference with high value numbered cards (lebron exquisite, mahomes national treasures, etc). If you add up the pop reports for cards like those (bgs+psa pops) you can end up with a higher pop than there are actual cards. Which really says a lot about how crappy psas grading is imo. If they had any consistency nobody would be resubmitting.
@@gabriels1163 Do they keep track of the actual number on the card? So if you resubmit a #16/25 card, do they will see it in the database so it doesn't get duplicated? If not, then this is a monster flaw in the card grading industry that will kind of ruin the entire system and I can only see it getting worse as the years go on.
@@TheClavichord PSA and BGS do not keep track of serial numbered cards. And it has made a few of their pop reports look idiotic. This doesnt affect very many cards though. Maybe 50 different cards have this problem total. But it is a problem for those cards. SGC and the rest of the companies out there dont get very many resubs (because they are more consistent with their grades), so its not really an issue for them. Just psa and bgs, because they are sloppy graders.
I wouldn't be surprised if this is just about the same technique the grading companies use for re-holstering.
I worked for a grading company. We had a machine custom built specifically to crack slabs. Would never even consider using a hammer and screwdriver on a customers card. But I wouldnt be surprised if some companies just do it like in this video.
I've been looking for the Hazard orange parallel. Any interest in selling it?
Great information! I'm used to various cutting tools being used to entirely cut or break off a top corner!
I think a lot of collectors or at least newer ones in the hobby or flippers ''crack'' cards from holders to try, and get better grades...
, I would just buy cards in the grade they're looking for...
But, grading in general is, just too subjective though, most people can't tell the difference between a 9 and a 10.
Except for the number they see. You're absolutely correct. People can't tell the difference because PSA says it's this but then it's not because it's different than the other one. Without physically holding the card and dealing with pictures on the internet, you can't tell. You only see the grade which is skewed by PSA 's inconsistent grading and then put a high dollar value on it and truly not knowing with a lot of money at stake..
With the older SGC labels, why not just resubmit for a re-holster? I am planning to do that with some SGC Old Label cards I have just for aesthetic reasons.
Yeah thats what I usually do, just used this one for the video
@@collectorinvestordealer Do they always give the same grade when you reholster?
this has gotta be one of the most useful trading card videos ever lol..
This should hopefully should deter the tens of thousands of dopes who send $5 non-collectiok cards in for grading. Killing the hobby.
I have an sgc 10 slab that came to me with a corner cracked off (due to poor packaging from the seller, I believe), and I'm thinking of resubmitting either to psa or sgc. I don't think the inside card was affected ( I hope not!).
If I do try cracking any slabs, I'll follow these instructions. Thx
Thanks Chris! I have always used tile nippers but I am going to give this a shot too. Nice putting a non -virtual face with the name in Chantilly! Safe travels
Good video Chris. Don't know if I'll ever Crack a case open. Probably just send it in for new case.
Case quality IMO
1 CSG
2 SGC
3 PSA
4 BGS
Isn't Asoka getting her own series on Disney+? Increased popularity = increased demand?
Yes she is
She is!
Good for you. The Arenado isn't a 6 so don't blame you for cracking it. Better off with SGC at this point I'd say. I no longer trust Beckett with recent grading scale nonsense or PSA with POP report manipulation. Thanks Chris for sharing your method.
"This is the way" ......I may be strange but I prefer the old SGC label. I can't wait until "Ahsoka" comes out. It's in post production. There several Star Wars series in the works. I look forward to each and every one of them. Being your Padawan 🙃, I have learned a lot from you about Star Wars and cards. Your videos are very informative. Do you have any Star Wars cards in your PC? After the National I'd like to pick up some of them. I especially want the Topps Chrome Refractors.
I have three Star Wars cards in my PC. A Yoda, a Princess Leia, and an Ahsoka.
You are a pro
Don't do crack, kids, unless it involves a slab and a horrible grade on a beautiful card from some schmuck at a grading company.
Great video!!! Every collector should know the best method for removing cards from acrylic cases.
You're spending way too much effort to crack the SGC holder. I use a butter knife, get it in the seam near one of the top corners, and turn it once. It will crack a little and allow you to slide into the seam and separate. SGC has the easiest slab to crack. BVG is the most difficult of standard slabs. The PSA slabs for wax packs was the absolutely most difficult.
I would send the Nolan Arenado to BGS and get subgrades so if it comes back a 6 again you would at least have some idea of why they think it is a 6
I've seen it done other ways - mostly snapping corners - but your way appears to be safer not messing up the cards. Thanks for the information. PS - people should be instructed to wear glasses/goggles whenever snapping slabs - Chris you could lose your eye!!! (Christmas Story reference....LOL) Have a great one!
Your process is "more humane" than mine! Ha. I use cutting pliers to clip off a corner and then use the screwdriver method. My medieval method also means that debris can go flying, so I like to keep the slab in a sleeve until the screwdriver part to contain any 200-mph slab corners from traveling in the direction of my face. Thanks for this alternate way, which I may have to try.
I thought you were joking when I saw a hammer Lol. But that actually worked out really good. I usually use a pair of cutting pliers on the top corners and start prying from there.
Great vid, Chris! I think a cool follow-up idea would be strategies for cracking in the first place (vs not doing so). But also when to crack vs. doing something like a crossover submission. Example: I have an Ohtani Topps Chrome CSG 10 and am opting for a Crossover to PSA (instead of cracking/submitting raw). Submitting raw would be cheaper, but I believe the existing CSG grade will influence the grader. No idea if that theory will hold true, but it’s an example situation you might be able to shed some light on for us!
Good method
That's very interesting how you break the cards out of the slabs Chris..🤔 Thanks for sharing your knowledge on cracking cards out..😮😍 Very informative also the Arenado RC auto looks much better than a 6..😥😉 Take care..👍💕🔥👊
PSA will probably give you a 4 this time lol
This seems like satire. Maybe the riskiest way to crack a slab I've ever seen
Use a ban saw ! Gave my dad one of those thick plastic puzzles that hold money. He couldnt solve it to get the money out, used his ban saw !
Great Video Chris!! What happens to the pop count after cracking.. Do you report to PSA or whichever grading company that there is one less in the pop count now or just let it slide..I’m thinking that there is a lot of cracking in the 7 and lower grades hoping to get higher grading the next time.. thanks Chris!!
Thanks for the lesson. If you ever rob a card shop it's best to bust cards out of the cases first before selling on ebay.
April Fools?
Sorry Chris I cringed every time.
First..🤘
We have a winner!
W
Ugh, Chris... don't like the practice of cracking slabs. Seems like something someone who just got into the hobby would do. 😢
I practiced on a couple junk slabs before cracking a $5k Herbie lol, made me feel much more comfortable. Now I’m confident. I use tin snips to crack the top corners but otherwise our processes match up. Wrap it in a towel so the corners don’t destroy your eyes if they fly off lol
i saw a guy using a chop saw once lol