cracking a BVG holder; any suggestions on how?
 

Posted By: <b>warshawlaw&nbsp; </b><p>I just bought my first BVG graded card; frankly, I don't much care for the holder. I do, however, really like the 1957 Clemente in it. I'd prefer to break it out and put it into something else without damaging the card. Anyone cracked them before and have any helpful advice, it would be appreciated.

cracking a BVG holder; any suggestions on how?
 

Posted By: <b>botn</b><p>Adam<BR><BR>Lay the card down flat on a very hard surface--like concrete. Place a flathead screwdriver at the top of the holder where the "flip" is. Hit the screwdriver with a hammer hard enoughg to crack/split the holder. At that point you should be able to pry it apart without harming the card.<BR><BR>Greg

cracking a BVG holder; any suggestions on how?
 

Posted By: <b>yazfan08</b><p>I've cracked PSA,SGC and BVG, and the Beckett is a nightmare compared to the others. Makes me respect their holder just a bit more. If you can pry open with one hammer strike as suggested, then you're the man. The seal seems to be much thicker compared to PSA. Remember that the card is encased in mylar within the BVG holder. Here's two other suggestions:<BR><BR>I turn the slab upside down and insert the top lip (now at the bottom) into a vise and slowly tighten while slightly wiggling the slab back and forth. Upon 'crushing' the lip, I release the slab and gently pry the 2 sections apart. <BR><BR>·handheld Dremel rotary cutting tool<BR>

cracking a BVG holder; any suggestions on how?
 

Posted By: <b>Will Watson</b><p><a href="http://www.brucemo.com/cards/articles/deslab.htm" target=_new>http://www.brucemo.com/cards/articles/deslab.htm</a>

cracking a BVG holder; any suggestions on how?
 

Posted By: <b>John Grillo</b><p>Take a hacksaw and gently saw across the label about a 1/2 from top (that way your're staying far away from the card). Next gently pry open the each side until it completely comes apart...it's messy, but it's the safest way IMO.

cracking a BVG holder; any suggestions on how?
 

Posted By: <b>Paul</b><p>I've been finding it tougher and tougher lately to crack open holders. (Scott Gaynor's are particularly difficult). But the grading services routinely crack open their own holders (to correct labelling errors, etc.) and crack open other companies' holders whenever they provide a crossover grading service.<BR><BR>Do the grading companies have some special tool that they use to crack open holders?

cracking a BVG holder; any suggestions on how?
 

Posted By: <b>Patrick McMenemy</b><p>So far, The Beckett slab has been the toughest by far. I purchased a slabbed OBAK that I liberated successfully.<BR><BR>Used a hammer and a flathead screw driver. The Beckett slab is tough because it's difficult to find a seam. I started at the top corners above the label. Unlike other slabs that quickly slit in two when the seem is found, the Beckett required some careful chipping away at the corners, once the seam was reached, she split like an oyster.<BR><BR>Just requires more patience and a firm whack with the hammer on the head of the flathead screwdriver. Expect small pieces to fly off until the seam is reached.<BR><BR>Be careful and good luck!<BR><BR>Patrick<BR><BR>

cracking a BVG holder; any suggestions on how?
 

Posted By: <b>Julie</b><p>...find bits of plastic around for WEEKS afterward...<BR><BR>Sure it's dangerous! So's spending all your dough on baseball cards and starving to death...

cracking a BVG holder; any suggestions on how?
 

Posted By: <b>Bill Cornell</b><p>I broke out a Beckett Cracker Jack out last year... after my thumb stopped bleeding, I was able to see straight again. You don't need a trip to the ER if you wait it out.<BR><BR>I have 2 GAI cards that need liberation, but this holder looks like it will outsmart me - the lip of the holder goes over the bottom one. Is there any hope?<BR><BR>Bill

cracking a BVG holder; any suggestions on how?
 

Posted By: <b>petecld</b><p>Bill,<BR><BR>GAI cases are just as easy to crack open as PSA slabs. Using the angled screwdriver technique and a hammer work all too well.<BR><BR><BR><BR>Suggestion for all who don't want little plastic shreads flying around:<BR><BR>Using an old rag or towel, fold it in half with one half under the slab and hold the other half in your hand with the screw driver. All the little pieces get caught. <BR><BR>Legal disclaimer: (Don't laugh, there are too many lawyers reading this board.) I am not resposible for anyone getting hurt following my suggestion. You act at your own risk.<BR><BR><BR><BR>