I’ve actually never cracked a PSA slab . . . until now. I’ve heard the newer generation is more difficult (it’s not). Though there is now a newer generation to tinker with as well.
I don’t collect PSA cards at all, and I usually either resubmit them for crossover to SGC, or trade them outright for the card I’m seeking. It seems silly to crack PSA in most cases, if we’re talking about “value.” But people break cards out of plastic for all kinds of reasons, including but not limited to the practice of “crack / resubmit” which Cardhound addresses here:
- Resubmit as raw to PSA hoping for a higher grade.
- Submit as raw to SGC or elsewhere thinking that doing so avoids grader bias vs. a crossover.
- Binder sets are still a thing!
- Some people prefer raw cards. It’s that simple.
In this case, I’m building a generally ex-mt 1971 Topps set in SGC or raw, so PSA just does not fit. I got a good deal on the card from a collector pal, so I figured this would be a good chance to try cracking one out!
While this kind of thing isn’t necessarily for the faint of heart, and does involve some risk, the entire process took about 60 seconds, and was very easy. But proceed at your own risk.
Cracking a PSA Slab: Step by Step
Step 1: Yep, we’re using a chop saw. A fine blade is best (and this is not especially good for the blade…). Wear safety glasses to prevent tiny shards of plastic from entering your eyeballs!
Step 2: Place the card at a severe angle so that your cut will remove a good bit of a top corner of the slab, but is obviously nowhere near the card.
Step 3: Hold on tight to keep the slab secure. You don’t want a sharp hunk of plastic flying at 100mph across the garage. Make a quick cut.
Step 4: Get a tiny flathead screwdriver, and slide it into the gap as pictured. Hold the slab down and pry “up” and across the top of the slab. Don’t get near the edges of the card–you risk damage and it’s not necessary.
Step 5: Once the top is loose, hold onto the bottom plate and lift upward, peeling the top layer away from the bottom.
Step 6: Check for debris, and simply remove the card from the bottom plate.
Step 7: Enjoy your raw card!
A Note on Pop Reports
If you have a card that is low pop, it’s probably even lower than you think. All pop reports of key cards are likely dramatically inflated, both vintage and modern. As noted above, there are many valid reasons for cracking a slab, and even if the reasons are not valid to you, it’s widespread practice regardless.
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