How do you "crack a slab" safely?

[Soft-Serve]

I've got a book in a PGX slab that I would like to "liberate" (to use another member's term) and submit to the CGC. Never having done this I want to make sure I don't damage the book inside.

 

Can someone provide a small how-to guide for me to follow?

[oakman29]

[oakman29]

[Soft-Serve]

I totally forgot about youtube. Thanks everyone!

[joeypost]

Personally, I would never use a scissor to cut the book out of the inner well.

[Boozad]

Personally, I would never use a scissor to cut the book out of the inner well.

 

Every book I've cracked (and there were a lot of them) I've used scissors to cut the inner well. Not recommending it as such but I've never had a problem with it.

[seanfingh]

Personally, I would never use a scissor to cut the book out of the inner well.

 

Every book I've cracked (and there were a lot of them) I've used scissors to cut the inner well. Not recommending it as such but I've never had a problem with it.

 

Scissors can pinch. a very sharp X-acto knife is the perfect instrument.

[Dick Pontoon]

I prefer scissors. I’d probably use a utility knife over an X-acto, too easy to slip with the X-acto.

[Boozad]

Personally, I would never use a scissor to cut the book out of the inner well.

 

Every book I've cracked (and there were a lot of them) I've used scissors to cut the inner well. Not recommending it as such but I've never had a problem with it.

 

Scissors can pinch. a very sharp X-acto knife is the perfect instrument.

 

Not when you're as good with scissors as I am.

[Racer-X]

 

Good lord I would never pull a book out of the inner well like this guy did. Side-scrape city! I always cut a bit on the sides to open up the top a bit more, then the book slips right out.

[seanfingh]

I prefer scissors. I’d probably use a utility knife over an X-acto, too easy to slip with the X-acto.

 

Maybe if you are shaky from methadone withdrawals.

[reddwarf666222]

 

Personally this is the best way I have seen a slabbed comic opened.

[Dr. Balls]

Personally, I would never use a scissor to cut the book out of the inner well.

 

I saw that as well - every book I have cracked, I used a razor and a straight-edge to protect the book, and I cut it along two sides to make it easier to remove, rather than risk a thumb indention, or potentially tearing a weak spot because the book is still snug inside the inner well.

[reddwarf666222]

Personally, I would never use a scissor to cut the book out of the inner well.

 

I saw that as well - every book I have cracked, I used a razor and a straight-edge to protect the book, and I cut it along two sides to make it easier to remove, rather than risk a thumb indention, or potentially tearing a weak spot because the book is still snug inside the inner well.

 

A razor and straight edge is what we use in our LCS to take them out with. We had an incident to where the person taking out a slabbed comic got distracted and ended up cutting the comic itself with scissors. With a razor and straight edge the person pays a little more attention because not only do they not want to hurt the comic, but don't want to cut themselves

[brendanb438]

Blow torch will get any book out of a slab. That is the best method.

 

 

[oakman29]

My way is easy.I just leave em in.

[DR.X]

I've used a Dewalt 12" miter box. Seems to work o.k.

[Hero Restoration]

Personally, I would never use a scissor to cut the book out of the inner well.

 

+1

 

Why hasn't anyone suggested a paper cutter which will cut a perfectly straight edge? Do I really have to make a You Tube video just to show the obvious safest way to open the inner well?

 

I was going to just go ahead and do one right now but I don't currently have any slabs that need cracking. That and I have no experience uploading video's to You Tube or photobucket.

[seanfingh]

Personally, I would never use a scissor to cut the book out of the inner well.

 

+1

 

Why hasn't anyone suggested a paper cutter which will cut a perfectly straight edge? Do I really have to make a You Tube video just to show the obvious safest way to open the inner well?

 

I was going to just go ahead and do one right now but I don't currently have any slabs that need cracking. That and I have no experience uploading video's to You Tube or photobucket.

 

It's not very convenient to carry a fifty pound paper cutter with you to conventions for slab cracking. After watching Shawn Caffrey, I am convinced the safest, quickest way is the three slice method with a box cutter/X-acto knife.

[joeypost]

Personally, I would never use a scissor to cut the book out of the inner well.

 

+1

 

Why hasn't anyone suggested a paper cutter which will cut a perfectly straight edge? Do I really have to make a You Tube video just to show the obvious safest way to open the inner well?

 

I was going to just go ahead and do one right now but I don't currently have any slabs that need cracking. That and I have no experience uploading video's to You Tube or photobucket.

 

It's not very convenient to carry a fifty pound paper cutter with you to conventions for slab cracking. After watching Shawn Caffrey, I am convinced the safest, quickest way is the three slice method with a box cutter/X-acto knife.

 

I also use a paper cutter. Not the cheap Staples type but a heavy duty metal one that has weight to it. I crack a lot of slabs and it is the easiest, fastest and safest way IMHO. When I press on-site I bring it with me to crack out slabs.