missing staple 1 1

[MARK_BA]

If a comic book was put together at the factory and the machine missed a staple, does that hurt the grade? there is no hole where the staple should be

[marvelmaniac]

15 hours ago, MARK ARNEY said:

If a comic book was put together at the factory and the machine missed a staple, does that hurt the grade? there is no hole where the staple should be

That would be considered a "Printing/Bindery Defect".

I do not know CGC's stance on a "Missing Staple", they have been more lenient on Marvel Chipping lately (which is also a printing/bindery defect) and not really deducting from the actual grade so it may depend on what book it is and the books actual condition without the missing staple.

All things being equal printing/bindery defects are allowed all the way up to MT 9.9 however the terminology changes as to the defect allowed with each grade so where does a missing staple fall in???

The wording leaves a lot open to individual interpretation.

9.9 MINT (MT):  Back to Top
Only subtle bindery or printing defects are allowed. 

9.2 NEAR MINT- (NM-):  Back to Top
A limited number of minor bindery/printing defects are allowed.

7.0 FINE/VERY FINE (FN/VF):  Back to Top
 A small accumulation of minor bindery/printing defects is allowed

5.0 VERY GOOD/FINE (VG/FN):  Back to Top
 An accumulation of bindery/printing defects is allowed.

There is no mention of printing/bindery defects on books graded VG 4.0 or lower.

[MARK_BA]

i sent an email to cgc. haven't got a response

[davet75]

A true manufacturing/bindery defect does not result in a grade reduction by CGC.  If there are no staple holes in the cover and pages then there was never a staple, and there will be no deduction to the grade.  A printing crease is another example of a manufacturing/bindery defect that is obvious on inspection, and even detracts from overall appeal, but does not generally result in a grade reduction.