Cracking Open a CGC Comic Book Case in Less Than 2 Minutes

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Happy collecting!
Royalty-free music from bensound.com

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

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[@MrChad676]

I enjoyed seeing one of these cracked. I like knowing how tough that extra sleeve inside is as well. Great video.

[@hovelfrog]

Thanks! I just cracked a Silver Surfer 4 out, first time I've ever removed a comic from a slab. It's one of my dream comics and I just got it recently so I was super nervous but by using your method it was easy. I didn't even have to use the backing board. After cutting the inner sleeve carefully up both sides, it slid out easily.

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Nice! Glad it worked so well!

[@danfoley2442]

After cracking open the top of the slab, and with the tip of the screwdriver still inserted into the left or right end of the TOP seam, carefully push the screwdriver fully into the slab ALONGSIDE the book (keeping the screwdriver parallel to the side edge of the book and pointed toward the bottom of the slab). Give the screwdriver a partial twist every inch or two. The side seam of the case will pop open or break with minimal fracturing of the plastic. Then repeat at the other end of the TOP seam. Obviously you need to use a long screwdriver. I have a Craftsman flat tip screwdriver with a 9" shaft that works perfectly for this. This method avoids the jab-and-twist or pull-sideways-and-twist dance down the side seam of the slab, which keeps the edge of the comic in constant danger from the nearby screwdriver tip pointed directly at it. To open the inner well, I much prefer using a good quality razor knife (not razor blade, not utility knife) along with a metal straight edge and a cutting mat. The OLFA 5001 with 9mm snap-off blade is a good choice for this, with a fresh blade obviously. I cut along the bottom and right edges of the book to free it from the well, while keeping the metal straight edge positioned on the book to protect it and guide the cuts. I find this method quick, easy, and safe.

[@davidfausel9029]

Another intelligent video with practical advice for collectors, perfectly demonstrated? :-) Your content is always aces, man.

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Wow, thanks!

[@zippo3300]

on the left side you see that little slit to open it up with that make it lot easier to work with

[@fluxcap088]

With the music it felt like watching a comic book heist movie. Great video!

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Cool, thanks!

[@staradams3030]

Exactly 💯😅

[@jayblack7495]

Another great topic... If you're worried about harming the book, it can be a benefit to order a small pack of screwdrivers meant for removing the screw on a pair of glasses. The stem and point are tiny and less intrusive. May your channel continue to grow. 🤔 And may every copy of ASM #238 continue to contain unbesmirched tattoos...

[@BrooklynAvenue]

Thanks for this. I took a bit more time as I want to resuse the case for a bit fun, put a homemade comic in there!

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

That's not a bad idea.. I'd be interested in learning the best way to remove them with the least damage

[@QuiGonsGhst]

Great video, I am also cracking a book, ASM 59, def higher than the grade it got. Love your stuff, it is inspriing me to also share on KZbin. Keep it up!

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Thanks! And good luck!

[@baknights14]

I cracked open my CGC graded 8.0 Captain Britain #8 first appearance of Betsy Braddock aka Psylocke/ Captain Britain for Chris Claremont to sign used this video to help me out thanks for the help.

[@ronaldann8729]

Great job! Thank you for sharing!

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@lifeisgood2776]

I'm convinced you are the Deepak Chopra of comic books! Hope you someday agree to clean and press for the public! I used to play pool on a fairly high level and you remind me of the guy that was always at the tournaments who didn't play usually but all the guys only wanted him to work on the 2k+ cues they used! His kiosk usually had a line around the block! Great video as usual!

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

I feel embarrassed that I had to Google Deepak Chopra! I really appreciate the kind words, although I think I might have you fooled.. I am just in the midst of a fake it till I make it phase :) My goal is to specialize in books worth 5k+ someday, so we'll see!

[@oscarvillarreal8951]

3:16 Nooooooo.....😲! It's not longer a collectable...!😭 You Monster!👽

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

LOL

[@oscarvillarreal8951]

@@ImproveCollectingComics lol 😂! Good video though👍.

[@waynegram8907]

The Inner slab is pressed so it can damage the coloring of the front page and also cause oxidation issues to the comic book papers into a yellowish color?

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Not sure really, although I've seen older slabs from like 2002-2010 sticking slightly to the inner well, causing a haziness. However, I have been able to remove that with absorene. I think the slab getting overheated causes it?

[@pbales8951]

Retrieving a comic from a slab is definitely not something to be rushed. While you might be an expert at this process, I feel this sends the wrong message to someone new to this process. You even noted that you got the tip of the screwdriver over the comic--which was probably due to your haste. Reminds me of the saying... "just because you can do something doesn't mean you should."

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

I totally agree, rushing is bad. My point in making the video is that a lot of people are afraid of tacking this, so they hire someone to do it. It really isn't that hard for anyone to do safely. I don't really rush in the video, even though it seems like it.. and I've done a couple since, while the screwdriver can get above the book, it's a twice and not an up and down motion.. so it doesn't even touch the inner well. But year.. should still watch out for that.

[@kevinjameson7817]

You made me a little nervous trying to get the book out fast. Slow your roll there fella. LOL

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

LOL it looked dangerous, but it's actually really safe.. I can't imagine trying to use a razor blade.. makes me sweat just thinking about it

[@Bar-Lord]

I’d be way too nervous to attempt this. I’d probably need to take a shot or two to work up the nerve to attempt it. With my luck, I’d damage the book and really be in a spot. With that said, it’s interesting to see how someone would go about doing it. Are you able to get the book removed/updated from the census by including the original label?

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Yes, I am saving the labels and will be sending them in to CGC

[@EndofDays213]

dude im impressed. lol

[@johndiaz8816]

Do you clean and press for your fans

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

No, sorry... I wish I had unlimited time to do everyones' books!

[@raviolimaster]

"in less than 2 minutes".... 6 minute video... lol

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

The actual cracking only took 2 minutes :p