Question for the mechanically inclined

[+BlueMotmot]

Okay, dumb question....I purchased some of those neat little plastic round coin protectors for some of my favorite coins, but cannot figure out how to open the little buggers...I have twisted this way and that, pried 'til I chipped a nail and still no luck. What in the world am I doing wrong?

[+slowdownracer]

We feel your pain. Tough little buggers, aren't they.

 

The only thing worse is shrink-wrap on CD's.

 

Sorry I can't help, I avoid them like the plague.

[+FLYRFN]

You're not prying hard enough!

[+TMOCM]

You're not prying hard enough!

So true! Try using a butter knife.

[+intolerable]

The few that we own have required *lots* of prying... imagine you want one half to fly halfway across the room when it finally pops off and if yours are like mine you're *almost* there.

 

That said, now that coins are in them our 4 year old seems to open them like presents on Christmas morning :-|

[+Dr. Whoever]

No matter how ya slice or BANG it, I prefer the vinyl coin flips

[+Shop99er]

I find that a 5-pound sledgehammer works wonders for those hard to open....well, pretty much anything.....

[+teald024]

You're not prying hard enough!

So true! Try using a butter knife.

 

Knife sugestion is good. The sharper the blade, the better. The blade is thinner and will go into the crack better. Dont use the point, use the sharp blade and twist like you are using a can opener.

[+Landsharkz]

Start with a firm tap (smack) on a firm surface. You don't want to break them, just break the seal that seems to form when they've been sitting closed for a while.

[+007BigD]

Start with a firm tap (smack) on a firm surface. You don't want to break them, just break the seal that seems to form when they've been sitting closed for a while.

 

Knife sugestion is good. The sharper the blade, the better. The blade is thinner and will go into the crack better. Dont use the point, use the sharp blade and twist like you are using a can opener.

 

Id say these are your best bets next to the hammer trick ... A smal blade is what I have used and the smack trick seems like it would work good too...never thought of that although I have only got about 4 that have not come seperated.

 

I just use a small knife to work it loose is all...never really had a problem with em.

[+Toojin]

Give it to a child to open. They are the only humans that can open child proof containers.

[+Steinwälzer]

The ones I bought in Germany have a little "hole" on one side where you can slid your fingernail or a knife or something inside and open it. But it seems the ones you bought are different

[+fairyhoney]

Hopefully with You having so much trouble, your coins Should be safe - once you get them in, of course

[+Droo]

If you look closely there are notches on 2 opposing corners.... I've used a small screwdriver.

[+BlueMotmot]

Okay, I don't feel so dumb now, and thanks for making me laugh!!!

 

I think there is a notch - I will try a teeny weeny screwdrive to pop it open.

[+ScoutingWV]

A long time ago when my son was collecting coins someone told me to put them in the freezer. He said it would help to shrink the plastic a bit, just enough to make it easier to open.

 

You could also use a razor knife to pry them open.

 

Never tried the freezer thing ...

 

Hey - is this a cointest?

[+usyoopers]

Okay, I don't feel so dumb now, and thanks for making me laugh!!!

 

I think there is a notch - I will try a teeny weeny screwdrive to pop it open.

 

So how did you do? I got a coin recently in one of those holders and I haven't been able to break in yet!

[+pghlooking]

You're not prying hard enough!

Is that prying or praying hard enough?

 

I usually just break them and put the coins in plastic flips.

[+BlueMotmot]

an itty bitty screwdriver in just the right place worked, but it was still tough. I definitely won't be buying those buggers again!