Screw Downs V Toploaders V Magnetics

[WoobieZarz]

Got this from an Email from BGS, thought it might be worth reading from our members.

Two questions that still comes up at almost every card show is what type of holder should I be using for raw cards and are screw downs really that bad?

Yes, screw down holders really are that bad. Hey, I used to love screw downs. The bigger the better. A T206 Cobb in a 1" screw down, now that was impressive. That was also 1988. I've learned a great deal since the 80's and one of the things I've learned is that there are better alternatives to using a screw down. So what is the big deal about a screw down holder? How does it cause damage? A screw down holder works by squeezing a card between two slabs of plastic. The tighter you tighten those screws the tighter the card is squeezed. If that card is in there without a penny sleeve, you will risk SEVERE damage when the card is removed. I have seen a screw down opened and the surface of the card peeled away with the top plastic piece. Autographs are also at risk. A screw down can cause some autographs like the ones on stickers to smear. If a screw down is not tightened or is warped, a card can slip right out the side. I once saw a really nice Mantle card slide right out of a screw down holder and land on the concrete floor of a card show, corner first.

So what do you use? The old tried and true top loader and penny sleeve are still great holders. If you are planning on longer term storage, the top loader and penny sleeve are the way to go. If you are transporting cards or shipping card to be graded, the Card Saver-type or semi-rigid holders and a penny should be your choice. The semi-rigid holder prevents cards from moving inside the holder when being shipped. A card can move inside a top loader causing damage to corners. Semi-rigid holders are just that, semi-rigid. Care in packing cards in semi-rigid holders should be taken as semi-rigid holders can be bent.

What about the single screw or magnet holders? These holders do offer better protection than a screw down but cards can move slightly inside of these holders causing damage to corners and edges. While these holders look great in a display case, they are not the best choice for shipping cards.

 

[wolvesjr34]

So in closing, go the toploader!

I think magnetic holders are the best way to go for display purposes though.

Interesting read Mavs, thanks.

 

[nenjabin]

I like the Magnetic for my Exquisites display But toploader all the way for posting and storage of non-thick and not high end.

 

[hugo]

Youve got me all worried now lol

bout to buy some magnetics and get those autos out of the 4 screw holders

 

[nenjabin]

Youve got me all worried now lol

bout to buy some magnetics and get those autos out of the 4 screw holders

Not positive but I think it's talking the old style screw ones? Cause new ones have a lareg in dent for the card to sit in don't they?

 

[hugo]

Yeh the newer ones are the ones I have and there is an indent in them

only a slight one though

 

[nenjabin]

Yeh the newer ones are the ones I have and there is an indent in them

only a slight one though

Hmm well depends on card thickness! If it doesn't close on top of the card (ie: not touching the card) I don;t put that card in that holder! Would be same with Magnetic.

 

[AndrewG23]

i have one of my cards in a indented 4 screw down holder, but its in a penny sleeve as well. you can never be too sure.

 

[geelongfan]

i actually have my best cards in screwdowns. despite what people say i think they are the best holders for thicker cards

 

[WoobieZarz]

Personal preference, I'd NEVER put thicker cards from my PC in anything OTHER than a Magnetic 1-Touch.

Especially damn toploaders.

I'm only using those for Base/common cards.

 

[Ersk]

The screwdown the article is talking about is the NON-RECESSED screwdowns. So the cards are sandwiched between 2 pieces of hard plastic with 4 screws. It is as though you have two pieces of clear plastic and you just squeeze them thight so the card does not move. You can imagine the printed surface will stick to the plastic.

It is probably not one that most of you guys see often.

Most of you guys will probably have the recessed screwdowns.

I know I have only ever had one of those particular screwdowns in my entire collecting life.............over 15 years................so you can tell they were not that popluar here in Australia. The ones I bought at shops always had a recess. Never actually found one that was not.

SO it should not be so much of a problem for many of us.

BUT BUT BUT..........................with the recessed holders, make sure you use the right one. If the card is too thick for the holder, then you will cause the same damage as what I am talking about above.