The Energon Pub

For the Gen/Universe/Classics carded packages, how can I open them without tearing them all to heck?

Either use an X-acto, or resign yourself to ripping the package to shreds.

Using a sharp knife close to the cardboard works well.

This is a form of science to me, such is my OCD!

First, use an exacto knife to score along the points where the bubble is stuck to the cardboard backer. I generally leave the top edge un-scored so that the bubble hinges upwards rather than falling completely off. The scoring will prevent the top layer of backer from ripping upwards in random directions when you remove the bubble.

Secondly, gently cut the scotch tape holding the wrap-around flaps to the back of the card. Cut any scotch tape that is along the edges of the package. Next, using your thumbnails, gently separate the bubble from the backer at the BOTTOM of the package, opening it only enough so that you can get your index finger in there.

Now, with finger in package, place said finger on point where bubble meets the backer and carefully pull up the bubble at that point. Your finger will hold down the top layer of backer so that it does not peel up with the bubble. Repeat on the other unopened sides.

Now that you have liberated the inner tray, use wire snippers to remove annoying twist ties, being extremely careful not to bite into any plastic in you haste.

You have now freed your figure while maintaining package integrity.

Does the chainsaw method not work?

I really never cared for keeping the packaging intact for anything I can get domestically, save for ones that have interesting/odd character bios. I do keep henkei packaging though, and it's a relatively simple task of taking a sharp knife through the tape on the back that holds the bubble on the card.

Shadowstream wrote:Does the chainsaw method not work?

I really never cared for keeping the packaging intact for anything I can get domestically, save for ones that have interesting/odd character bios. I do keep henkei packaging though, and it's a relatively simple task of taking a sharp knife through the tape on the back that holds the bubble on the card.

I feel the figure is never truely complete unless he has the packaging.

I think Cobalt Prime's method is the best way, minimal tearing to the card and the bubble will hinge at the top of the package.

DISCHARGE wrote:I think Cobalt Prime's method is the best way, minimal tearing to the card and the bubble will hinge at the top of the package.

Thank you!

The method has served me well over the years, but has added to the problem of a garage FILLED with 30 gallon trash bags stuffed with pristine empty toy packages!

Cobalt Prime wrote:

DISCHARGE wrote:I think Cobalt Prime's method is the best way, minimal tearing to the card and the bubble will hinge at the top of the package.

Thank you!

The method has served me well over the years, but has added to the problem of a garage FILLED with 30 gallon trash bags stuffed with pristine empty toy packages!

In the basement for me!

Optimum Supreme wrote:

Cobalt Prime wrote:

DISCHARGE wrote:I think Cobalt Prime's method is the best way, minimal tearing to the card and the bubble will hinge at the top of the package.

Thank you!

The method has served me well over the years, but has added to the problem of a garage FILLED with 30 gallon trash bags stuffed with pristine empty toy packages!

In the basement for me!

Oh no! Not bags. I put mine in boxes or storage totes, so they cannot be crushed to death. Nothing worse than dedicating space to an empty box only to have it get destroyed by something set on it or water damaged

I wish i had a basement to store things in .

Well I (like shadowstream) typically do not keep the packing. TYPICALLY anyway. When it's for a character that I really wanted the box for, I usually avoid messing with the part that sticks to the packaging and just cut the bubble with an exact-o knife as close to the card as I can without scratching it, and leave a hinge at the top. This is probably the simplest and least risky option you can use to avoid tearing, and it's pretty hard to notice.

I've tried tougher methods but they've never worked for me very well.
If you are willing to go the extra mile though, stick with Cobalt Prime's method.

Soak them in a bath tub full of fairly hot water for about a half hour. After, the bubble and any tape should just slide free from the cardboard...easy peasy fo sheezy!

Typically I just slide my finger between the plastic and the cardboard like a letter-opener, being careful not to tear the image off the packaging. But every time I do this I fear that I will slice my finger open on the inner bubble.

I tried the method of cutting it out through the back, to preserve the front for display purposes, but it's tough to remove the inner bubble through the flap I cut.

When I used to collect Jurassic Park toys back in the day, I would only keep the cards, and throw the bubbles away. Easier to store, and when I was 7-10 years old I didn't ever plan on re-packaging them. It's a wonder I even thought to keep the cards at all now that I think about it.