Actually Greg, I am almost serious with my advice. I do use hammers to open airtites. I have no use for them so I obliterate them.
My trusty dusty and rusty pocket knife. I use it to open almost all coin type holders. It's dull enough that every time I slip I don't cut myself but flat enough to open them pesky Airtites.
This sounds like what I was looking for. I will update when i try it. I know everyone cares about me opening air-tites.
There is nothing easier than using a knife of some kind. And it is completely safe for you and the coin. Just hold the Air-Tite between your fingers, placing its edge on a table or counter top. Then place the sharp edge of the knife on the seam and press gently down. Then twist the knife slightly and the seam opens up. I have done this thousands of times and never once did I damage anything. It doesn't even leave any marks on the Air-Tite. It really is so simple it is pathetic.
I use one of these: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Red-Watch-C...986?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a26d093e2 it's a tool used to open watches. Works like a charm, and no sharp or pointy bits to worry about.
When opening air tite make sure the air tite in laid flat on the base side that way, the cover popus open and if done the other way the coin can slide out and fall. Also there is good chance the coin can get stuck in direct fit capsule so you might need apply some heat to pop it out, one of the reasons i prefer the air tite with foam rings...
Yeah, I'm not a fan of direct fit... foam is the way to go. I've actually had a few coins that wouldn't fit in the direct fit's they were supposedly designed for. On a related note, I have a bunch of direct fit holders for sale if anyone is in the market...
Not a fan of direct fit either. Actually had a coin get stuck in one, had a heck of a time getting it out without damaging it. The foam ones also look more professional.
Sheesh....three pages on how to open an airtight? Reminds me of a joke about changing light bulbs.:devil: