I know this has been discussed before but I can't find it in the quicksearch. If one accidentally drops a s###l and it's minutely out of round so that it sticks a bit with the insert, what is the proper way to round it out again? I've heard of using BIC lighters on half dollars, an unsharpened pencil, etc. but thought I'd check with those that have had some success. This would be for a solid silver coin so the metal would be relatively soft.

Thanks for the advice. Please PM me if you thing the topic belongs in a more secretive section or you'd prefer not to discuss in open forum

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I use a hammer and tap it all the way around the ['s edge. Just make sure there is a coin nested inside before you begin. I use this method to great success with my expensive coin gaff(s) such as the Triple Threat which, in my experience, is notorious for getting bent out of shape when dropped..

Put a doubled silk inside the shell first to help expand the shell and give you something to pop the coin out with otherwise you might very well end up with a very well nested gaff.

I've rolled a nickel around the inside of the rim, this worked well when I dropped my quarter shell a few months back. I also do the silking as Lithyem recommended every now and then.

Perhaps I've misunderstood Doug's suggestion. Won't tapping the edge of the { cause it fit tighter around the insert, not loosen it up? I'm assuming by edge you mean the side of the coin, not the edge (sharp) of the gaff.

Thanks!

This is what I do as well. Always get the job done.

Agree with Lithyem and Rannie.

Yes.

I've screwed shells up with everything BUT the silk method- you may have to start with a single layer if its really tight, but be careful not to tear the silk in getting the coin out. Lithyem is right that when you can remove the shell with a doubled silk, the fit is then about right

Imagine the coin is flat on the table. If you look at the rim that surrounds the coin, that is what you tap with the hammer. Just make sure there is a coin nested inside. This works to GREAT success as well.

The silk method isn't the only method.