Centering Tool Struggles

RobHW · 04-06-2021, 08:33 PM

I purchased a $7 centering tool that overlays the card but it's not doing me much good. It's way easier to just look at the card. I was thinking it would give me some precision but it's a very busy overlays and it's hard to be sure I have it placed over the card correctly. Maybe there's something better? Or I'm just not getting how to use it?

messier2 · 04-06-2021, 08:35 PM

I just use my eyes. It's pretty obvious if a card is OC or not.

SupermanBrandon · 04-06-2021, 09:20 PM

Just use your eyeballs

funkgut · 04-06-2021, 09:52 PM

Bordered cards are easy, it's those non-bordered that give me trouble. For those I look up PSA 10 of the card and compare, but it is not a foolproof way either......

RufussCkingston · 04-06-2021, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobHW

I purchased a $7 centering tool that overlays the card but it's not doing me much good. It's way easier to just look at the card. I was thinking it would give me some precision but it's a very busy overlays and it's hard to be sure I have it placed over the card correctly. Maybe there's something better? Or I'm just not getting how to use it?

I think a lot of the "issues" with this "tool" is that everyone tries to align the four corners and get both top/bottom and left/right measurements at the same time.

If instead you just place the tool in the middle of the card to get the left/right, then adjust it to get top/bottom, it will probably be easier. Just like using a ruler instead.

schultz24 · 04-06-2021, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobHW

I purchased a $7 centering tool that overlays the card but it's not doing me much good. It's way easier to just look at the card. I was thinking it would give me some precision but it's a very busy overlays and it's hard to be sure I have it placed over the card correctly. Maybe there's something better? Or I'm just not getting how to use it?

Wow, that thing looks like a horrible copy of The Original Grademaster.....I hate to see people using such poor quality knock offs of the original. Can I send you a copy of the real one and work with you on the best way to use it. Please PM me. Thanks!

funkgut · 04-06-2021, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by schultz24

Wow, that thing looks like a horrible copy of The Original Grademaster.....I hate to see people using such poor quality knock offs of the original. Can I send you a copy of the real one and work with you on the best way to use it. Please PM me. Thanks!

I would take you up on that as well. I will get my own Grademaster. I have watched multiple videos and still don't get it. I know, I know.....it's not rocket science. I just don't know whether the edge should be ON the border or included inside the border.....drives me nuts no one addresses that.

RufussCkingston · 04-06-2021, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by schultz24

Wow, that thing looks like a horrible copy of The Original Grademaster.....I hate to see people using such poor quality knock offs of the original. Can I send you a copy of the real one and work with you on the best way to use it. Please PM me. Thanks!

Well you get what you pay for. I just took a pic of one off the web and printed it onto a cardsaver. I rarely use it since I don't sub much 10 or bust cards.

rwperu34 · 04-07-2021, 04:55 AM

Another way is to scan the card and count pixels. I did (or do with new cards) to get my bearings. Then I just use my eyeballs.

Gridiron Bob · 04-07-2021, 04:57 AM

I put the tool behind the card, that way makes it easier to see the card.

Cards and 401K · 04-10-2021, 05:09 PM

I use a dark background for white cards, put a 50 cent piece in middle of tool(weight) and then use both a large magnifier/lighted. Gotta really line up corners, Then a picture of card if sending in for grading. I eyeball it 1s t to see if it makes it to the Grader Tool step.

04-06-2021, 08:33 PM	#1
RobHW Member Join Date: Mar 2021 Posts: 10	Centering Tool Struggles I purchased a $7 centering tool that overlays the card but it's not doing me much good. It's way easier to just look at the card. I was thinking it would give me some precision but it's a very busy overlays and it's hard to be sure I have it placed over the card correctly. Maybe there's something better? Or I'm just not getting how to use it?

04-06-2021, 09:52 PM	#4
funkgut Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: virginia Posts: 1,010 nofx1022	Bordered cards are easy, it's those non-bordered that give me trouble. For those I look up PSA 10 of the card and compare, but it is not a foolproof way either...... __________________ Football Bucket: https://funkgut.smugmug.com/Football Baseball Bucket:https://funkgut.smugmug.com/Baseball Hockey Bucket:https://funkgut.smugmug.com/Hockey Basketball Bucket: https://funkgut.smugmug.com/Basketball

04-07-2021, 04:55 AM	#9
rwperu34 Member Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Tempe, AZ Posts: 8,346	Another way is to scan the card and count pixels. I did (or do with new cards) to get my bearings. Then I just use my eyeballs. __________________ Me: Did I win? Gixen: Yes. You won. Now you're broke.

04-07-2021, 04:57 AM	#10
Gridiron Bob Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Left forgotten in your basement Posts: 425	I put the tool behind the card, that way makes it easier to see the card. __________________ Three things to remember about this hobby: 1. It's just cardboard 2. Your collection = your rules 3. Enjoy and cherish what you already have

04-06-2021, 08:35 PM	#2
messier2 Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 15,295	I just use my eyes. It's pretty obvious if a card is OC or not.

04-06-2021, 09:20 PM	#3
SupermanBrandon Banned Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: TN Posts: 15,843	Just use your eyeballs

04-10-2021, 05:09 PM	#11
Cards and 401K Member Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 3,566	I use a dark background for white cards, put a 50 cent piece in middle of tool(weight) and then use both a large magnifier/lighted. Gotta really line up corners, Then a picture of card if sending in for grading. I eyeball it 1s t to see if it makes it to the Grader Tool step.