Tips on safekeeping cards

[jimmyj]

Hi,

I am relatively new to the hobby, as I only started collecting about 6 months back... I am looking for some tips on storing cards such as

- Info regarding the different thickness of the stock of the card and how to tell which is which and what toploaders to buy... I.e. what is the difference between 75 pt and 100 pt and 130 pt etc?

- How do the one touch one touch loaders work... do you protect the card with a sleeve before placing it in the holder?

- I have 2 high quality cards that i would like to get graded - is there any tips on how to package and send the card? What is the most reliable grading agency and what turn around time am I looking at?

- Do people collect base cards at all? I've been mostly discarding them but maybe that is not so wise

any other tips would be appreciated. Thanks for your help everyone!!

[VanekSnipes]

Most autograph and insert thickness cards will be fine in a 35 pt magnetic, thicker cards including patch and GU cards, usually fit in a 100 pt. Some cards will need 130 pt, gotta try it to get a feel. Usually its ok if the case is one size large, because the corners are still untouched, as you will see in the case themselves that they do not physically touch the corners at all. One touch cases are not made to have a penny sleeve used first, but if it fits you can. Base cards can be desirable in team, year, set, or player lots. Save your base because even they become cool and sought after as they age!

[bojohnson]

im new too, but heres what i know

i placed a bobby or phil esposito auto in a 130pt one touch...DO NOT DO THAT
ask around first, cause it bent the card as 130pt is for thick patches, 30pt is for your standard card.

people collect base, i love collecting base, and you should keep them.

you do not put a penny sleeve over it you just put it in the one touch magnet case.

penny sleeve then toploader works too.