How to open a tin or rolled can without a can opener?

In a situation in which you need to open a metal can with canned goods or a glass one with homemade blanks (for example, in nature), but there are no openers, people begin to act in the most unexpected ways. Unfortunately, most of the approaches used lead to damage to the contents of the container or even injury. But practice shows that there are still effective methods. Moreover, they are quite simple, affordable and easily feasible even in the most Spartan conditions. The main thing is that you need to act very carefully so that even the smallest particles of dirt, glass or metal do not mix into the contents of the can.

Cans

Methods of exposure to cans

Contrary to popular belief, the easiest way to open a tin can. It is not necessary to try to flatten it between two stones or to heat it in a fire (oven), hoping that the metal will become more pliable. It is better to use one of the following approaches:

Using a spoon. We set the capacity on a dense, stable surface, hold it with one hand, take a metal spoon in the other (plastic, aluminum, wood and other fragile materials will not work). The tip of the rounded portion of the spoon is placed as close as possible to the side that is on each tin can. The spoon should be positioned so that its convex portion is outside the banks, and was not deployed to its center. Holding the tool, we begin to move it back and forth, as if swinging. Continue until you can completely wipe the thin metal of the lid. Then we shift the spoon and repeat our actions, “cutting out” a new hole in the lid. So we continue to work until a line is formed that allows you to open the container.

With a chef's knife. In this case, you need to place the jar on a flat and stable surface at about the level of the belt. It is strictly forbidden to try to squeeze the container between the legs, so you can seriously cut yourself. The knife blade must be heavy, otherwise it will fail. We take the tool for the part where the blade is attached to the handle, and put the base of the blade (opposite the tip) on a tin can, as close as possible to the side. We begin to press on the device, trying to pierce the metal. After the hole is done, go to the new section, located as close as possible to the first. So we work around the entire circumference of the lid until we can open it.

Tip: Everyone knows that before you open the container, you need to carefully wipe it with a slightly damp cloth in order to clean it. Then it is recommended to process the lid until completely dry. If moisture remains on the metal surface, the tool may slip and cause personal injury.

With a pocket knife. We take the knife in one hand, place it vertically on the lid of the can, with the other hand we hit the hand several times with which we hold the handle. We don’t beat too much, you just need to make a hole. We make such holes around the circumference, placing them as close to each other as possible. After that, it remains only to pick up the lid with the tip of the knife and open the container.

Using a stone or a piece of concrete. The most primitive, but quite effective method. We select a rough stone, press a jar to it from above, begin to rub with a little pressure, moving around the perimeter. We do this until liquid is dripped onto the stone from the container, this will mean that the metal has been rubbed enough. Immediately turn the product over, pick up the lid with a knife or something sharp and try to open it. Given that the material will be thinned, this should not cause problems.

It is strictly forbidden to simply try to cut a tin can with a knife.This will ruin its tip, and metal shavings will surely fall into the food. It is better to do precisely accurate punctures. The approach will take a little longer, but it is safer and more practical.

How can I open cans with home preserves?

Cans with canned food under metal lids can also be opened if desired, even without an opener. Do not try to do it with your teeth or by piercing the material with a knife, it is better to adopt the following methods:

You can take ordinary pliers and try to act on the principle of openers, but you need to work carefully so as not to damage the glass.
A more convenient, faster and less risky way to open cans with your elbow. We install the capacity on a table or other stable surface, it is good if someone keeps it, providing additional fixation. Next, we sharply beat our elbow on the bank, trying to slightly bend the lid. It is not necessary to beat hard, the subject will succumb to the impact without problems. First, it was necessary to beat with an elbow on the surface of steel to understand how to beat in order to get a minimum of unpleasant sensations.

There is another fairly effective way, however, it requires accuracy and takes more time. Turn the container lid down and put it on the table. We take a knife with a sharp end and begin to bend the lid off the glass, while with one hand clicking on the jar. We work carefully, trying not to scratch the glass. We pass along the perimeter or at least to half the circumference. Next, carefully turn the jar over and remove the lid without resistance.

If, when you try to open the can using one of the listed methods, the contents will literally explode and splash out of the container, this will indicate that the product is expired or damaged. It is better not to eat it.