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4 minutes
If you need to open a can and you do not have a can opener at hand, you could apply some of the methods that we will share with you below.
Is it possible to open a can without a can opener? Yes, it is possible and with elements that you use on a daily basis and that you have at hand.
Although it is true that today many of the cans already come with a ring, this system can also fail. In this case we are going to learn how to open cans when the ring breaks or when the can does not have this system and you do not have a can opener.
Whether you’re at home, on a picnic or in the middle of the field because you went camping, these options can help you.
CAUTION. Remember that you will be handling sharp objects that can hurt you if not used correctly. Pay special attention to avoid accidents.
Open a can with a spoon
One of the ways to open a can without a can opener is with a spoon. To do this, hold the utensil tightly and rests the tip on the inner edge of the can.
Your thumb should rest on the back of the spoon handle. Next, scrape the foil off the can where you should insert the can opener with the edge of your spoon.
As you do this, press lightly and you will notice how the material of the can is yielding little by little. Continue until the can opens and you can place the tip of the spoon inside. Once you were able to insert the spoon, move it back and forth like a lever.
You would have to open the can enough to be able to empty its contents without difficulty. Be careful with the lid of the can and the inner edges because you could hurt yourself.
use a knife
This alternative involves a little more risk because the knife is a sharp element. The sharper it is, the more effective it will be at opening the can.
Make sure you rest it on a flat, stable surface, like a table or counter. Insert the tip of the knife into the indentation of the can.
Now hold tight to the handle of the knife while hitting it with the other hand firmly. Repeat this step until the knife is inserted into the can and the can breaks. This part of the procedure is the most delicate and You must be very careful not to injure yourself.
Once the first hole has been made, repeat the same until you make more holes that will then allow you to open completely.
use a knife
The third way to open a can without a can opener is with a knife. To do this, place it right on the edge of the can that is intended to be opened.
Remember that in that area the can is thinner. Then carefully try to lift the lid and remove it. Ready. Your can is already open.
Resort to the use of pliers
Although it is not the most common alternative method, if you have needle-nose pliers at home, it is an excellent option. As in the previous ones, make sure you place the can on a flat, firm surface.
Take the can with one hand and with the other hand place the pliers on the edge of the can. Stick the tip of the tool in and twist the tool, mimicking the motion you would make with a regular can opener. At the end of the full turn, your can will already be open.
try with scissors
If you use scissors, make sure they are It is made of a resistant material and has a thick tip and well sharpened, so that it does not bend when trying to enter. Stick the scissors in the same place as always until you make a hole. Then cut out the can with the scissors.
Safety warnings when opening a can without a can opener
So far we have reviewed different ways to open a can if we do not have the utensil used for said function. However, we believe it is important to note that you should apply some of these methods as a last resort and when you have already exhausted all the possibilities to get a can opener.
If you tried to open a can and it didn’t work, but the hole was made, don’t consume the contents later. This is because food can be altered and contaminate if they are not removed from the can and properly preserved.
Any of these methods should be performed by adults and never by children, even if they are under the supervision of someone older. We hope you can get out of trouble and open a can if you don’t have a can opener.
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