How to Open a Can Without a Can Opener

Some tools like the can opener are quite handy to have around your home. They make your life easier, especially if you use a lot of canned products. However, it is also easy to misplace a can opener or forget to buy one after a significant move. If you find yourself in such a situation, don’t worry, since there are other ways of opening cans. While these methods are not as simple, they work and will save you a lot of hustle.

Getting a good can opener will guarantee you safe and fast opening. You should consider getting one of these:

The following are six different ways of opening a can without a can opener.

Using a Knife

Now, this is not the safest way of can opening hack, but it is fast and pretty straightforward. If you are not very handy with your knife, then it is possible to injure yourself seriously. It is best to use a relatively small edge, such as a pocket knife, to help you have a better grip. If you are using a small tool, then you want to puncture some holes, the size of the blade all around the can just as you would when using a manual can opener. When done, the flap should pop off.

If you intend to use a larger blade such as a chef’s knife, it may be a bit easier to open if you have a good grip. Place the corner of the edge, the part just before the handle on the can. You should then press it in to puncture the can then work it around the tin. It is easier to do this at an angle, so don’t set the blade straight.

Using a Spoon

If you don’t want to risk a deep cut on yourself, then opening can with a metal spoon is a pretty easy hack. This method requires more patience, so it is not one you should choose if you are in a hurry. You want a spoon with a thin metallic handle since this is the part you will use.

Take the spoon and continuously rub the handle on the can until you perforate it. Repeat this in a different area; then, when you have about three holes, you can make a more significant cut and pop the lid.

Check this too: How to Clean a Can Opener

If the top of the can is quite thick, then this may take you a while, so you may want to perforate the lid using a knife. It is a good idea to now use the spoon handle to avoid any injuries past this point. Turn it along the circumference of the tin.

Opening with a Pair of Scissors

It doesn’t matter whether they are kitchen scissors or regular sewing ones; they all do the job great. However, make sure that the scissors are sharp and durable. Dig in the scissors into a point in the can close to the edge. It would be best if you used some force, so make sure that you’re not holding the can.

Using the perforation, you can then cut through it, which is why the pair needs to be sharp. Always check that you don’t allow any of the metal shavings in your food by wiping them away. The risk of dropping food shavings in your food is why most people opt for a smooth cut electric can opener.

Using a Fork

This method is also not the easiest, but if you have a fork in hand, then it is a good option. Note that it will destroy it, so ensure that what you use is stable and that you may not need it later.

You should dig in one of the prongs into the can until it creates a hole. You can then grab the other prongs on the outside of the tin to work your way around the can hence opening the seal. If this proves difficult, you can use the handle if it is thin and metallic-like in the spoon method.

Flat Pliers

If you are out camping or hunting, then you may have a pair of flat-nose pliers. This is a safer can opener alternative as long as you get a good grip. You will use the tool to cut the outer rim of the can.

Ensure that you cut deep almost to the seal then continue cutting around the circumference. When done, look for a point where the seal is well exposed and use the pliers to pull it up.

Check this too: How Do You Use a Can Opener?

Don’t starve yourself just because you don’t have a can opener, especially if you are camping since there are many can opener tricks that may be helpful. You can even use a somewhat sharp rock to dig into the can but always sanitize any tool that you use.