Do you need to open a can without a can opener? Try these convenient methods that use ordinary household tools (plus a little elbow grease).
Imagine this: You’re cooking dinner and need to open a can of something essential to your recipe. Suddenly, your can opener breaks and the can is left barely opened. How do you open a can without a can opener?
It turns out there are several kitchen “hacks” that can help you open a can without a can opener. These methods will help you in a pinch without a can opener.
Remember: Safety above all
Important safety note: Children should not attempt these methods, and adults should do so with great caution. Metal cans may have sharp edges when trying to open them, and if you are not careful, you can injure yourself. Additionally, be sure to check your food for any small metal fragments after opening it, just in case.
Method 1: Metal spoon
To open a can without a can opener, all you need is a metal spoon. Here are the steps to help you open it:
Step 1: Place the can on a desk.
Step 2: Select a sturdy metal spoon and take hold of the bowl of the spoon – not the handle.
Step 3: Firmly and methodically rub the edge of the spoon back and forth along the rim of the can.
Step 4: Continue to rub until the metal wears down and a small hole forms.
Step 5: Push the spoon into the hole.
Step 6: Pull the edge of the can open with the spoon to expose the top.
Step 7: Continue to press around the perimeter until the lid is completely open.
Remember to be cautious and careful when using this method, as the edges of the can may be sharp.
Method 2: Pliers
For this method, you will need pliers. Here’s what you need to do:
Step 1: Grasp the can between your thumb and forefinger, making sure you hold the can firmly.
Step 2: Pinch the edge of the can with the pliers.
Step 3: Use the pliers to make a full circle around the top of the can, holding the pliers tighter as you go around the can to reduce the chance of injury.
Step 4: When you are 1/4 of the way around the jar, pull the top of the jar firmly.
Method 3: Stone
If you’re going camping and realise you forgot to bring a can opener, don’t worry: you can use what Mother Nature has given you to open a jar without a can opener.
Step 1: Place the jar on concrete or rough stone upside down.
Step 2: Rub the can back and forth in a scraping motion; the friction will eventually eat away at the metal.
Step 3: Stop when you see moisture on the surface or on the lid; if you continue, the lid will break completely and the food will spill out.
Step 4: Open the jar with a penknife or something hard and thin enough to fit between the lid and the edge of the jar.
While it’s nice to know that you can open a jar without a can opener, you’ll have to put in the time and effort. If you don’t currently have a can opener or it’s already outdated, consider buying a new one to save yourself the hassle.
