A kitchen filled with cans but lacking a single can opener shouldn't be a mess. On the other hand, it can be a challenge for you to use a substitute tool such as a flat piece of concrete or a spoon. Of course, if you have a can opener, it will all be easier and more fun. However, if you're already upset about having trouble opening the can, you can vent your anger by splitting the can in half with your bare hands.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Opening a Can Without a Can Opener
Step 1. The first way is to rub the can on a rock or concrete surface in an inverted position
Look for a rough concrete or stone surface, then rub the top of the can against a flat, rough rock or concrete surface. Press firmly as you do this.
If the can contains liquid, you can leave it in an upright position. Use the tip of a spoon to scrape the edge of the surface of the can that is sticking to the can lid
Step 2. Keep scrubbing until the area you're rubbing is damp
If the edges of the can start to open and leak a little liquid, return the can to its original position.
Step 3. Squeeze the sides of the can
Place the can on a flat surface and squeeze the sides with both hands. Do this slowly at first, then slowly getting stronger. Do not immediately squeeze hard, because the lid of the can can be thrown and even injure your fingers.
- You can also bang the sides of the can against a hard surface. Although this method is more messy, it can protect your hands from getting hurt.
- Another way is to make a hole and enlarge the hole with a spoon, nail or other tool. Do not use a knife because the knife can slip and hurt your hand.
Method 2 of 3: Using the Can Opener
Step 1. Place the serrated wheel portion of the can opener on the surface of the can lid
Point the wheel at the outer part of the can lid. In some types of can openers, the wheel is designed to be used on the inside surface of the can lid. On the other hand, the wheels are on the outside of the can, and a flat iron will be on the inside.
- If your can opener doesn't have wheels, take a look at these tips.
- With some types of electric can openers, you will need to lift the wheel guard before using it.
Step 2. Grip the can opener lever firmly
If you are using a manual bottle opener, grip the can opener very firmly. You will hear a sound as the wheel cuts through your can.
For an electric can opener, you simply press the On button. Some types can even detect cans and open them automatically
Step 3. The next way is to rotate the can opener
Hold one lever firmly, then turn it with the help of the other hand. This will cause the can opener to move around the rim of the can while cutting the can open.
You may find it more comfortable when the can lid is not fully open so you can use a fork to bend the open portion of the can lid outwards instead of picking up pieces of can that have fallen into the contents of the can
Method 3 of 3: Opening Cans With Your Bare Hands
Step 1. Find the indentation in the center of the large can
Modern cans have some wrinkles and indentations that form a ring in the center of the can. These indentations are actually the weak point of modern cans; the can lid will be easier to break in that section. Tear off the can label first if necessary.
This method will not apply to small cans that do not have circular indentations
Step 2. Press on the indentation to make a hollow
If you have strong hands, you can hold on to each end of the can and press the grooves with your fingers. However, if your hand is not strong enough, place the can on the floor and press it with the base of your palm. Keep pressing until a wide enough hollow is formed. When the width of the basin has approached the width of the can, proceed to the next step.
Step 3. Make a hollow on the other side as well
Rotate the can 180 degrees so that the hollow that was previously made is at the bottom. Repeat the previous steps to create a hollow on this side as well so that you now have two opposite hollows.
Step 4. Press the hollow to make it deeper
Hold the can horizontally, then place your palms on each side. Place the base of your palm on a flat surface, not the center of the can. Bring your hands together so your fingers are crossed, then squeeze the can. Repeat for the other basin.
If this doesn't work, place the flat side of the can on the floor and press it down with your hands or knees
Step 5. Gently tear the can
Now there is a very large depression on each side of the can so that the can is shaped like an hourglass. Hold the can in both the grooves, then bend the two halves by twisting the two halves in opposite directions until the can is divided in half.
Step 6. Throw away the pieces of the can
Since you have torn the center of this can, the small pieces of the can may get mixed into your food. Make sure you remove the pieces of the can before you eat the food or remove the pieces of food that are around the outer walls of the can. It would be better if you transfer the canned food to another container with less sharp edges.
