How To Use a Hand Can Opener?

The increasing health concern has led to the discovery of better ways of preserving food. Canned food is an example where food is frozen to help it preserve all its nutrients. It’s even more convenient for campers and travelers since they will only heat the food before eating it.

The challenge comes when you forget to carry a can opener. The cheapest can opener is the manual can opener since the manufacturer only uses few materials. It’s convenient in a place with no electricity since you only require your bare hands. You can easily clean it after use and store it.

People have a challenge when it comes to choosing a suitable can opener. They don’t know how to choose the right one. What should you look for when choosing a can opener? Consider if it can open the cans easily and also its durability. You shouldn’t struggle setting it up or even operating it.

The opener should not fill flimsy but should be comfortable to hold and should be rust-resistant. You should not struggle to maintain the opener and it should fit within your budget.

Check the guide here on how to use a hand can opener.

1. Place the can on a non-slippery flat surface and hold it using one hand. Worry less if there is no flat surface near you since you can grip the can using one hand and suspend it on the air.
2. Grab the can opener and pull its arms outside using both hands until they lock in place. Pick the can opener and fit it to the can.
3. Proper fitting means that the cutting edge should be on the lip. Avoid closing the arms before first aligning the cutting edge and ensuring that serrated wheels hold the can’s rim for stability.
4. Note that you don’t require the arms to be opened when cutting through the lid. So close the arms; hold and press the handles together to allow the cutting edge to perforate the lid.
5. The hissing sound produced is a sign that the cutting edge is puncturing the lid.
6. Keep on cutting the lid all around until it’s almost separated from the can.
7. If cutting using hands seems difficult, it’s time to put the serrated wheel into action. You will achieve this by turning the handle in a clockwise direction while holding the opener’s arms using one hand.
8. The wheel will cause the cutting edge to pierce the can all around.
9. Avoid lifting the lid since the razor-sharp edge can easily cut your fingers. Ply the rid using a knife. You can also remove the lid that accidentally falls in the food using a knife.

Other Types of Hand Can Openers

Note that there are many types of manual hand openers. Among them includes
Standard sized-side can opener

It’s appropriate when dealing with cans without liquid. Unlike the majority of the can opener that cuts from the top, this one cuts from beneath. Fortunately, there are no chances of getting injured since it doesn’t leave the sharp serrated edges.

1. Claw-shaped opener

You can also call it the lever-type opener. It comes with large curved blades to help puncture the lid with ease. Don’t worry about the blade messing the content in the can since the guard in the opener prevents it from penetrating too deep.

Hold the opener in place and puncture the lid using the large sickle-shaped blade. Once the blade penetrates the can, drive it away from you around the lid along the rim. The chances of the lid falling in the content are high if you cut it completely. So, leave a small part of the lid attached to the can. Whether you cut the lid completely and it falls in the container, or you leave the small part attached, never try to lift it using your hands. The opener leaves a sharp lid and edges. So, use a knife when prying or removing the lid off the content.

2. Single wheel opener

Most can openers’ leave behind a dangerous serrated surface that can easily harm you. But the single wheel opener is an exemption since it will leave behind a smooth surface courtesy of its finer grates.

You don’t have to support the can since its magnet supports the can when cutting the lid. Take the opener and place it over the lid. Ensure that the wheel touches the rim. Crank the key to allow it to slice around the edges of the lid. Once it’s almost cut, you can ply open the remaining part without the fear of getting injured.

Conclusion

The portability, affordable price, and versatility of the manual can opener make it popular among many people. Among the factors to consider when buying it includes its functionality, budget, durability, among other factors. The steps above show how to use a hand can opener to open the can easily.

FAQ

1. Do manual can openers rust?

Metals, Food liquid, and dust are the main culprits that cause rust on the manual opener. Note that you are supposed to soak the opener first in the vinegar when washing. If you ignore and form a habit of washing it with plain water after use or not washing it at all, expect it to rust.

2. Types of openers and their benefits

The three main models include manual, electrical, and crown punch. Manual is lightweight, portable, thus ideal for travelers, and is also cheaper. Electrical is convenient for people whose hands are weak and it doesn’t leave sharp edges. Crown punch advantages include sturdy construction, easy to wash, and time-saving.

3. Which is the best opener to buy?

Your choice will depend on how many cans you intend to open per day. Crown punch and electric are better if the cans are for commercial purpose since the two open faster. Manual is okay if you open few bottles.