Ethan Clarke
Plastic packaging can be a challenge to open, and it's not uncommon for people to resort to dangerous methods like ice picks, razor blades, or kitchen knives in an attempt to do so. However, these methods can be unsafe and may cause damage to the product inside. Fortunately, there are safer alternatives available, such as specialised tools designed for opening plastic packaging, including pen cutters and micro-ceramic blades, which can easily cut through the plastic without causing harm to the product within.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools | Ice picks, razor blades, craft knife, box knife, scissors, Zibra, tin snips, serrated kitchen knife, micro-ceramic-blade, pen cutters |
| Difficulties | Dangerous, require a lot of force, risk of hand injury, blades get dull quickly |
| Suggested solutions | Use tools with safer blades, ergonomic handles, and safer blade grinds |
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What You'll Learn
Using scissors
Choose the Right Scissors: Opt for a pair of sturdy scissors with sharp blades. Blunt-tipped scissors are preferable to reduce the risk of injury. Ensure they are made of durable material as plastic packaging, especially clamshell packaging, can be tough to cut through.
Protect Yourself: Before you begin, put on a pair of protective gloves to shield your hands from sharp plastic edges and potential cuts. Make sure you are focused and attentive throughout the process to avoid accidents. It is best to avoid cutting towards your body and to keep a firm grip on the scissors.
Apply Force: Opening plastic packages with scissors may require a significant amount of force, so be prepared to use some muscle power. Clamp the scissors firmly around the sealed edges of the package and apply pressure as you cut. You might need to make multiple cuts along the edges to fully open the package.
Handle Sharp Edges: Once you've cut through the plastic, be cautious of the sharp edges that may remain. Carefully bend and break off these edges to prevent injuries when handling the package or reaching inside. Remember to dispose of the cut plastic pieces responsibly and keep them out of the reach of children.
While scissors can be a viable option, it is worth noting that they may not always be the safest or most efficient method for opening plastic packaging. Other tools, such as specialized package openers or tin snips, might be worth considering for certain types of packaging.
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Slice's micro-ceramic-blade
Plastic packaging can be incredibly frustrating to open, and often dangerous. In 2004, over 6,000 Americans went to the emergency room with injuries resulting from opening difficult packaging.
The Slices micro-ceramic-blade is a small but effective tool for opening plastic packaging. Its shallow blade is capable of cutting through rigid plastic, making it ideal for clamshell packaging and blister packs. The blade is designed so that it will only cut through plastic, so you don't damage the product inside.
To use the micro-ceramic-blade, start by cutting through one side of the package. Then, insert the blade between the two layers of plastic and cut all the way around. This method is much safer than trying to stab through the plastic. Always cut away from your body and on a work surface to avoid accidents.
If you need to make deeper cuts, Slice offers pen cutters with the same micro-ceramic blade. These cutters are available as a manual or auto-retractable option, depending on your needs and safety preferences. The ergonomic handle will also help reduce hand and forearm fatigue.
With the Slices micro-ceramic-blade, you can open frustrating plastic packaging quickly and safely.
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Tin snips
When using tin snips to open plastic packaging, it is important to take precautions to ensure your safety. Put on a pair of protective gloves and ensure that no one is standing close enough to be accidentally injured. Tin snips are designed to cut with minimal force, so you won't need to worry about hand fatigue as you might with scissors.
To open the package, use the tin snips to cut along the edges of the plastic. Avoid cutting across the middle of the package, as you could damage the product inside or cut through important instructions. It is also important to stay focused on the task at hand and avoid distractions, as sharp plastic edges can cause serious cuts.
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Zibra
The Zibra Open It! was designed to open all types of retail packaging. It is a sturdy and safe way to open clamshell packaging with ease. The tool has offset cutting jaws that provide maximum leverage to cut through tough packages quickly and easily. The offset design also keeps your hands at a safe distance from sharp edges when opening packages. The jaws are made of hardened steel, so they can also be used as wire snips.
The Zibra Open It! has received mixed reviews. Some customers have found it very useful for opening plastic packaging and performing everyday tasks. They have also found the integrated screwdriver and retractable utility knife to be handy. However, others have reported issues with the durability of the utility knife, with some mentioning that the cover of the small cutting tool broke immediately and the plastic lock was easy to break.
Overall, the Zibra Open It! is a useful tool for opening plastic packages and performing various tasks. While it has some negative reviews, it can be a safe and effective alternative to using scissors or utility knives, which can be dangerous and tiring.
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Pen cutters
Plastic packaging, especially clamshell packaging, is notoriously difficult to open and can be extremely frustrating. In fact, in 2004, over 6,000 Americans ended up in the emergency room with injuries resulting from opening such packaging!
Using sharp objects like knives, scissors, and blades to open plastic packaging can be dangerous, and often results in injuries. This is where pen cutters come in. Pen cutters are an excellent tool to safely and effectively open plastic packaging, especially clamshell packaging. They feature a micro-ceramic blade with a unique safer blade grind and an ergonomic handle. The Slice range of pen cutters includes the Manual Pen Cutter and the Auto-Retractable Pen Cutter. The exposed blade is tiny but can easily cut through rigid plastic. The blade is shallow enough that it will only cut through the plastic and not damage what's inside. The ergonomic design also helps reduce hand and forearm fatigue.
If you are looking for a safe, effective, and frustration-free way to open plastic packaging, a pen cutter is a great option. They are easy to use and will protect you from sharp edges of sliced packaging.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use a micro-ceramic-blade, a pen cutter, or a Zibra.
These tools are ideal for clamshell packaging and blister packs.
Yes, it is not recommended to use scissors, tin snips, or kitchen knives as they can be dangerous and may damage the product inside.
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