Ethan Clarke
Plastic packaging can be a nightmare to open, and it's easy to cut yourself in the process. The frustration of opening hard plastic cases has even been dubbed wrap rage. But there are ways to open plastic packaging without damaging yourself or your product. Tin snips, a manual can opener, or a utility knife are all good options for opening plastic packaging. If you're using a knife or scissors, make sure to cut away from your body and to work on a surface that won't be damaged by blades.
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What You'll Learn
Using a manual can opener
To start, ensure that your can opener is clean. This is important for hygiene, especially if you are opening packaging for food items. Next, locate the sealed edge of the package. This is usually the longer side of the package, where the two layers of plastic are sealed together. Clamp the cutting wheel of the can opener onto the edge of the packaging, just inside the seal. This will help you create a clean cut along the sealed edge.
Now, turn the handle of the can opener. As you do this, the cutting wheel will roll along the straight edge, cutting through the plastic. Keep turning the handle until you reach the end of the package. You may need to apply a little pressure to ensure the wheel rolls smoothly along the edge. In just a few seconds, you will have cut through the entire edge.
Once you have cut through one side, you can easily pull open the package. The air will get into the space, and you can simply pry it open with your hands. You can now safely remove your item from the package. Remember to always be cautious of any sharp plastic edges and corners, and dispose of the plastic packaging responsibly by recycling it.
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Tin snips or aviation snips
Tin snips, also known as aviation snips, metal shears, or compound snips, are an effective tool for opening moulded plastic packaging. They are designed to cut thin and flexible materials, including plastic, and can be particularly useful for tackling rigid plastic clamshell packaging.
Tin snips feature a compound hinge, which provides extra leverage when cutting. This design makes it easier to apply force and cut through the plastic. Additionally, the blades of tin snips are not overly sharp, reducing the risk of injury during use. This feature sets them apart from other cutting tools, such as knives or scissors, which can be dangerous if not handled properly.
When using tin snips to open moulded plastic packaging, it is important to follow a few key steps. First, identify the type of cut you need to make. Tin snips are typically designed to cut straight lines, but they can also handle left and right curves. The direction of the cut is indicated by the colour of the handles: red handles cut left, yellow handles cut straight or both left and right, and green handles cut right. Choose the appropriate tin snips based on the direction you need to cut.
To use the tin snips effectively, position them at the edge of the plastic packaging and apply pressure as you cut along the desired line. The compound action of the tin snips will facilitate the cutting process, making it easier to cut through the plastic with minimal force. Continue cutting along the edge or curve until you have created an opening in the packaging.
Tin snips are a safe and efficient option for opening moulded plastic packaging. They provide a good balance between cutting capability and safety, thanks to their design and leverage mechanism. By following the colour-coded directions and applying steady pressure, you can effectively open the challenging plastic packaging without risking injury to yourself or damage to the product inside.
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![CANARY Box Opener Safe Mini Cutter 5" [No Blade], Non Sharp Extra Safety Package Opener Tool, Blue, Made in JAPAN](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41Pa6QdRo4L._AC_UL320_.jpg)
A utility knife
To open a plastic bag, use a utility knife to cut along the seam of the bag, avoiding jerky movements. Try to cut as close to the seal as possible to avoid accidentally ripping the bag. If you are dealing with zip ties, press the blade of the utility knife flat against the strap and allow it to slowly cut through.
When tackling heavy-duty plastic packaging, a utility knife can be used to score through the top layer of plastic around the perimeter of the package. This will help to free the top plastic layer from the bound edge, making it easier to access the product. Always use a utility knife on a work surface to avoid damaging your tabletop or cutting yourself by accident.
It is important to prioritise safety when using a utility knife. Do not mishandle the knife, pull it towards your body, or use it while sitting with the product on your lap. Additionally, always cut away from your body and be cautious when using sharp objects to avoid injury. Remember to recycle the sharp plastic package rims that you have cut off, and stow your utility knife appropriately when you are finished.
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Scissors
To open a plastic bag, cut as close to the seal as possible to avoid accidentally ripping the bag. Cut carefully along the seam, avoiding jerky movements, which could damage the contents inside. If you are opening a clamshell package, cut along the edges, being careful not to damage the contents inside. Do not cut across the middle of the package, as you could cut through the instructions or the product itself. Instead, cut around the perimeter of the package. If you are right-handed, start on the right side, and if you are left-handed, start on the left.
It is important to be cautious when using scissors to open plastic packaging, as it can be dangerous. Make sure to protect yourself by wearing proper gloves or using a cutting board. Scissors can leave sharp plastic edges, so be careful not to cut yourself on them. Always be cautious when using your hands to open plastic packaging, especially if it contains sharp edges or potentially hazardous materials.
While scissors can be used to open plastic packaging, there are other tools that may be more effective and safer, such as a utility knife, can opener, or aviation snips. These tools may require less force and leave fewer sharp edges.
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Slice's safety tools
Opening molded plastic packaging can be a frustrating and dangerous task. Rigid PVC packaging is capable of causing serious cuts, and the sharp plastic corners that most methods leave behind can be hazardous.
Slice offers a range of safety tools that can help you easily cut through molded plastic packaging without putting yourself at risk of injury. The Safety Cutter and Precision Cutter feature micro-ceramic blades with a specialty grind, making them extremely safe and effective for cutting through rigid plastic. The small blade size ensures that it only cuts through the plastic, preventing any damage to the product inside. These tools are also ergonomic, reducing hand and forearm fatigue.
Slice's line of pen cutters, including the Manual Pen Cutter and Auto-Retractable Pen Cutter, are another great option for safely opening molded plastic packaging. These cutters are available in different sizes, such as the Mini Cutter, to accommodate various package sizes. The ergonomic handle design of the pen cutters further enhances safety and comfort during use.
In addition to the Safety Cutter and pen cutters, Slice also offers the Slice Safety Knife. This knife features a unique safer blade grind, making it ideal for cutting through plastic packaging without worrying about damaging the contents.
With Slice's safety tools, you can confidently tackle the challenge of opening molded plastic packaging without endangering yourself or your products. These tools are designed to reduce the frustration and danger associated with traditional cutting methods, providing a safer and more efficient solution.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use a manual can opener, scissors, aviation/tin snips, a utility knife, or a micro-ceramic-blade tool.
Insert the bottom edge of the package inside a rotary can opener, as you would normally do to open a can, and turn the can opener until you reach the other end of the package.
Always wear protective gloves and ensure that no one is standing close enough to be accidentally injured. Additionally, do not hold the item between your legs for stabilization and cut away from your body.
