Alexei Volkov
Plastic diecast cases are a challenge to open, and many people have suffered what is known as wrap rage when attempting to do so. While some Carney display cases have tight-fitting doors, others are impossible to open without damaging the packaging. There are several methods to open plastic packaging, including using tin snips, a rotary can opener, or a knife. It is important to take precautions when using sharp objects to avoid injury.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty opening plastic diecast cases | A common issue, with a specific term "wrap rage" coined to describe the frustration |
| Safety concerns | Many people injure themselves while opening plastic packaging, with 6,000 Americans ending up in the emergency room in 2004 |
| Protective measures | Wear protective gloves, move away from others, avoid holding the item between your legs, cut away from your body, use blunt scissors, open packaging in advance if possible |
| Tools | Tin/aviation snips, can opener, kitchen knife, scissors, box cutters, heavy-duty shears |
| Techniques | Apply acetone to break down glue, use a can opener to cut through plastic, insert a knife between plastic layers, cut around the edges, look for pre-made openings or tabs on the packaging |
| Display cases | Carney display cases are recommended for their quality, dust-proof doors, and versatility in accommodating various model sizes |
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What You'll Learn
Wear protective gloves and move away from others
When handling plastic diecast cases, it is important to wear protective gloves and move away from others to ensure your safety and that of those around you. Here are some detailed reasons and instructions:
Firstly, wearing protective gloves is essential to protect your hands from injuries and hazards. Die casting procedures often involve the use of molten metal and hazardous materials, so gloves act as a barrier, preventing your hands from coming into direct contact with harmful substances. Additionally, gloves can help minimise the transfer of oils, dust, and fingerprints from your hands to the plastic surface of the diecast case. This is especially important for collectors who want to maintain the pristine condition of their diecast models.
Secondly, moving away from others is a precautionary measure to ensure social distancing and create a safe working area. By maintaining a safe distance from others, you reduce the risk of accidentally injuring someone nearby when handling the diecast case. Additionally, in the event of hazardous fumes or particles being released during the procedure, being away from others lessens their exposure to these harmful substances.
It is worth noting that while gloves are an important piece of protective equipment, they should be used in conjunction with other personal protective equipment (PPE). Depending on the specific job site and safety guidelines, this may include items such as masks, safety shoes, goggles or glasses, and respiratory protection. These additional pieces of PPE work together with gloves to provide comprehensive protection for your hands, face, respiratory system, and body.
When choosing gloves for handling plastic diecast cases, there are a few options to consider. Some collectors prefer cotton gloves as they can be washed and reused, although caution should be exercised around sharp fine parts that could cling to the cotton fibres. Silver service gloves are also mentioned as a good quality option, although they may reduce grip. Ultimately, the type of glove chosen should be based on personal preference and the level of protection desired.
In conclusion, wearing protective gloves and moving away from others are crucial steps when handling plastic diecast cases. These measures ensure the safety of both the handler and those nearby, providing protection from injuries, hazards, and exposure to harmful substances. By following these instructions and adhering to other relevant safety guidelines, you can confidently engage in the die-casting process while minimising potential risks.
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Use tin or aviation snips to cut through plastic
Tin snips, also known as aviation snips, are a highly versatile tool for cutting through plastic. They are ideal for cutting thin and flexible materials, including plastic, and are a great addition to any toolbox. Tin snips are especially useful for cutting through plastic sheets and "clamshell" packaging. The straight-cut variety can cut both straight lines and moderate curves, making them suitable for a range of projects.
Tin snips are also excellent for cutting other materials such as sheet metal, thick textiles, heavy-duty paper, and wire products. They are a significant upgrade from scissors or pliers when dealing with such materials. The tool was originally developed for cutting aluminium parts in aircraft construction, hence the name "aviation snips".
When using tin snips to cut through plastic, it is important to choose a quality pair that will last for decades. Look for a pair with a rubber-coated handle for a comfortable grip and drop-forged steel jaws for durability and precision. You can also find tin snips with colour-coded handles that indicate the direction of their cut, with red handles designed to cut curves to the left and green handles cutting to the right.
To use tin snips effectively, ensure that you are cutting with the direction of the curve that suits your dominant hand. For right-handed users, green-handled snips will be ideal for cutting curves to the right, while red-handled snips will suit left-handed users or right-handed users cutting curves to the left. With the right pair of tin snips, you will be able to cut through plastic with ease and precision.
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Try a can opener, inserting the package inside and turning
To open a plastic diecast case with a can opener, first put on a pair of protective gloves to shield your hands from any sharp plastic edges. If anyone else is nearby, move away from them to avoid injuring them. Then, take your can opener and insert the bottom edge of the package inside it, as you would normally do to open a can. Ensure that the package is securely held by the can opener before you start turning it. Now, turn the can opener's handle, allowing the sharp wheels to cut through the plastic. Keep turning until you reach the other end of the package.
This method will cut through the plastic without putting your hands at risk of injury. However, it will only cut along one side of the package, so you may need to repeat the process for the remaining edges. Once you've cut along enough edges, you should be able to remove the item from the package. If not, you can use a kitchen knife to carefully cut along the remaining edges, ensuring that the blade is facing away from you.
It's important to note that this method may not always be effective, and there is still a risk of sharp plastic corners that can cause injury. Always stay focused when using sharp tools to open plastic packaging, and keep them away from children.
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![ArtBin 6977AB 12 inch Quick View Deep Base Carrying Case, Portable Art & Craft Organizer with Handle, [1] Plastic Storage Case, Translucent](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41I4jtnSwQL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Insert a knife inside, blade facing away from you, and run along edges
To open a plastic diecast case, you can use a knife. Here's a step-by-step guide for this method:
First, put on a pair of protective gloves to shield your hands from any potential cuts or injuries. Make sure you are in a clear space, away from anyone who might accidentally get hurt.
Next, take a kitchen knife and insert it inside the plastic case, ensuring the blade is facing away from you. This step is crucial for safety reasons, as you want to avoid any accidental cuts. With the knife inside, carefully run the blade along the edges of the plastic case. Apply gentle pressure and guide the knife smoothly along the edges to cut through the plastic.
Continue this process, working your way around the edges of the case. You might need to repeat the cutting motion several times to fully separate the two halves of the plastic case. This method is effective because it allows you to cut through the plastic without risking damage to the item inside or any instruction printouts that may be included.
It is important to stay focused and patient throughout the process, as rigid plastic can cause serious cuts if you lose concentration or become frustrated. Always cut away from your body, and remember that even after opening, there might be some sharp plastic corners left, so proceed with caution.
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Check the back of the package for an opening or slits
When opening a plastic diecast case, it is important to first check the back of the package for any openings or slits. Some manufacturers include these features in response to consumer complaints about the difficulty of opening clamshell packages. These slits or perforations provide a convenient starting point for opening the package without damaging the contents inside. By checking the back of the package first, you can avoid the need for tools that may pose a risk of injury or damage.
It is recommended to carefully inspect the back of the package for any signs of slits or perforations. These openings are usually located on the back or sides of the package and can be identified as small cuts or indentations in the plastic. Sometimes, they may be covered or partially hidden by stickers or other packaging materials, so it is important to carefully feel and examine the entire surface.
If you do find slits or perforations on the back of the package, you can use them as a starting point to gently pull apart the plastic layers. This method is much safer and easier than attempting to cut through the plastic with a knife or scissors. By pulling apart the layers from the back, you can create an opening large enough to remove the contents safely.
In some cases, the slits or perforations may be very small or difficult to locate. It is recommended to use a light source, such as a flashlight, to illuminate the back of the package and make any openings more visible. Additionally, you can try feeling for the slits by running your fingers firmly along the back and sides of the package.
Overall, checking the back of the package for openings or slits is a crucial first step when attempting to open a plastic diecast case. By locating and utilizing these manufacturer-provided openings, you can avoid the need for sharp tools and reduce the risk of injury or damage to the contents inside. This method allows for a safer and more convenient unboxing experience.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to wear protective gloves and ensure that no one is close enough to be injured. You can use tin or aviation snips, a can opener, or scissors with blunt tips. Always cut away from your body.
A kitchen knife can be inserted inside the package with the blade facing away from you. Run the knife along the edges to free the item from the package.
The safest solution is to avoid buying products wrapped in hard plastic cases. However, if you must open one, always stay focused and avoid losing your patience, as this can lead to serious cuts.
Check the back of the package for an opening or slits, perforations, or pop-together tabs that can be pulled apart. If using a sharp object, always cut away from your body and avoid holding the item between your legs.
