Sofia Martinez
Plastic film canisters can be tricky to open without damaging them. Some methods include using a flat pry tool to lift the latch and swing the cassette open, or removing the label and pulling the spool to separate the two halves of the cassette. Other techniques involve using a bottle opener to pry off the bottom or a butter knife to prize it open.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools | Bottle opener, flat pry tool, negative puller, film picker, butter knife, Flic Pic |
| Techniques | Pry off the bottom, pull the spool, lift the latch, cut the label, push a pin into all four sites |
| Concerns | Breaking the canister, longevity of the snap-together style, light exposure |
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What You'll Learn
Pry it open with a flat tool
To open a plastic film canister, you'll need to be in a dark room or use special lighting to avoid exposing the film. Turn the film canister so the flat bottom is facing up. This is the lid of the canister and will need to be pried open.
Using a flat tool, such as a bottle opener, a Swiss army knife, or a butter knife, angle the tool so that it is just below the edge of the lid. You can also use your fingers if you don't have a flat tool. Gently pry up until the lid pops off. It might be tough to find the edge of the canister in the dark, so take your time and feel around until you're able to catch the edge with your tool.
If you're using a reusable canister, be careful not to damage the lid when prying it open. You can also try using a plastic film puller to retrieve the film without destroying the canister. Once you've removed the film, remember to only touch the edges to avoid ruining the pictures. Place the film in a development tank to develop your photos.
Opening a film canister is not difficult, but it requires caution to avoid damaging the film or the canister. With the right tools and techniques, you can successfully pry open the canister and access the film inside.
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Use a bottle opener
Opening a plastic film canister with a bottle opener is a classic trick. It might be tough to find the canister edge in the dark, but you can feel around to catch the edge of the lid with the notch on the bottle opener. A Swiss army knife bottle opener, a plastic bottle opener with a metal tab, or an old-time steel beer can church key can be used for this purpose.
Place the film canister on a counter, knob side up. Hook the stud on the bottom of the bottle opener onto the edge of the lid and pry it up until it comes off. You can also use the bottle opener to tuck the notch under the ridge of the canister and pull it back until the canister opens up.
If you are using a refillable film canister, you may need to coax the lid open in four or five actions, spread around the periphery of the 'flat' end of the cassette. Trying to get it open in one movement might be a bit optimistic.
After opening the canister, simply turn it and let the film fall out into your other hand. You might have to give it a little shake or pull to get it out. Remember to only touch the edges of the film when you take it out, or you could ruin the pictures.
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Pull the spool
Pulling the spool is a common method for opening a plastic film canister. This method is especially useful if you want to reuse the canister.
First, you will need to purchase a Flic Pic™ or a similar tool. These tools have flaps with tiny teeth that pry the canister open just enough to allow the cassette to come apart. You will need to completely remove the label from the canister, as some canisters use thick plastic labels to hold the two halves together.
Once the label is removed, insert the Flic Pic™ into the canister. Pull the spool towards you, and the canister should separate into two halves. One half of the cassette will remain in the Flic Pic™, while the other half and the spool will come out.
If you do not have access to a Flic Pic™ or a similar tool, you can try using a flat pry tool to lift the "latch" that holds the end of the canister together. You can also try using a butter knife to prize the canister open in a dark bag, although this method may be more difficult.
Another method is to use a film picker or retriever to retrieve the tongue/leader of the film. You can then cut the film off the spool and use the remaining piece of film to tape a bulk roll of film. However, keep in mind that some film pickers may not fit fully into the slot.
When pulling the spool, be careful not to apply too much force, as this can cause the film to get off track. It is also important to work in a dark room to avoid ruining your photos.
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Remove the label
Removing a label from a plastic film canister can be a tricky task, but it is possible with a few simple techniques and household products. Here are some detailed, step-by-step instructions to help you remove the label from your plastic film canister effectively:
Using Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer is an effective and inexpensive way to remove labels from plastic surfaces. Simply pour or apply hand sanitizer directly onto the label and rub it around. After a few seconds, you can scrape off the label with your fingernail or a plastic scraper. If there is any remaining residue, repeat the process or use a straight edge, such as a credit card, to remove it. Hand sanitizer works well due to the presence of rubbing alcohol, which breaks down adhesives.
Soaking in Soapy Water
Soaking the plastic film canister in warm soapy water is another option for removing the label. Fill your sink or a large container with warm water and add a generous amount of dish soap. Submerge the canister in the soapy water and let it soak for several minutes or longer, depending on the stubbornness of the label. You can also use a sponge or cloth soaked in warm soapy water to wipe down the label and help loosen the adhesive. After soaking, you should be able to peel or scrape off the label.
Using Adhesive Removers
For more stubborn labels, you may need to use a specialty adhesive or label remover, such as Goo Gone, Turtle Wax Sticker Remover, or WD-40. Apply the product to the label with a rag or paper towel and let it sit for 15 minutes to break down the adhesive. Then, peel off the label and clean any remaining residue with soap and water. These products are effective on plastic surfaces and will help remove both the label and any sticky residue.
Other Methods
There are several other household products that can be used to remove labels from plastic. These include:
- Cooking oil: Apply directly to the label and let it soak for 10-15 minutes before peeling or scraping the label off.
- Vinegar: Soak the label in white vinegar for 15 minutes or heat the vinegar for better results. Then, peel away the label and clean any leftover residue.
- Peanut butter: Cover the label with a thin layer of peanut butter, as the oils help break down adhesives.
- Hair dryer: If other methods fail, using a hair dryer to heat up the label can help loosen the adhesive, making it easier to peel off.
Remember to always be cautious when using sharp objects like blades or razors to scrape off labels or residue, as you don't want to scratch or damage the plastic surface of your canister. With patience and the right techniques, you should be able to successfully remove the label from your plastic film canister.
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Use a film picker
If you have a film picker, you can try to retrieve the tongue/leader of the film and cut the film off the spool. You can then use the remaining piece of film to tape a bulk roll of film. However, some users have reported difficulties in getting the film picker "tongue" to fit fully into the slot.
One alternative is the Flic Pic, which has tiny teeth that pry the flaps of the film canister just enough to allow it to come apart. You must remove the label from the film canister first, as some film canisters use a thick plastic label that holds the two halves together.
Another option is to use a flat pry tool to lift the "latch" that holds the end of the film canister together, then swing the cassette open.
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Frequently asked questions
It is possible to open a plastic film canister without breaking it by using a flat pry tool to lift the latch that holds the end together, and then swinging the cassette open.
You can also use a bottle opener to pry open the bottom of the canister, or a butter knife to prize it open.
Yes, Flic Film created a tool called the "Flic Pick", a jig that pushed a pin into all four sites needed to pry the cassette open. However, the tool has been discontinued as it was prone to breakage.
If there is a label over the split, it must be peeled or cut away so that the two halves will come open.
