Sofia Martinez
Plastic packaging can be notoriously difficult to open, and the same goes for plastic game cases. Whether it's a DVD case, a Nintendo Game Boy case, or a Wii U game case, there are a variety of methods you can use to open them without damaging the case or injuring yourself.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety precautions | Wear protective gloves. Move away from others before opening. Avoid holding the item between your legs. Cut sharp objects away from your body. Use blunt-tipped scissors. |
| Tools | Tin snips, rotary can opener, kitchen knife, screwdriver, magnets, hairdryer |
| Techniques | Use a can opener to cut through the plastic. Insert a knife with the blade facing away from you and run it along the edges. Use multiple screwdrivers to press down on lock tabs. Slide a screwdriver to the right to unlock the security feature. Use magnets to slide the lock from "locked" to "unlocked". Use a hairdryer on low heat to remove wrinkles. |
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What You'll Learn
Using screwdrivers to press down lock tabs
Lock tabs are small, internal locking mechanisms located along the edge of the DVD case. They are about 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) down from the locking bar. You can access the lock tabs through the small holes on the front and back cases.
To open a DVD case using screwdrivers, you will need to use two or three screwdrivers. First, stick two screwdrivers into both lock tabs near the locking bar. Then, take another screwdriver and poke the red lock icon in the middle of the locking bar. With the screwdriver pressed against the plastic, slide the red lock to the right until it becomes the green unlocked icon. You should hear a click as the DVD case unlocks. Once you have moved the lock icon, you can remove the screwdrivers and open the case.
If you are having trouble using multiple screwdrivers, you can ask a friend for help. Alternatively, you can use magnets instead of screwdrivers to unlock the DVD case. Place a magnet on the left and right of the locking bar, and slide them to the right until the red icon turns green.
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Sliding magnets to the right to unlock internal magnets
To open a DVD case using magnets, you will need two small magnets. Place the first magnet on the left, bottom side of the locking bar. Slide it around until you feel it snap into place—you will know it is in the right spot as the magnet will stick. There is another small, internal magnet inside your case, located immediately to the right of the opening along the edge of the case. Place your second magnet here.
Now, with your index finger, slowly move both magnets at the same time to the right. You will need to drag the internal magnets, moving the DVD case lock from the "'locked'" to the "unlocked" position. You only need to move the magnets about one inch (2.5 cm) to the right. If your magnets do not unlock the case, try again using stronger magnets.
Continue sliding the magnets to the right until the red icon becomes green. There should be a red security icon in the middle of the locking bar. As you slide the magnets, the icon should move. Continue until the icon is firmly in the green "unlocked" position. Once you have moved the lock icon, you can remove the magnets. Then, holding the front case with one hand and the back case with the other, open the DVD case from the locking bar.
If you are unable to unlock the case with magnets, you may need to use a screwdriver or another tool to unlock the case.
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Removing wrinkles from plastic covers with a hairdryer
Plastic items can become wrinkled over time or due to exposure to heat. This can be remedied using a hairdryer, but it is important to be cautious as plastic releases hazardous chemical fumes when heated and the plastic can melt or ignite if overheated. Always wear a mask and work in a ventilated area to lessen exposure to fumes.
To remove wrinkles from plastic covers with a hairdryer, start by washing the plastic item with hot water and a soapy cloth to remove any dirt, stains, or mould. Rinse thoroughly to remove any detergent residue and wipe or air dry. Next, place the plastic item on a flat surface and put something hard and flat under the wrinkled area. Plug in your hairdryer and turn it on to the low heat setting. Hold the hairdryer 5-8 inches away from the plastic and slowly sweep it side to side across the wrinkled area until the plastic softens. Be careful not to overheat the plastic, as this may cause it to melt and create a hole.
Once the plastic is softened, use something flat and smooth to gently press out the wrinkle from the outside. While holding it in place, use your hand to gently pull on either side of the plastic to flatten it. Hold the plastic in this position while it cools down. It may take a few attempts to get the process right, so be patient and careful.
If wrinkles remain after treating the plastic with the hairdryer, you can try using an iron. Fill a steam iron with water and set it to the hot or high setting. Hold the iron 5 inches above the plastic and move it slowly side to side to further soften the plastic and smooth out any remaining wrinkles. Place a cotton cloth over the plastic and iron slowly back and forth across the surface to complete the process.
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Using tin snips or a rotary can opener to cut through plastic
Tin snips and rotary can openers are both effective tools for opening plastic packaging. Tin snips are a type of scissor designed for cutting through metal, and they can easily slice through hard plastic. If you have a pair of tin snips in your toolbox, they are a good option for opening plastic packaging. Simply grasp the plastic package in one hand and use the tin snips to cut through the plastic.
A rotary can opener can also be used to open plastic packaging. Insert the bottom edge of the package inside the rotary can opener, as you would to open a tin can, and turn the handle until you reach the other end of the package. You may then be able to remove the item without further effort. If not, you can repeat the process with the remaining edges of the package.
Both tin snips and rotary can openers are generally safer than using a knife or scissors to open plastic packaging, as they are less likely to cause injury. However, it is still important to take precautions when using these tools. Put on a pair of protective gloves before attempting to open any plastic packaging, and move away from anyone standing nearby. If you are using a rotary can opener, be aware that some models require you to clamp the package between two gears, which can be difficult for individuals with arthritis or limited mobility.
In addition to using tin snips or a rotary can opener, there are other methods for opening plastic packaging. One option is to look for plastic packaging that is designed to be easier to open, such as packages with pull tabs or perforated lines. You can also use a kitchen knife to open plastic packaging, but be sure to cut away from your body and choose a knife with a blunt tip to reduce the risk of injury.
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Lifting the top portion of the case by pushing the bottom tab in
To open a plastic game case, you must first identify the top and bottom of the case. The side with the arrow pointing towards it is the top. Once you have identified the top and bottom, push the bottom tab in the direction of the arrow. You can use your nail to fit into the slot and help push it in. The amount of force required depends on the age of the case; older cases may require more force due to stiffer plastic. After pushing the tab, lift the top portion of the case away from the bottom portion.
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Frequently asked questions
Use a hairdryer on low heat and point it about 5-6 inches away from the case. Slowly heat up the plastic and use something flat to press against the outside of the wrinkle. Pull the top or bottom of the plastic to flatten the wrinkle and hold it in place while it cools.
You can use a screwdriver or a magnet to unlock it. Insert the screwdriver into the small holes on the front and back cases and press down on the lock tabs. Slide the screwdriver to the right to unlock the security feature. Alternatively, you can use magnets by placing them on either side of the locking bar and sliding them to the right until the lock turns green.
Wear protective gloves and ensure no one is close enough to be injured. Avoid holding the item between your legs. If using a sharp object, cut away from your body and choose scissors with blunt tips.
Tin snips, a rotary can opener, or a kitchen knife. Tin snips cut through hard plastic effortlessly.
Push the bottom tab in where the arrow is pointing and lift the top portion. If the case is older, the plastic may be stiffer, so more force may be required.
