Omar Khalid
Plastic pull tabs are used to seal a variety of products, from canned goods to cartons. They are designed to be easy to remove, but many people find them frustrating to open. Some people resort to using tools like knives or spoons to pry them open, while others opt for specialised pull tab openers, which are designed to make the process easier. Despite the challenges, pull tabs are widely used for product protection, especially in the food and beverage industry, as they offer excellent protection from moisture and contamination.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Intended Use | Lift to 90 degrees, then pull in the same direction as the tab seam |
| Common Issues | Tabs rip or do not come off cleanly |
| Solutions | Stab through the top of the plastic to make a hole, use a can opener or cut the whole thing off with a knife |
| Alternative Uses | MOCAP manufactures vinyl pull tab caps for product protection from moisture and contaminants |
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What You'll Learn
Using a knife
For smaller packages, you can use the knife to cut along the rims of the package underneath the plastic wrapping. This will create a slit that allows you to fit your finger underneath and tear the plastic off. This method is useful if you want to keep the cardboard or paper packaging underneath intact.
If you are opening a can with a broken pull tab, you can use a butter knife to slide under the tab and turn the knife to lever the tab and open the can. Alternatively, you can push the knife through the back of the tab, using it as a lever to open the can. This method is safer than using sharp objects, as you are not creating a new hole in the can, reducing the risk of metal fragments falling into the contents.
If the tab has completely broken off, you can use the knife to stab through the top of the can and create a hole to access the contents.
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Stabbing through the plastic
If you're struggling to open a plastic pull tab, one method is to stab through the plastic with a sharp object. This can be done with a knife, scissors, or even a sword, as some frustrated individuals on Reddit have suggested!
While this method may be effective, it is important to exercise caution to avoid injury. Stabbing through the plastic with a knife, for example, carries the risk of stabbing oneself in the hand or accidentally digging a hole in the container. It is also worth noting that this method may not be suitable for all types of packaging, as some containers have thicker plastic that may be more challenging to penetrate.
To reduce the risk of injury, some people recommend using a butter knife or flathead screwdriver instead of a sharp knife. A quick downward thump with a butter knife, for instance, can create an opening, followed by some prying to fully remove the seal. Similarly, a flathead screwdriver can be used to pry open the seal after an initial puncture.
For those with limited hand strength or mobility issues, a battery-powered can opener or manual can opener with a side blade can be useful. These tools are designed to cut through the side of a can or plastic container, providing an alternative to stabbing through the top.
While stabbing through the plastic may not be the most elegant solution, it can be a last resort when all else fails and you need to access the contents of the container.
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Using a can opener
If your plastic pull tab is broken, you can use a can opener to open the can. There are a few different ways to do this, depending on the type of can opener you have.
If you have a modern can opener, place the flat rectangular end of the can opener against the normal opening of the can and pry it open. Alternatively, you can place the pointy end of the can opener against another part of the lid and pry a new hole in the lid to drink from. If you have a P-38 can opener, which is a small and portable can opener, you can also use this to open your can.
If you do not have a can opener, there are other tools you can use to open your can. One way is to use your nails to pierce the white bit with the barcode on it. However, doing this will cause the can to explode, so be sure to make a large hole. You can also use pliers to grab what is left of the tab and pull upwards to open the can. Another option is to use a sturdy, blunt object, such as a spoon, and place it on the tab. Apply force, and the tab should fall in, giving you access to the contents of the can.
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Twisting the tab
Plastic Packaging
Some plastic packaging, especially medication, can be challenging to open due to child-safety features. A recommended approach is to use a thumbtack, which can be inserted into the plastic by twisting it while applying pressure. This creates an opening mechanism. To maintain even pressure, it is suggested to use three thumbtacks, spaced evenly around the edge, and then push the plastic down onto them. Alternatively, a hobby knife can be used to shave the tab off. It is important to cut away from yourself and brace your arms against a table for stability.
Plastic Pens
Plastic twist pens often have a mechanism where twisting the pen extends or retracts the writing tip. However, to refill the ink, a different approach is needed. Instead of twisting, grasp each end of the pen firmly and pull the halves apart. This will expose the inner components, allowing access for refilling.
Plastic Bottles
For those with arthritis or weak hands, twisting the tab of a plastic bottle can be challenging. Special bottle openers are available that grip the lid and facilitate opening with minimal effort. These openers are designed to reduce stress on fragile hand joints and ligaments. They are particularly useful for various plastic bottle sizes and pull-tab food and soup cans.
Pull-Tab Cans
While not specifically twisting, pull-tab cans can be opened by twisting and leveraging the tab. One method involves placing the can on a counter with the tab towards you and prying up the tab with a spoon. Then, insert one handle of a metal garlic crusher, using it as a lever to open the can. Alternatively, you can use a long-handled utensil from your kitchen drawer to act as a lever for the tab.
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Lifting and pulling the tab
- Start by locating the pull tab on the plastic packaging. It is usually a small, protruding piece of plastic or a loop that is attached to the packaging.
- Grip the tab firmly between your thumb and forefinger. It is important to ensure that you have a good grip on the tab to avoid slipping or tearing it accidentally.
- Lift the tab to a 90-degree angle. This means that the tab should be perpendicular to the surface of the packaging.
- While maintaining your grip, pull the tab in the same direction as the seam of the packaging. Pull with a steady and firm force, but be careful not to pull too aggressively to avoid tearing the tab or the packaging.
- If the tab does not come off easily, slowly twist it starting at one edge. This can help to release the seal gradually and reduce the risk of tearing.
- Continue pulling the tab until the packaging is open. If you are opening a bottle or container, you may need to pull the tab around the circumference of the opening to fully remove the seal.
It is important to note that some plastic pull tabs are designed to be inexpensive and disposable, and they may not always come off cleanly. If the tab breaks, you can use a knife or pierce the plastic to create a hole and access the contents. Additionally, there are various tools available, such as can openers and tab helpers, that can assist in opening plastic pull tabs if you have difficulty lifting or pulling them.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic pull tabs are meant to be lifted to a 90-degree angle and then pulled in the same direction as the tab seam.
If the pull tab breaks, you can use a knife to cut it off or stab through the top of the plastic to make a hole. You can also use a pull tab can opener, which can be purchased online.
To remove remnants of the seal, slowly twist the tab, starting at one edge.
If the gripping surface won't come off, try lifting the tab to a 90-degree angle. If that doesn't work, you may need to use a knife or another sharp object to cut through the tab.
Some people find that using a spoon to lift the tab helps them to get a better grip and makes the process easier.
