Omar Khalid
Plastic packaging can be incredibly frustrating to open and can even cause serious injuries. In 2004, over 6,000 Americans ended up in the emergency room due to injuries sustained from opening such packaging. This phenomenon has been dubbed wrap rage. Here are some tips and tricks to open plastic packaging without ending up in the emergency room.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety Precautions | Put on protective gloves, move away from others, avoid holding the item between your legs |
| Tools | Tin snips, can opener, knife, scissors, box cutters, heavy-duty shears, aviation snips, rotary can opener, utility knife |
| Techniques | Cut with the tool facing away from your body, use brute force to pull apart, cut along two adjacent sides in an "L" formation, check for pre-made slits or perforations |
| Challenges | Risk of injury, sharp plastic corners, strong and rigid packaging |
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What You'll Learn
Use a can opener
Opening a sealed plastic package can be frustrating and even dangerous. If you want to use a can opener to get the job done, here's how to do it safely and effectively:
First, put on a pair of protective gloves to shield your hands from any sharp plastic edges. Make sure you are in a clear space, away from anyone who could accidentally get hurt. Position the package on a stable surface in front of you, not between your legs.
Now, take your can opener and insert the bottom edge of the package into it, just as you would when opening a can. 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.
At this point, you may be able to remove the item from the package without any further effort. If not, simply repeat the process with the remaining edges. This method should allow you to open the package without damaging its contents or any instruction print-outs.
If you don't have a can opener, you can use other tools like tin snips, scissors, or a knife. However, the can opener method is a great option for safely and efficiently opening those frustrating sealed plastic cases.
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Wear protective gloves
When opening a sealed plastic case, it is important to wear protective gloves to shield your hands from any potential harm. Rigid plastic packaging can cause serious cuts, so it is crucial to take precautions. By wearing protective gloves, you create a barrier between your hands and the sharp plastic, reducing the risk of injury.
There are various types of gloves available, and the right choice depends on the specific task and your comfort. For example, if you are handling hazardous materials like chemicals or hot liquids, you should opt for gloves that offer protection against those specific risks. Chemical-resistant gloves, such as nitrile or neoprene gloves, are ideal for safeguarding against accidental spills or contamination. Leather gloves, like Nomex or thick knit cotton, provide excellent protection against hot surfaces. If you are susceptible to allergies or have sensitive skin, be mindful that some gloves contain latex, which can cause allergic reactions, or processing chemicals that may irritate your skin.
Disposable gloves are also an option, especially if you are handling food or food packaging. These gloves are designed for short-term use and provide effective protection. Poly gloves, for instance, are lightweight and loose-fitting, making them ideal for quick tasks where you need to frequently change gloves, like food preparation. They are not durable, but they are economical. If you require durability, neoprene gloves are a better choice, as they can withstand extended use and protect against acids, chemicals, and other harsh substances.
Regardless of the type of glove you choose, ensure they fit properly. Gloves that are too tight can cause discomfort and affect your grip, while oversized gloves can be cumbersome and impair your work. It is also important to maintain good glove hygiene. Wash your hands before donning gloves and change them regularly, especially when switching tasks or after prolonged use.
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Aviation/tin snips
Aviation snips, also known as tin snips, are a great tool to open sealed plastic packaging. They are designed for cutting thin metal, but they also work on rigid plastic. The compound hinge gives extra leverage, and the blades are not too sharp, making them safer to use than knives or scissors.
When using aviation/tin snips to open a sealed plastic case, it is important to exercise caution. While the blades are not as sharp as those of a knife or scissors, they can still cause injury if used improperly. It is always recommended to wear protective gear, such as safety goggles and gloves, when working with cutting tools.
To begin opening the sealed plastic case, identify the sealed edges of the package. Position the aviation/tin snips at a comfortable angle to start cutting along the sealed edge. Apply gentle pressure to the handles of the snips and slowly work your way along the edge. The compound hinge of the aviation/tin snips will provide you with the necessary leverage to cut through the plastic without needing excessive force.
As you cut, be mindful of your hand placement and keep your fingers clear of the cutting path to prevent any accidental nicks. Take your time and work in small increments to ensure a controlled cut. If the plastic packaging is particularly thick or challenging to cut, you can make multiple passes with the aviation/tin snips, gradually working your way through the material.
By following these steps and using aviation/tin snips, you can safely and effectively open a sealed plastic case without resorting to sharp knives or scissors, reducing the risk of injury to yourself and damage to the contents inside the packaging.
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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)
Check for pre-made openings
If you do need to use a sharp tool, such as a knife or scissors, always cut away from your body and choose tools with blunt tips to minimize the risk of injury. It is also recommended to wear protective gloves when handling sharp objects. Remember to stay focused on the task at hand and avoid trying to open the package while distracted, as this could increase the risk of accidental cuts.
Additionally, consider the use of alternative tools such as tin snips or aviation snips, which are designed for cutting thin metal but also work on rigid plastic. The compound hinge provides extra leverage, and the blades are typically not too sharp, making them safer to use. Another option is to use a can opener, which can be inserted into the bottom edge of the package and turned until you reach the other end. This method may allow you to remove the item without further effort, or you may need to repeat the process with the remaining edges.
While it may be tempting to force the package open with your hands, this can be frustrating and damaging to your nails. Instead, look for pre-made openings or use the appropriate tools to safely and effectively open the sealed plastic case. Remember to always prioritize safety and avoid using excessive force, which can lead to injuries or damage to the product inside.
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Use a knife
Using a knife to open a sealed plastic case is a common approach, but it is important to exercise caution as it can be dangerous. Before you begin, put on a pair of protective gloves to shield your hands from any sharp plastic edges. Ensure you are also away from others to avoid accidentally injuring them.
If you are using a craft knife, box knife, or box cutter, be aware that these tools can be dangerous, especially when dealing with tough plastic. The plastic may quickly dull the blade, and applying excessive force increases the risk of the knife slipping and losing control. Therefore, it is recommended to use a sharp knife, as a dull blade will require more force to cut through the plastic.
When using a knife, always cut away from your body. One method is to insert the knife between the two layers of plastic and cut all the way around, keeping the blade inside the package and pointing towards the centre. This approach is safer than stabbing through the plastic and trying to wedge the knife tip between the layers.
After you are done, remember to clean up and recycle any sharp plastic edges that you may have created. Also, ensure you appropriately stow away your knife or cutting tool, especially if there are children around.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you wear protective gloves and ensure that no one is close enough to be accidentally injured. You can use a can opener, aviation or tin snips, or a knife to cut through the plastic. However, always cut away from your body and be cautious of sharp plastic corners.
There is no one "best" way to open a sealed plastic case. You can use a can opener, aviation or tin snips, scissors, or a knife. However, be cautious when using sharp objects, as they can lead to severe cuts and scrapes on your hands.
Before attempting to open the package, check the back and sides for slits, perforations, or pop-together tabs that can be pulled apart. If you're using a knife, run it along two adjacent sides in an "L" formation, avoiding the sealed edge.
Rigid PVC packaging can cause serious cuts, especially if you lose patience or try to open it while distracted. In 2004, over 6,000 Americans ended up in the emergency room due to injuries from opening difficult packaging.
