Alexei Volkov
Plastic packaging is designed to protect items from damage and contamination, but it can be frustratingly difficult to open. This type of packaging is often rigid and sealed shut, making it hard to access the product inside without damaging the packaging or hurting yourself. Fortunately, there are several tools and techniques to help you open these packages safely and efficiently.
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What You'll Learn
Check for opening tabs or slits
Plastic packaging can be challenging to open, especially when it is tightly sealed or taped. Before attempting to open the package with a sharp object, it is important to check for any opening tabs or slits. These can often be found on the back or sides of the package and are included by manufacturers to make the process of opening the package easier for consumers. Inspect the package carefully for any marked lines, icons, or subtle cuts that indicate the intended opening area. These markers will guide you in the right direction for opening the package safely and effectively.
If you are unable to locate any visible tabs or slits, don't worry. There are still other options available to you. You can try opening the package from the ends or sides by gently but firmly gripping the sealed areas and pulling along the edge to create leverage. This technique is particularly useful for clamshell packages or those with extra tall cake boxes. By applying pressure and leveraging the sealed areas, you can often find a weak point in the packaging that allows for easier opening.
In some cases, plastic packaging may have perforations or small cuts along the edges. These are designed to make the opening process more manageable. If you identify these features, start by gently tearing them open with your fingers. This approach helps to avoid the use of sharp objects and reduces the risk of accidental cuts or damage to the contents inside. It is important to work slowly and carefully when using this method, as rushing may lead to unwanted tears or damage to the package or its contents.
While it may be tempting to reach for scissors or a knife to open the package, it is worth noting that these tools can leave sharp edges and increase the risk of injury. Additionally, using sharp objects on plastic packaging can dull the blades of your scissors or knives over time. Therefore, it is recommended to first explore the possibility of opening the package using tabs, slits, or perforations designed for this purpose. This approach not only ensures your safety but also helps maintain the condition of your tools and the packaging itself.
Overall, when faced with a challenging plastic package, remember to stay patient and inspect the package thoroughly for any opening tabs, slits, or markers that indicate the intended opening area. By following these guidelines, you can effectively open the package while minimizing the risk of injury and damage to the contents. Remember to prioritize safety and always be cautious when handling sharp objects. With a careful approach, you can successfully open even the most stubborn plastic packaging.
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Use a manual can opener
Plastic packaging, especially the clamshell variety, is notoriously difficult to open. The frustration associated with opening such packaging has even earned its own term: "wrap rage".
A manual can opener can be used to open these kinds of packages. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Use the can opener to bite down on the outer edge of the package, allowing the blade to rotate and slice through the plastic layers.
- Continue cutting through the plastic until you have cut through three sides of the package.
- Pry open the package and remove your item.
It is important to note that, even when using a can opener, you should still exercise caution when handling sharp plastic corners. Always put safety first and consider wearing protective gloves when opening these packages.
In addition to can openers, there are other tools that can be used to open plastic packaging, such as tin snips, aviation snips, and specialised safety cutters.
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Aviation snips or tin snips
Those frustrating, oversized, rigid plastic packages can be a nightmare to open. Aviation snips, also known as tin snips, are a great option for opening these packages. They are designed for cutting thin metal but work well on rigid plastic too. The compound hinge gives extra leverage, and the blades are not too sharp, reducing the risk of injury.
To open the package, first check the back and sides for any slits, perforations, or pop-together tabs that could be used as a starting point. Then, use the aviation snips to cut through the plastic. Cut carefully along the edges of the package until it opens. Be cautious of sharp plastic corners, as they can cause serious cuts. Always put away your aviation snips after use, especially if there are children around.
Aviation snips are a versatile tool that can also be used for cutting thick plastic, PVC, vinyl siding, wire mesh, and more. They are a great addition to any DIYer's toolbox, making easy work of frustrating packaging and other materials.
It is important to note that there are other tools specifically designed for opening plastic packages, such as the Slice Safety Cutter and Slice Manual Pen Cutter. These tools feature micro-ceramic blades that easily cut through rigid plastic while reducing hand and forearm fatigue. However, aviation snips provide a good alternative for those who may already have them in their toolbox.
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Scissors or a utility knife
Using scissors or a utility knife is a popular and effective method for opening those frustrating round plastic packages. It is, however, important to exercise caution and patience to avoid damaging the contents inside and to prevent injury to yourself. Before you begin, make sure you are working on a flat surface and consider wearing gloves and eye protection.
If you are using scissors, ensure they are sharp and suitable for cutting through plastic. Cut carefully along the seam of the package, avoiding any jerky movements. Start on the right side of the package, cutting up and around the perimeter in a counter-clockwise direction if you are right-handed, and vice-versa if you are left-handed. Do not cut across the middle of the package as you may damage the product or instructions inside. Instead, always cut between the product and the packaging to avoid accidental cuts or pokes.
A utility knife can also be used to score through the top layer of plastic around the perimeter of the package. Insert the knife between the two layers of plastic and cut all the way around. This is safer than trying to stab through the plastic. With a decent knife, the remainder of the plastic should be easy to cut. If you are using a utility knife, be extra careful not to mishandle it, pull it towards yourself, or use it while sitting with the product on your lap.
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Look for manufacturer instructions
If you're struggling to open a plastic package, it's worth inspecting the packaging carefully first. Manufacturers often put subtle cuts, markers, slits, or perforations on the packaging to guide you in the right direction. These can often be found on the back or sides of the package.
If you still can't find a way to open the packaging, look up the brand online and check out their suggestions for opening the product. Many manufacturers provide explicit instructions for their specific packaging so you can open it without damage.
If you're tired of these packages, let manufacturers know. They're attractive to manufacturers because they're strong, lightweight, inexpensive, and they discourage shoplifting and returns of items. However, they can be a nightmare for consumers. In 2004, over 6,000 Americans went to the emergency room with injuries resulting from opening difficult packaging.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to use tools such as a manual can opener, a utility knife, or a pair of scissors to open plastic packaging. First, check the package for any marked lines or icons that indicate the intended opening area. If you cannot find any, try opening it from the ends or sides of the package.
Stay focused on what you are doing and do not rush. Most methods will still leave some sharp plastic corners, so be careful. Put away any sharp tools after you are done with them, especially if there are children around.
You can use a micro-ceramic-blade, a manual can opener, a utility knife, or a pair of scissors. Aviation snips (tin snips) are also a good option.
Thin plastic film-wrapped packages usually have a latch to help peel off the plastic. Try poking and tearing along the edges of the folds instead of in the middle of the sheet. You can also use your keys to tear the plastic.
