Knowing the ways to open cans without an opener can come in very handy. It can even be a lifesaver because —think about it— what’s the relevance of a stockpile of canned goods without any means of opening them? I, for one, forget some of the most obvious things (that’s why I’m always keen on alternatives for various processes). So, if you leave your can opener at home or find it missing after running helter-skelter for long minutes, how do you intend to open canned goods at your survival cache?
6 Ways to Open Cans Without an Opener
I’ll be honest with you. For a long time, I didn’t consider the possibility of opening cans with something, not an opener. I mean, who bothers with such things? Then, a fire accident happened at home & amongst many things, the electric can opener went up in flames. At the moment, the easiest foods we could find were canned & I had even forgotten that I didn’t have an opener anymore when shopping. So, you would understand how much I stocked since we were setting up a makeshift home.
Then, at nightfall, when we were done setting up this space, it was time to eat, and oh, boy! There was nothing to open with. Thinking of it now, it really wasn’t a big problem, but tell that to the kids (and even me) who hadn’t eaten for hours because we were working. At the moment, it was a terrible problem, and that too could happen to anyone. You can find yourself without your can opener at any time, be it on a road trip, hike, camping trip, or when you bug out.
Whenever this happens now, you wouldn’t have to worry. There are numerous ways to open your supplies in the absence of an opener. Here we go with six easy & simple ways to do this.
Tin Snips
Tin snips may be the safest & easiest tool to open a can with in the absence of an opener. To use this method, all you need to do is find a pair of tin snips & cut off the outer rim of your can. Now that you know it, this would appear so simple, but I could bet that tin snips are rarely common items among preppers. So, you may have to shop for one now.
Machete or Large Knife
A machete or large knife may be the first tool to use, particularly as you’d hardly be without one in the wild. Plus, I think you already have an idea of how to use it. Be careful, though: it can be injurious.
Set the can vertically & position the tip of your blade on the can’s outside surface. Hit the knife at his handle as if you were drumming slowly, and it’s only a few hits before the can gives way. Now, carefully use the knife to cut round the can.
If you don’t have a knife or machete, you can use a chisel, screwdriver, or any other tool that bears a similar shape. Your job is easier if you have a hammer, so you may have to carry a little hammer along too. It has other uses anyway.
Fork
Set the prongs of your fork on the outside edge of your can to begin. Then, press down very hard until a prong makes a hole in the lid. With the prongs looking away from you & one of them already in the can, move the fork about in a circular manner, carefully & deliberately tearing, enlarging the hole.
When the hole is quite large, take out the prong & put in a spoon, handle first, to push out the entire thing. Of course, you’ll have to hold down the can while using this spoon. This is a method that works pretty well, although you should be careful not to use any of the family’s heirloom silverware. Also, gloves are recommended to keep your hands safe.
Spoon
Do you believe that a spoon can open a can? I know you don’t, but you better do now because it does. If properly used, any of the metal spoons with you will make a hole in most cans, after which you use the handle to take out the complete lid. This may hurt your fingers (due to the holding), so you may need to wear good gloves.
Ax
I’m sure everyone loves an opportunity to put an ax to good use.
To use an ax for can-opening, you start by piercing the can at its side using your blade, after which you work out the edge of the can. Note that every moment of this procedure has to be taken slowly. Cans do roll, so you may have to set the can sitting on its lid & measure the ideal distance & force to strike with. I think an ax is best used for fairly large cans.
Concrete/Flat Stone
A concrete would do the job perfectly, too — but only if you don’t mind some mess over you & have the patience and time to see the process through. Contrary to what you’re already thinking, you’re not dropping the stone on the can or smashing the lid in with the stone like a hammer (although this may happen too). Rather, you’re rubbing the rock or concrete on the lid repeatedly until it gives way through the rim.
Be careful when eating the food in a can opened this way. There’s always the possibility of concrete & metal shards spreading into the can as you open it.
You can also achieve your goals by grinding your can (its lid, of course) against a large rock until it gives way.
Concluding The Ways to Open Cans Without an Opener
Losing your can opener does not have to spell the end of eating canned foods. Can you even do without them when SHTF? Canned goods make up a large proportion of the foods in most pantries. Master these ways to open cans without an opener, so you’re never caught stranded.