I am so disappointed in trying to open the cans.I almost put my wrist out of joint. It is so difficult I dread having to use them, any suggestions?
1337617
Yes it is ridiculous how hard these are to open. I will not order them again. For the ones I still have, i flip them over and use a can opener to open them. Thats the only thing I could find to do with them. These cannot be opened like a normal paint can, at least not the batch I have. The metal is soft and it breaks, you can't get any leverage to pry it open.
1337618
These lids are identical to the lids on paint cans. Use a metal paint can opener. Go to Lowes and go to the paint counter and ask for one. i think they're 49 cents.
1337619
Sorry you are having trouble. This is what I do. I put down several pieces of paper towels on my counter. Set the Cans on it. I then take a straight slot screwdriver and go under the lip of the cans use it a lever. I don't open the cans all the way just enough so it pops the lid up. Then I hold the top of the can closed with a couple of fingers and shake to activate the gel. Then I take the screwdriver again and just barely have to use it to finish opening the cans. Light and enjoy!
1337620
Yes it is ridiculous how hard these are to open. I will not order them again. For the ones I still have, i flip them over and use a can opener to open them. Thats the only thing I could find to do with them.These cannot be opened like a normal paint can, at least not the batch I have. The metal is soft and it breaks, you can't get any leverage to pry it open.
1337621
Hummmm...I'm not sure how you're trying to open them if it's causing difficulty. If you use a flat head screwdriver, and pry all around the can, like a pain can, it should pop right off. I'm sorry, I don't have any other suggestions, if you were opening it as I mentioned :-( Good luck!
1337622
I called and talked to the head guy about this. He said to send him pictures of all the cans and the new can openers that I bought from them and he would replace the 2 cartons. That was 2 months ago..... I'm not an idiot, my husband has an awful time trying to open these cans even with a screwdriver!
1695305
Mine were difficult to get in, too. I had to gently tap them with a hammer. Worked great!
448043
No, its a total pain in the ass to open a can, that is for sure. Ive tried openers, screwdrivers, small chisels, etc. What happens is the thin metal in the lid just bends up all the way around the can as you pry away and the seal wont budge. I use a hammer and a thin screwdriver in between the seal, the worst part is when you want to put the lid on to save the remaining gel everything is bent all to hell so it cant be resealed effectively.
2104633
I'm age 63, and I have joint pain, BUT, I can still use my little can opener. Each person who has problems with their hands might be different. I say buy one and try it, if it causes you pain to use it give it to a family member. They are so reasonable it would be worth the money. I really love them, I carry one in my purse on my key ring.I hope that helps you! Lady Survivalist -
896086
Try using one of those rubber jar lid openers. It is hard to get the hang of it. It really does work! Good luck.
750149
It is tricky but can be done. You will need to use your elbow at most to hold the can if it's liquid inside. If its not liquid then you should be able to. I won't lie it will be hard to turn the side Mechanism that opens the can. The final removal part I was able to do one handed. How ever I am right handed, and this item is made for right handed people. With that said, you both should try culinare's "One Touch Automatic Can Opener". Video of product - http://www.culinare.com/movies/one_touch_full/. It looks as if you don't place it on correctly to the can it may cause opening issues for the item. Or if you use it to open oily cans/dirty/etc it can jam it up. Reviews can be found here -
321071
I find the clips easy to open and I have lost a lot of strength in my hands due to age (no arthritis). I have had to buy all sorts of gadgets to assist me opening jar lids and even "hermetically sealed" packages, which I now cut open with kitchen shears..loss of strength in your hands can be quite disconserting! b.h.
1148411
Push the orange button toward the blades to open. This is a problem with these and I have to do this a little too often. I have been thinking that maybe some spray lubricant might help. They tend to tighten up.
283096
Sean&Dawn;, we have had the EXACT same problem! This one has been great. It just FEELS more durable, and has worked like a dream. I seriosuly can't believe I'm saying this about a can opener, but it's the truth!
451152
I had the same problem. You have to pull the silver handle up REAL hard the first time. After that they open easy! Good Luck!
1193261
Guess it depends on your personal condition. I have arthritis in my hands and tendon damage in my right thumb. I wanted to make sure I'd be able to use them so I stopped into the craft store that carried them and tried them thru the plastic packaging. They're too difficult to use for me but might be fine for you.
2236790
We had the same problem! My husband ended up popping them out with a hard kick. They didn't break but I think we were lucky!
1301364
I have to hit the locking mechanism against something hard because it is impossible to do by hand. It really makes me mad. I used a hammer on the locking mechanism once, just to get it off my olympic bar.
269147
It is more difficult to crank than a traditional manual can opener. Don't get it if you suffer from arthritis in your primary hand. You will be awfully frustrated.
413954
I have a weak wrist in my normally "strong" hand, and I can't get this opener to work very well for me. I still need strength to open a jar, and that's what I'm lacking. I'm not sure how it would be with arthritis in the thumbs, but I would just assume it would be a similar situation because the thumbs usually carry much of the strength in twisting. I wish I could recommend something, but at this point, I'm still looking too. Good luck, and if you find something that works, please share!! :)
146330
They are very stiff when you first get them. Just keep wiggling them open and then when they do open, just open and close them a few times to loosen them up. If they are really too stiff to open, then wedge something between the handles and twist a little bit to get it started. If still no luck, then find a coin, or a large flat head screwdriver and loosen the flat screw in the center a few millimeters.
1550699
I'm thinking that you may have dropped it. That would have damagedthe gears or the blade. I have opened hundreds of cans with mine, and I hope it will last forever. This can opener really rocks. K. Colton