How to Use a Manual Can Opener

Manual can openers are a kitchen necessity! They are quick and easy to use, but sometimes it can take a bit of practice to use one efficiently. Use a handheld Can Opener by opening the arms, positioning the cutting edge, and then rotating the handle to separate the lid. For can opener blades on Swiss Army knives, simply unfold the blade and puncture through the lid of the can. With either can opener, be careful not to cut yourself on any sharp edges!

Open the arms of the can opener. The arms of the can opener need to be in the open position so that the cutting edge can be fitted to the can. Grasp 1 arm of the can opener with each hand and gently pull the arms apart. The arms will lightly lock in place when they are in the open position.

• The arms of the can opener only need to be open while you are fitting it to the can, rather than while the can opener is in use.
• You can either keep the can on a flat surface while you use the can opener or hold it in the air.

Place the cutting edge of the can opener on top of the lip of the can lid. Keep the arms of the can opener in the open position while you align the cutting edge. Ensure that the cutting edge is resting on top of the lip of the can and that the serrated wheel is lined up in the furrow that circles the can`s edge. Then make sure that the rotating handle is positioned on the outside of the can, so that you are able to easily turn it.

• On the can opener, the cutting edge is situated alongside the handle, the axle, and the serrated wheel that bites into the rim of the can lid.
• The purpose of the serrated wheel is to hold onto the can lid, keeping the can opener attached and stable while the cutting edge cuts into the can lid. The cutting edge hangs over the small raised lip adjacent to the furrow.

Close the arms of the can opener to puncture the lid of the can. Press the handles of the can opener together. This pushes the cutting edge into the lid of the can. Listen for the hissing sound as the cutting edge punctures through the lid and releases the pressure from inside the can.

• You may need to use 2 hands to close the can opener arms if it`s too difficult.

Lift the can lid out of the can. Once the lid is fully separated from rest of the can, you can now carefully take it out! Insert the can opener blade underneath the separated lid and push the lid up gently. Use your fingers to carefully lift the lid out of the can.

• Be very careful not to touch the edges of the lid, as these are very sharp.