How to use a can opener: 10 quick and safe steps to open cans.

If you're struggling to use a can opener quickly and safely, you're not alone. Manual can openers seem simple, but many people still have difficulty positioning the blade, turning the handle, or handling sharp-edged lids. This article will help you understand the basic steps, how to identify the cutting position, how to turn the handle with the right force, and even how to use the opening blade on a multi-tool. In just a few minutes, you'll be able to open cans easily, neatly, and minimize the risk of cutting your fingers. Let's get started!

How to use a can opener quickly and correctly.

Open the tool and position it correctly for cutting.

• Separate the two handles of the can opener.

• Position the cutting wheel precisely on the top edge of the can, ensuring the cutting blade hugs the metal rim tightly.

• Hold the can upright to prevent it from slipping during handling.

Clamp firmly and begin turning the handle.

• Press the two handles together to secure the tool to the mouth of the can.

• Turn the handle clockwise to make the cutting wheel rotate smoothly around the lid.

• If you hear a "slight click," that's a sign the blade has properly cut into the rim of the can.

Cut around and remove the safety cap.

• Continue rotating until the blade completes a full circle around the can.

• Lift the utensil, then carefully remove the lid with a spoon or cloth to avoid the sharp edges.

• Inspect the rim of the can to ensure there are no dangerous burrs remaining.

Method 1: Instructions on using a simple handheld can opener

Step 1: Open the handle of the can opener correctly.

Return the handle to the open position.

• Use both hands to grasp each handle of the can opener.

• Gently pull the two handles outwards until they separate completely and hold them in the open position.

• When opened correctly, the handle will slightly "stumble" and remain stationary, ready for you to insert the cutting blade into the can's opening.

Note when placing the tools into the can

• The handle only needs to be opened while you're aligning the blade with the edge of the can, not throughout the entire turning process.

• Once the blade is in the correct position, simply press the handle down to secure the tool.

Hold the can very steady while handling it.

• You can place the can on the table for easier control and to prevent it from slipping from your hand.

• If you're used to it, you can also hold the can in the air, as long as you hold it firmly so the can opener works smoothly and safely.

Step 2: Position the cutting blade correctly on the can opening.

Align the cutting blade against the edge of the can lid.

• Keep both handles of the can opener in the open position.

• Position the cutting blade directly on the raised edge of the can lid. This is the small edge that runs around the lid, where the blade needs to grip to make a cut.

• Ensure the gear wheel is properly seated in the circular groove surrounding the can opening so that the tool grips securely and does not slip.

Check the crank position.

• The handle (or rotating knob) should be on the outside of the can , allowing you to rotate it easily and apply consistent force.

• When the cutting blade, rotating shaft, and serrated wheel are aligned, the tool will firmly grip the can lid without shifting.

Quickly understand the role of each part.

• Cutting blade : This is the part that directly cuts through the lid.

• The serrated wheel grips the groove of the can lid, keeping the tool stable as you rotate it.

• The raised lip is the point where the cutting blade hooks before cutting begins.

Step 3: Close the handle so that the cutting blade penetrates the can lid.

Press firmly on the handle to make the first cut.

• Once the cutting blade and the saw wheel are in the correct position, press the two handles together with your hands .

• This pressure will push the cutting blade down through the can lid , creating the initial cutting point from which you can begin turning the handle.

• You might hear a slight hissing sound ; that's a sign the blade has penetrated and the pressure inside the can has been released.

Increase the intensity if necessary.

• If the handle is a bit stiff or the can is too thick, you can use both hands to squeeze, as long as the action is firm and you can control the force.

• Once the blade has penetrated the lid, the handle will grip the can securely, making it easier to move on to the next step of turning the crank.

Step 4: Turn the handle to cut around the can lid.

Hold the handle and turn the crank clockwise.

• Hold the two handles of the can opener firmly with one hand.

• With your other hand , turn the crank clockwise .

• As you turn it, the gear wheel rolls along the edge of the can, pulling the cutting blade along to cut through sections of the lid.

Move evenly around the rim of the can.

• Continue turning the handle in a steady rhythm so that the cutting blade almost completely fills the circle of the lid.

• Once the lid has separated almost completely, usually only about 1.3 cm remains uncut. You can:

  • Stop and gently break the remaining part to open the lid, or

  • Continue twisting until the lid comes completely off the can if you want a cleaner and neater opening.

Troubleshooting when the cutting blade doesn't grip the lid.

• If you rotate the handle but the blade stops cutting, it could be because you're applying too little force or the tool is slipping.

• Then, remove the tool , clamp it again at the exact point where the cut was made , and continue rotating.

• Staying in the correct position allows the blade to continue the cut smoothly and without deviating.

Step 5: Safely remove the can lid after cutting.

Open the handle and separate the tool from the can.

• Once the lid is almost completely cut open, open the handle of the can opener.

• Pull the tool out of the can to prepare to lift the lid.

Carefully lift the can lid.

• Use your fingernail , a small knife , or a thin, sturdy object to gently pry the lid open.

• When the lid pops up from the edge of the can, you'll see the inside and can pour the food out.

• Afterward, dispose of or recycle the cans properly.

Maintain safety when handling sharp edges.

• The edges of the lid and the can opening are very sharp , so avoid touching the rim.

• You should only hold the flat side of the lid—either the top or the bottom—instead of touching the edges.

If the lid falls inside the can

• If the lid has completely detached and is stuck inside, use a flat knife or a stiff tool to carefully pry it off.

• Handle gently to avoid splashing food and to stay safe when handling sharp edges.

Method 2: Instructions on opening a box using a Swiss army knife.

Step 1: Open the blade and open the lid of the box on the Swiss Army multi-tool.

Identify the correct can opener blade.

• Take the Swiss Army knife and pull out the blade to open the can .

• This blade has:

  • One long, straight edge.

  • Rounded ends.

  • One edge forms a curved hook pointing inwards — it is this hook that will grip the edge of the can when you pry it open.

Open the tongue completely before use.

• Use your fingertips or the grooves on the knife handle to pry the blade out.

• Fold the lid opening tab completely outwards until it locks and stands firmly in place, ensuring safety during operation.

Other uses of a can opener

• The can opener blade on a Swiss Army knife often incorporates a screwdriver function , allowing you to loosen small screws when needed.

• Some knife designs also incorporate a bottle opener , identifiable by a slight indentation running along the long edge of the blade.

Step 2: Insert the knife blade into the edge of the can to create the first cutting point.

Make a puncture mark on the rim of the can lid.

• Use your non-dominant hand to hold the can firmly to prevent it from slipping or spilling.

• Using your dominant hand, hold the Swiss Army knife and position the tip of the blade precisely on the raised edge of the can lid.

• Press firmly and decisively to push the tip of the blade through the lid , ensuring the curved hook of the blade grips the edge of the can.

Gently shake the handle to create a cut.

• Once the blade is hooked onto the edge of the lid, gently swing the knife handle up and down or back and forth.

• Each shake will cut a small section of the can lid, and you continue moving along the edge of the can until you create a clean cut.

• Maintain a steady and slow motion to avoid tilting the can or splashing food.

If the can opener also had the function of opening bottles

• Some Swiss Army knife models have a can opener/bottle opener blade, which is used slightly differently:

  • Hold the knife at a 90° angle to the mouth of the can.

  • Use the cutting edge to press down on the lid to create a hole.

  • Then gently push forward to widen the cutting line and continue moving around the lid.

Step 3: Continue cutting around the rim of the can in the correct direction to open the lid.

Move the cutting blade in a steady circular motion.

• After creating the initial penetration point, hold the Swiss Army knife with your dominant hand for better control of the force.

• Move clockwise , repeating the action:

  • Press the tip of your tongue against the raised edge.

  • Gently shake the handle up and down or back and forth to widen the cutting area.

• Maintain consistent pressure so that the curved hook grips the edge of the can firmly and ensures a smooth cut.

Choose the appropriate way to open the lid.

• You can cut until the lid comes off completely , making it easier to remove the food.

• Alternatively, you can leave a small, uncut piece of the lid intact to prevent it from falling inside—this is safer and less likely to splatter food.

Note regarding the bottle opener/cap opener blade.

• If the Swiss Army knife you're using has a built-in can opener with a bottle opener , the optimal way to use it is usually counter-clockwise .

• This orientation allows for better contact between the cutting edge and makes it easier to create leverage when you turn the handle.

Step 4: Remove any remaining cap pieces stuck to the can.

Inspect and identify areas that have not been completely cut.

• When you lift the can lid but notice that some parts haven't completely separated , stop and observe the edge of the can.

• The remaining sticking points are usually very small, located at the edges that haven't been penetrated by the cutting blade.

Use the can opener to cut off the remaining part.

• Place the tip of the can opener in the correct position where the lid is still stuck.

• Press firmly to create a piercing mark , allowing the blade to hook onto the edge of the can.

• Gently shake the handle to widen the cut and separate the stuck part from the can.

Try lifting the lid again.

• Once the cut is clear, you can easily lift the lid off with your fingernail, a small knife, or a flat tool.

• Handle slowly to avoid touching the sharp edges of the lid and the can opening.

Step 5: Safely lift the can lid off.

Use the tongue to pry the lid open.

• Once the lid has completely separated from the can body, insert a can opener or a thin, flat tool under the lid .

• Gently push upwards to lift the lid higher, making it easier to grip without touching the sharp edge.

Lift the lid very carefully by hand.

• Use your fingertips to hold the flat surface of the lid (without touching the rim).

• Lift the lid off the can slowly to avoid slipping or spilling the food.

Important safety note

• Do not touch the edge of the can lid , as this edge is very sharp and can cause cuts to your hands.

• If it's difficult to grip, continue using the lid opener or a flat tool to pry further open, instead of trying to pull it off forcefully.

Clean the can opener after each use.

Why should you clean it immediately after use?

• Food stuck to the gears and cutting blades can easily breed bacteria and cause unpleasant odors.

• Timely cleaning helps extend the lifespan of utensils and ensures food safety.

Prepare the tools and materials.

• Warm water, dish soap.

• Small brush (an old toothbrush or a specialized brush).

• Clean cloth or paper towel, 70% antiseptic alcohol (optional).

• If using a multi-purpose knife (Swiss Army knife): a cloth and a small brush for cleaning the crevices.

Quick cleaning steps — applicable to manual bottle openers

1. Remove any leftover food with a spoon or paper towel.

2. Wash under warm running water with soap, scrubbing thoroughly around the gears, blades, and shaft.

3. Rotate the handle a few times while washing to allow water and soap to reach all the crevices.

4. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining soap residue.

5. Dry thoroughly with a clean cloth, paying attention to the shaft and gear grooves to prevent rust.

Disinfection and further treatment (when necessary)

• If the utensils have been in contact with greasy or smelly food, wipe them with 70% alcohol and let them dry.

• When using stainless steel utensils, avoid soaking them in saltwater for extended periods to prevent damage to the surface.

Special note for multi-tools with can opener blades.

• Open the tongue, and clean around the hinge joint and the curved hook.

• Dry your tongue thoroughly and then curl it inward; apply a few drops of cooking oil to the joints if they feel dry or stiff.

Storage after cleaning

• Store in a cool, dry place, avoiding damp items in drawers.

• Regularly inspect the cutting blade and shaft; if rust is present, sharpen or replace them to ensure safe use.

References

1. https://youtu.be/JUWMNlOyUgs?t=34
2. https://youtu.be/JUWMNlOyUgs?t=51
3. https://youtu.be/JUWMNlOyUgs?t=55
4. https://youtu.be/JUWMNlOyUgs?t=89
5. https://youtu.be/JUWMNlOyUgs?t=108
6. https://youtu.be/t1-UC7QkTDA?t=91
7. https://youtu.be/t1-UC7QkTDA?t=120
8. https://youtu.be/t1-UC7QkTDA?t=130
9. https://youtu.be/PDYElYqrTB8?t=98
10. https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/wellness/how-to-use-a-swiss-army-knife-can-opener/ar-AA1G23ht

Translated by: Lesley Collins Tran .