3 Ways To Use A Can Opener - WikiHow Life

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Terms of UseHow to Use a Can Opener Explore this Article methods 1 Using a Manual Can Opener 2 Using an Electronic Can Opener 3 Using an Old-Fashioned Can Opener Other Sections Questions & Answers Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Article Summary Author Info

Last Updated: April 13, 2025

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wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 25 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 597,058 times.

It’s takes a little bit of time to get the hang of using a can opener. If you haven’t done it before, it can look confusing. But with some practice and know-how, you’ll have it down before you know it.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Using a Manual Can Opener

1. 1 Understand the components of a can opener. The two long arms that clamp onto the side of the can are the levers. The handle that is used to turn the can uses an axle and wheel. Lastly, the circular wheel that cuts into a can is called a wedge.[1]
2. 2 Open the arms of the can opener. Place the metal tooth (the wedge) on the lip of the can. This will automatically align the wheel of the opener to where it needs to be. Firmly squeeze the arms together. With practice, you’ll be able to tell when it’s on right.
   • Until you get the hang of it, you may have to do it several times.
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3. 3 Start turning the handle when it fits securely. Otherwise, it could fly off the can. It is a sharp object, so you want to be careful. This begins to rotate the wheel underneath that then cuts into the can.
4. 4 Work your way around the rim of the can as you turn the handle. This action pierces the seal, cutting into the can as it moves around the edge of the lid. When it has gone all the way around, the lid will naturally disengage from the opener. Carefully dispose of the cut lid. Enjoy the contents of the container.[2] Advertisement

Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

Using an Electronic Can Opener

1. 1 Lift the cutter head up. Place the can against the back top part of it. Position the lip of the can between the wheel and the cutting apparatus.
2. 2 Press the cutter head down when the can is in the right position. This will set the opener into motion. It will begin to rotate the can. Hold it as it turns to keep it from tipping.
3. 3 Allow the opener’s magnet to catch hold of the can as it’s cutting through. This will cause the lid to raise up slightly. When the lid is completely cut, lift the top of the cutter head. Carefully disengage the can from the opener.
4. 4 Remove the lid from the opener’s magnet. Grab hold of it between your two fingers versus pressing the cut part against your fingers. Dispose of the lid. Enjoy the contents of the can. Advertisement

Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

Using an Old-Fashioned Can Opener

1. 1 Carefully place the “knife” part of the can opener nearly perpendicular to the edge of the top of the can. Then using controlled force, push the knife part of the can opener down into it. With a little practice, it should slide right in.[3]
   • This type of can opener used to be referred as a “stab push,” and some people still prefer to use it, even over the modern ones.
2. 2 Be careful when you do this. If you don’t hold the can tightly, or if the blade of the can opener isn't sharp enough, it could slip. If it’s at the right angle, you could end up cutting yourself. Until you’ve done it a few times, it’s probably a good idea to do it with another person.
3. 3 Hold the opener with the blade part down. Now insert the blade into the hole you just made. This time you want it as close to parallel to the edge of the can as possible. Push the blade down again, more gently this time, opening another hole.
4. 4 Fit one of the grooves on the stem of the can opener into the edge of the can that is now slightly raised. “See-Saw” the blade up (cutting) and down, moving around the can as you go. The edge of the can will now be rough and incredibly sharp. Be sure to not rest either hand close to the edge. Enjoy the contents of the can. [4] Advertisement

Community Q&A

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• Question How can I clean my manual can opener? wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer After each use, you can place the manual can opener under running water to clean it. However, if it doesn't dry quickly, it can rust, so dab it between a kitchen towel to remove water, then air dry standing upright in a utensil container in a warm spot of the kitchen. Another way to clean it: Fold a sheet of paper towel into a long piece. Insert this towel under the dirty part of the blade (carefully!), then draw it through to collect all the food remains; repeat for the other blade. The towel will remove the mess without the need for wetting the opener. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 2
• Question Where can I buy an old fashioned can opener? Community Answer Anywhere. I see them all the time at Kroger, Walmart, Aldi's, etc. Most places carry them. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 7 Helpful 9
• Question It's really difficult to use an old-fashioned one, I can't get the angle right. Any tips? Community Answer Try to do the best you can. If it just keeps popping off the rim of the can when you use it, push it down on the can really hard once in a while or throughout the whole process of opening it. Try not to push too hard, or you could break the can open! But if it's really too difficult, buy a new one. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 7 Helpful 3

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Warnings

• Make sure you use a non-moving worktop. Thanks Helpful 9 Not Helpful 8
• No matter what kind of can opener you use, make sure you have a steady hand, as the blade on the can opener or the lip of the can cut you. If you feel unsure about what you’re doing, you and another person should do it together. Thanks Helpful 9 Not Helpful 12

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References

1. ↑ http://www.skwirk.com/p-c_s-11_u-298_t-728_c-2727/can-openers/nsw/can-openers/making-it-easy/making-our-lives-easier
2. ↑ http://www.skwirk.com/p-c_s-11_u-298_t-728_c-2727/can-openers/nsw/can-openers/making-it-easy/making-our-lives-easier
3. ↑ http://www.irishtimes.com/news/consumer/2.708/value-for-money-1.926448
4. ↑ http://www.irishtimes.com/news/consumer/2.708/value-for-money-1.926448
5. Videos provided by Helpful DIY

About this article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 25 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 597,058 times. 40 votes - 57% Co-authors: 25 Updated: April 13, 2025 Views: 597,058 Article SummaryX

"To use a manual can opener, open the arms of the can opener and place the metal tooth on the lip of the can. This will align the wheel of the opener where it needs to be to cut into the lid. Squeeze the arms together for a secure fit and start turning handle. This action will rotate the wheel, which cuts into the can. Continue to turn the handle until the wheel has gone around the entire can. The lid will then disengage from the opener. Be careful as you remove the lid from the can as the edges will be sharp! " Did this summary help you?YesNo

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About this article

40 votes - 57% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 25 Updated: April 13, 2025 Views: 597,058

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