How to open a can without a can opener is it even possible? Mmm, are you a camping newbie? You are hiking in the mountains or camping out in your tent. You’ve packed everything to make your trip a breeze, right! Yes, everyone is hungry; you have a can of tuna or whatever you like. But one thing you did not pack is the can opener. So what should you do? Find out here how to open that can using different items in the camping pack.
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Safety Note Using any of These Methods
Yes, not having a can opener can be a bit frustrating if you’re hungry. But there is no need to stress as you can use different items to get that canned bean opens. Yet, remember all of these methods need safety measures. You will be tearing, cutting, or filing metal, making sharp edges or shards. So please use causing when attempting any of these techniques.
How to Open a Can With a Knife?
If you’re out camping, hunting, or hiking, you have a survival or pocket knife that is one of the best survival tools to have. No matter what blade it has, from Swiss army knives to a kitchen knife, you can follow these steps to open your canned tuna.
- Take the can and position it upright on a flat, sturdy surface.
- Take your blade using a backward grip keeping it vertical place the tip against the inner edge of the top.
- Use your free hand to pound the knife with your palm facing down. Or you can use a rock but be careful not to hit your hand or damage the blade.
- Next, reposition the knife at the edge of the puncture and repeat until the lids enrich with holes.
- Now you can pry the lid off the can using your knife.
How to Open a Can Using a Key?
Yes, you can use a key to open a soup can, and all you need is a sturdy surface, a key, and a rock to achieve this. The best part is you follow the same steps as using your pocket knife to get it open. Or you can check out this great video here on how to do it.
How to Open a Can With a Fork?
When using a fork to open a can, the utensil might get damaged. The important thing is to make sure it is metal. Then, you can use the same steps with a spoon to get that tin open.
- Place the tin on a level surface using the same method as the knife.
- Grasp the base of your fork and place it on the top of the can. Make sure the pointed side is on the inner edge with the other three prongs over the rim.
- Tap it using your hand or a stone using it as a baton to pierce the edge of your tin.
- Keep the fork end inside the hole while working around the edge to tear the metal. If it does not shred, you can make several continuous cuts and try doing it again.
- For the spoon, method grasps it at the handle and place the tips of your spoon on the lid edge.
- Make sure the bowl of the utensil faces towards the middle.
- Keep the tip on one spot by bearing it down on the lid and rock it back and forth in a sawing motion. With time it wears down to penetrate through the top.
- Once pierced, you continue with this motion until you can remove the lid.
- Pry the lid open using the spoon, rounding under it pushing the top upwards.
How to Open a Can with Flat Stone/Concrete?
If you do not have a knife, fork, or spoon, another method you can use is a hollow cement block. The important thing is to have an abrasive surface, smooth tile, or piece of paving. Using the method needs friction to create the magic on the lid. Follow these steps:
First Step
Look for a huge, flat, coarse surface like your concrete pavement outside. For example, you can use a wide face concrete block or a flat rock with a rough edge.
Second Step
Place your tin upside-down on the concrete, pavement, or rock. Doing this helps to break the seal.
Third Step
Use a back-and-forth motion like scrubbing on the rock while applying even pressure. Keep rubbing the tin over the rough surface until you notice moisture appearing from the can. Check to make sure if a moisture buildup formed on the can and stop with the rubbing.
Fourth Step
You’ll notice that the lid is thin, and you can pierce and pry it off. You can use any sharp tool such as a spoon, knife to remove the cover. Sometimes you may find it is thin enough to squeeze on either side using your hands to make the lid pop out. Still, as you do not have anything with you, it helps to use a small rock to bash the lid to open. Yet, be careful as it can contaminate your food with debris from the rock unless you wash it off first.
Using an Axe/Tomahawk to Open a Can
If you have a survival tomahawk or an axe, you can use it to open tin food.
- Hold the can on the side using a flat surface.
- Grasp the ax by the haft under the base of the blade.
- Use the blade to cut into the tin under the lid.
- It helps to use a steady slow raking movement and continue doing this through the can.
- Stop about 75% of the way into the circumference of the can. Then, use your axe or the hawk to open the lid upwards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, you can use a metal spoon, knife, axe, a fork. While it might sound strange, a little friction goes a long way using a spoon or knife to cut through the lid.
There is no need to fret, as opening even a soda can without the tab is easy. If the tab breaks, you will find the area still there. So all you do is apply pressure to the area forcing it open with a fork or spoon.
Yes, you can use your scissors to open tin food. Keep the blades closed and place the point down on top of the lid next to the lip. Place your one hand on the handle to hold it secure. Use the palm of the other hand to tap on the scissors to pierce the tin, and keep doing this around the lid until you can remove the cover.
