Q&A for How to Open a Can Without a Can Opener

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Can I open a can with a fork?

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wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

This is a very difficult method and it will probably destroy your fork, but it can work if you’re desperate and have no other options. Position the fork so one of the tines is on the inner edge of the lid, then push down hard to puncture the top of the can. With the rest of the tines still on the outer edge of the can, work the fork up and down and move it around the edge of the can to slowly tear through the metal of the lid. Once you’ve opened it up enough, you can use the handle to help pry open the top the rest of the way.

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Question

What’s a good way to open a Spam can without an opener if the ring pull breaks off?

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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

Try putting a flat-head screwdriver against the groove where the can is supposed to open. Tap the handle of the screwdriver with a hammer until the lid begins to split open. You can then pry it open the rest of the way with the handle of a spoon or fork.

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Question

Could I use scissors?

Community Answer

You can use any bladed object with enough of a point to pierce the can - assuming it is made of a material harder than the can material). The advantage of the concrete or rough rock method is that it will not damage the edge of your blade.

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Question

What if I don't have any of the items on hand or I have forgotten them?

Community Answer

See if you can find a rock outside and use that.

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Question

Won't rubbing a spoon on a can cause tiny metal shards to fall into the food?

Community Answer

The metal splits cleanly instead of splintering, so no metal falls into the food.

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Question

If I have a pocketknife to pry the can after using a rock, shouldn't I just use the pocketknife?

Community Answer

Yes.

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Question

Why would I need a rock if I have a pocket knife?

Community Answer

That's just another technique/way to open it if you don't have a pocket knife handy. There are four methods listed. Pick the one that best fits your situation.

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Question

Can I open a can with just my hands?

Community Answer

It is not recommended, because it could be very dangerous.

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Question

Would anything found in nature, say a piece of tree bark, work as well?

Community Answer

A rock or piece of concrete would, but tree bark is not strong enough. Anything that is strong enough to pierce through the can lid would work.

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Question

Are there any other easier ways to open a can?

Community Answer

Your best bet is to just pack a can opener if you're going camping, etc. There is no way to quickly and easily open a can without one.

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Question

How hard should I rub the can on the rock?

Community Answer

Try to rub it so there is enough force to open it, but not so much that it affects the contents inside. It will just take some practice to find the right amount of pressure.

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Question

How do I open the bottom of a can without a can opener?

Community Answer

Same methods as above in the pictures. Most cans have the same top as bottom.

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Question

Would this work for smaller cans rather than the bigger ones shown in the pictures?

Community Answer

The techniques should work on all sizes of cans.

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Question

Can I use another can to open a can?

Community Answer

It may be possible to use a slightly smaller can, concentrating the force in one small area, in a manner similar to the spoon method. If it works, it will progress quite slowly.

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Question

What happens if the top of the can rubs so much it starts to burn?

Drichy Obi-Emelonye

Community Answer

Stop everything you are doing and wait for the can to cool down before resuming the rubbing friction. If the issue persists, then try using a different method.

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