The Frustratingly Impossible-to-Open Container: A Guide to Mastering the Art of Lid-Removal
We’ve all been there. You’re trying to get to the delicious contents inside, but the container seems determined to keep its secrets safe. The lid won’t budge, no matter how hard you twist or pull. You’ve tried every trick in the book, from warming it with hot water to banging it gently with a spoon. But still, it remains stubbornly closed. Fear not, dear reader, for we have the answers to the age-old question: How do you open these?!
The Agonizingly Confusing Capsule
Take, for example, the humble mason jar. These supposedly simple containers can become ridiculously difficult to open, especially if you’ve let them sit in the fridge or cupboard for too long. The culprit behind this issue is usually a stubborn layer of condensation or stubbornly stuck rubber gasket. To open, start by running the lid under hot water to loosen any stuck parts. Next, try twisting the lid slowly and steadily while pulling up on the rubber seal. If that doesn’t work, try soaking the jar in warm water for a few minutes to loosen any stuck bits.
The Mystery of the Impossible Zip-Top
Then there are the zip-top containers. These seemingly innocent packages of snacks or leftovers can suddenly become a major puzzle when it comes to opening them. The culprit here is usually a misaligned zip or a sticky strip. To open, try pulling the zip in the direction of the tab while pressing down gently with your finger. If that doesn’t work, try using your teeth to grip the edge of the zip and give it a gentle tug.
The Perplexing Packaging of the Powdered Stuff
And then, of course, there are the containers of powdered goodness – think flour, sugar, or coffee. These packages can be particularly vexing, as they often seem to have their own ideas about when you’re supposed to open them. To open, start by slowly and carefully removing the tamper-evident strip or seal. Next, try gently squeezing the bag or container while rotating it to loosen any stuck corners. If that doesn’t work, try using scissors or a knife to carefully cut a small hole in the corner or seam.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of container-opening is all about understanding the unique quirks and challenges of each package. By following these simple tips and tricks, you can conquer even the most seemingly impossible-to-open containers. Remember to stay patient, stay calm, and don’t be afraid to get a little creative (okay, maybe not that last one, but it couldn’t hurt, right?)
How do I get these open without damaging the product? I’ve been using a box cutter and my wrist is starting to really hurt. I have 30 more boxes to go too.
Pull the tabs. These plastic ties often are meant to come a part.
[First aid scissors ✂️](https://www.grainger.com/product/11C665)
See how they have an overlap portion? You can kind of work that apart, push it in and kind of try to peel it apart. But yeah, annoying.
You need a [stretch wrap/safety cutter](https://www.uline.com/Product/Detail/H-175/Stretch-Wrap-Cutters/Stretch-Wrap-Cutter?pricode=WA9272&gadtype=pla&id=H-175&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwg-24BhB_EiwA1ZOx8isjAgVJpwGuH_DJuKl47x3Czqxk52dm2BI6Ci8-C0KIm3V6yQCIvhoC4SMQAvD_BwE). It’s specifically for this purpose: not damaging tightly wrapped products.
Is that meat?
Remove from the box then pull the excess loose banding towards the joint, whilst hiding the package down and it should break the joint no problem. Failing that scissors, tin snips or a stanley knife can cut the strap easily also.
I must be hungry because I see a giant package of bacon.
The tool for that job is a **wire cutter.** The gloves can compress well enough to wiggle it under the banding, and safely snip.
The banding straps have to come off, first. Rip it apart at the overlap.
Then puncture a part of the bag that doesn’t have anything in it.
The tabs are the way to go, but if you are able to get to the one on the underside it will have more area to hold as you pull.
I work for a company that sells a ton of that PET strap. If sealed correctly you’ll have to cut it. We use metal shears
I worked at the PO. We had rings with a blunt end cutting blade. Look for strap cutting ring knife.
It stays on your hand, no fumbling around. They slide under the band without snagging anything else.
Look up DURATOOL or Fish box cutter on Amazon they have a slotted blade specifically for packing bands like this I use mine daily with packages and opening packing bands
You literally slide the slot or longer blade through the band and it cuts it the blade is also protected so you cannot cut yourself or the package with it, The hooked blade on the back of it stops you cutting into whatever you’re opening when cutting box seals but will also cut packing banding 👍
[Duratool Fish box cutter](https://amzn.eu/d/45uJGZv)
I successfully do this without a sharp blade over and over again.
Find the join, and peel that apart. Take a good grip of the top bit. Be careful and it should provide a thin enough part that you can snap by hand without damaging the goods.
Tin snips
Every box cutter I own has a slot in it near the blade for cutting straps.
But wire cutters or tin snips are my go to
The plastic straps have a point where they are glued or melted togheter, if you pull them they come apart
PS these straps, when released are a PAIN to deal with. Everyone in shipping and or construction curses these things in all the forms they come in. My take, have some twist tie wire on hand to gather and keep ’em secure for disposal.
Thanks everyone who added additional info my my quick reply.
Pull the bottom piece, where it’s melted. It will easily come apart.
Krab
Samurai sword
14” circular saw
Angle grinder
Jaws of life
Lawn mower
C4 explosives
Drop off tall building
Snake
Rabid dog
Propane torch
Wow, I don’t know how to make line breaks I guess