Can opener tutorial

[RedMF40]

Some of you may already know how to use a can opener. Apparently, I don't. I have a regular manual can opener. Nothing special, just opens cans. Can also do bottles if need be. I've attached a visual in case you've never seen a can opener before. Tonight I was opening a can of stewed tomatoes (to make beef stew if you must know) and the can was just skipping around, with the opener sometimes digging in but usually not doing anything meaningful to open the can. I had the can resting on the kitchen counter, thinking this would give best results. Bottom was flat on the counter, while I worked the can opener. Didn't work. For some reason I picked up the can with the opener, so now the can is dangling in the air, attached to the can opener. Worked perfectly. No skipping. Now I know. I haven't examined the mechanics of the can opener/can interface, but I think if you get distracted while opening it in the air, there's a possibility you'll dump the can on the floor when the lid is completely removed. Not sure about that. Anyway, that's what's happening this Tuesday evening in Maryland.

 

[joeysmith]

 

[RedMF40]

That was actually really helpful, thanks.

 

[Jim.ME]

Results can vary with different cans. It is possible the cutting wheel is getting dull and there is looseness enough in the joints that it is not holding the rim tight enough. Replacement time is near.

 

[flying belgian]

Some of you may already know how to use a can opener. Apparently, I don't. I have a regular manual can opener. Nothing special, just opens cans. Can also do bottles if need be. I've attached a visual in case you've never seen a can opener before. Tonight I was opening a can of stewed tomatoes (to make beef stew if you must know) and the can was just skipping around, with the opener sometimes digging in but usually not doing anything meaningful to open the can. I had the can resting on the kitchen counter, thinking this would give best results. Bottom was flat on the counter, while I worked the can opener. Didn't work. For some reason I picked up the can with the opener, so now the can is dangling in the air, attached to the can opener. Worked perfectly. No skipping. Now I know. I haven't examined the mechanics of the can opener/can interface, but I think if you get distracted while opening it in the air, there's a possibility you'll dump the can on the floor when the lid is completely removed. Not sure about that. Anyway, that's what's happening this Tuesday evening in Maryland.

That is a funny story. Ours has a little red button that holds the levers together while you crank. It kept walking off the can while I was cranking. Never happened to wife. I watched her numerous times to see what she was doing different. Finally realized she is squeezing handles beyond the button lock. Once I started doing that it never fails. I hate it when she's right.

 

[Wdj]

Been fighting our can opener for 30 plus years. Wife claims it works perfectly, won't let me replace it.

 

[flying belgian]

Been fighting our can opener for 30 plus years. Wife claims it works perfectly, won't let me replace it.

Put it on your Christmas list.

Try holding the handles together tighter. That was my problem.

 

[Phill Tibbetts]

I find that I have to lift up on the handles while turning the knob. Now ours works fine.

 

[Mule Meat]

45 years and still works like a new one.

 

[SleepyFarmall]

Carry P-38 on my key ring

 

[timcasbolt]

I wash out my cans and bottes so they don't attract bugs and vermin, so I switched to a newer style of can opener that doesn't leave a sharp edge. Here's an example of the kind I like: https://www.amazon.com/Good-Cook-Op...2114c5ba6f9219ee10fd31&qid=1765453413&sr=8-10

 

[Ultradog MN]

Yep.
P-38 here too - and my teeth to open bottles.

 

[Keith Molden]

45 years and still works like a new one.

View attachment 136669

+I lost mine and would sure like to find another one

 

[RedMF40]

Going off on a tangent, during my growing-up years we had an electric can opener. A space hog that needed to be plugged in to work, it was no faster than opening a can manually. Actually, it might have been slower. Also, were we too feeble to open a can by hand? A good can opener is a joy to use. For some time during my apartment dwelling years I had one of those bare-bones openers. It was still the crank-style but just a couple of pieces of lightly chromed steel that dug into your hand and punished you for wanting to open a can. I was always grateful when I got to the end and could give my "death-grip" hand a break.

 

[timcasbolt]

As a kid, my parents had this: https://www.amazon.com/Swing-A-Way-...wall+mounted+manual+can+opener',aps,96&sr=8-6
It worked great. The long handle provided leverage so even a small or weak person (think stroke victim) could use it. However, it does leave a razor sharp edge inside.

 

[Ellis Kinney]

I can open a can faster with my p-38 than my wife can with a can opener. Ellis

 

[Mule Meat]

+I lost mine and would sure like to find another one

You can find them at any military surplus store. People say Walmart even has them.

The real GI ones are stamped..
Early production to the last.
Speaker USA
US Androck
US Mallin Shelby O
US Mallin Shelby Co

The first ones I got and still have are stamped US Androck and US Mallin Shelby O.

 

[greenmech]

Yep.
P-38 here too - and my teeth to open bottles.

I don't believe that! Ron MN

 

[stevieb49829]

I no longer have a P38 on my key ring. We used to get them in C-rats, precursor to MRE's on the FS fireline. I miss those days, but the P38 was also good at hanging up in your key pocket and cutting holes there to escape.

 

[Absent Minded Farmer]

You can find them at any military surplus store. People say Walmart even has them.

The real GI ones are stamped..
Early production to the last.
Speaker USA
US Androck
US Mallin Shelby O
US Mallin Shelby Co

The first ones I got and still have are stamped US Androck and US Mallin Shelby O.

Most places with camping supplies & RV places will carry them too.

Mike