Opening Finish Cans

[ScottM]

Am I the only fool who has issues opening cans of finish, thinner and the like? You all know the type of cans I mean. Not the round pry open "paint cans" but those rectangular cans with those %^%$^% plastic "PUSH DOWN and TURN" rings. Sure when the can is brand new they work but try and open them a second or third or fourth time. I really think they want you to use the can once and then toss it out so you have to buy more.

Does any one know the real secret?

 

[Joe Scharle]

Those same can manufacturers also make channel lock pliers :gar-La;

 

[FredP]

I pop the plastic cap off. there is usually a metal [regular] cap under the child proof cap.:icon_thum cut the plastic with a razor knife and peel it like a banana.:gar-Bi next can I simply swap tops from the old to the new.

 

[Splint Eastwood]

Oh oh!

Someone has issues ,

Needs to find a "CAN - DO" attitude! :rotflm::rotflm::rotflm::rotflm::rotflm:

 

[Trent Mason]

I pop the plastic cap off. there is usually a metal [regular] cap under the child proof cap.:icon_thum cut the plastic with a razor knife and peel it like a banana.:gar-Bi next can I simply swap tops from the old to the new.

That's a GREAT idea Fred. :widea: :thumbs_up:thumbs_up

 

[Bas]

You mean you're having trouble with the child-proof cap? :rolf:

 

[ScottM]

You mean you're having trouble with the child-proof cap? :rolf:

Right...I am a kid at heart.

 

[NCTurner]

You can also use some teflon tape on the rim.

 

[red]

I pop the plastic cap off. there is usually a metal [regular] cap under the child proof cap.:icon_thum cut the plastic with a razor knife and peel it like a banana.:gar-Bi next can I simply swap tops from the old to the new.

++1. This works well.

Red

 

[sawman101]

And I thought I was the only one who had to grab the channel locks. I really like Danish oil for finishing scroll saw work, but I sure dread opening the can for the first time. I was once tempted to drill a hole in the top and pour it into another container, but perserverance prevailed.:kamahlitu

 

[Mike Davis]

The first time I saw one of those I cut it off with my pocket knife. Done every one I bought since then.

Still have to use the channel locks sometimes. :dontknow:

 

[smitty62]

While I agree, I have much more of an issue with those food containers with the so-called "pop-up ring" and those sharp lids.

 

[tjgreen]

I pop the plastic cap off. there is usually a metal [regular] cap under the child proof cap.:icon_thum cut the plastic with a razor knife and peel it like a banana.:gar-Bi next can I simply swap tops from the old to the new.

Dang. This is my "why didn't I think of that?" moment for the month. My channel locks need no longer be stored on the wall beneath my solvents/finishes cabinet.

 

[FredP]

Dang. This is my "why didn't I think of that?" moment for the month. My channel locks need no longer be stored on the wall beneath my solvents/finishes cabinet.

not so fast tj....:gar-La; sometimes the finish seals the lid and you still need the channel locks. DAMHIKT.:gar-Bi

 

[hockey1]

Slightly off subject, but one of the best things I bought for those types of cans was a clip on funnel. No more cleaning the edge of the can. Much easier in my opinion.

 

[Ray Martin]

Slightly off subject, but one of the best things I bought for those types of cans was a clip on funnel. No more cleaning the edge of the can. Much easier in my opinion.

[thread hijack on]
Can you post a picture of this funnel? Maybe tell us where you got it? It sounds like a neat idea.
[thread hijack off]

 

[ScottM]

[thread hijack on]
Can you post a picture of this funnel? Maybe tell us where you got it? It sounds like a neat idea.
[thread hijack off]

He is not hijacking if I give him permission. :widea:

 

[Mr. Bill]

My wife used to have one on those inexpensive jar openers; the two piece kind with notches in the bottom piece. She seems to have misplaced it! Shhhhhhhhh!

 

[hockey1]

Wouldn't you know it as soon as I boast about something I use, I am then asked to provide proof. Now I can't seem to find it in my shop of disarray. I will be cleaning up within the next week or so after I finish my crib project. When I find it I will update with actual photos of the funnel and how it installs on the can. I bought mine at the local home store in the paint department it was a couple of bucks. You might be able to find them at the automotive parts store as well.

Here is a photo I found of the type I have.

View image in gallery​

There are other types out there but I like this style because it has a lip that when clipped on it acts as a splash shield. Overall length is about 3 inches. Spout opening is about 1/2 inch.

Hope this helps:icon_thum

For those tough to open cans I use a pair of cannon plug pliers, the jaws are strong but soft enough not to mar up the surface of the cap. I got them from an aviation tool supply.

View image in gallery​

 

[Ray Martin]

Jesse,

Thanks for the info. Tools like these, while not all that expensive, can help a lot.