How to Open a Can Without a Can Opener

Imagine a situation where you are stuck in the middle of nowhere and there is nothing that you could possibly eat other than what's in that can, in your backpack. And to add to the misery, you are not carrying your can opener! There you go... but don't be puzzled, this doesn't require too much of survival skills. Please don't go in search of food, when it's right there in that can that is awaiting to be opened.

Different Ways of Opening a Can Without an Opener

Now many of you may wonder that almost all cans come with a tab that helps you open it very easily, it doesn't even require a can opener. Well, think, hasn't it ever happened with you, that you pull that tab on the can and it comes off the joint completely? It sure must have, even if it didn't, there is certainly a possibility that it may. So why take chances and simply learn how to open a can without the opener?

Using a Knife
The first thing that may have come to your mind while you were thinking of a workable option must be knife. And yes, a knife is the best to use, that's if you have one of course! Supposing you do, how can you open a can with it? Well, it's pretty easy. You need to be a tad careful while carrying out this procedure though. Although you can choose to either sit or stand to carry out the procedure of opening the can, to avoid any injury, it's better if you stand. It's more safe and you'd get a better grip on the can. Hold the can in between your feet. Take a knife and place it at the edge of the can where normally the can opener is placed. With slight pressure, push the knife into the edge of the can. This would form a small cut in the can. Next to the cut, again repeat what you did before.

Using a Nail and a Hammer
Yes you need the most common hand tools, a nail and a hammer or a screwdriver for this. Before trying to open the can, do remember to sterilize the nail. A burning hot flame or alcohol can be used to do this. Place the nail at the edge of the can and hit it with the hammer. If it's the screwdriver then hold it upside down and hit it on the nail until it punches through the can. Repeat this and once you are done punching the top of the entire can, the lid will come off easily. If the can contains something liquid, then a couple of holes should be enough to be able to pour it out.

Drilling
This method is similar to the one before, the only point of it to be referred here is because it is a much better way of opening the can up quickly. Only if you have access to a drill and a metal drill bit is when it's possible though. Sterilizing the metal bit is again recommended here.

Rubbing it Against the Rock
You may have noticed that a can has this extra bit of metal that seems to be pressed on the rim of the can, a thin line of it running across the edge. The purpose here is to scrape that line off for the lid to open. For this you need to look for a flat stone surface. Try to find a flat surface and this would fasten up the procedure of opening the can. Once you find a suitable surface, hold the can in one hand and place the top of the can on the surface. Now applying some pressure, rub the can against the flat surface in a back and forth motion. Stop to check if the lip of the can is wearing off. If it is then you are doing it correctly, if not pace up a little and apply extra pressure at the area that is not worn off. When enough of the edge is removed, it should be easy to open the can.

Of course it is best if you use a can opener. But you may have to try all these stunts only when there is no other way, right? So just keep them in mind, they may come in handy. In fact, you may just do these things instinctively as well. Just be careful while opening a can using any of the mentioned techniques.