h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

The problem of retrieving the lid after opening a can with the tin-opener can be avoided with a little forethought. As the blade nears the point where it first entered the can, after completing the cutting of approximately 99% of the circumference of the can, the lid will begin to rise of its own accord. By judging the cutting of the last 1% of the can, the maximum elevation of the lid can be found. It can then be safely lifted up, still attached to the side of the can by 1mm or so of tin.

For canned vegetables, now would be an ideal time to drain the liquid away if desired.

-- Nurgling

The alternative is to rotate the can opener 90 degrees so the cutting blade cuts into the side of the can. This leaves the lid detatched in the jaws of the can opener but has the problem of sharp edges at the top of the now open can.

The one i've got is designed that way but there is a problem......
some tins have a large lip where the lid is fitted and this type of opener is useless on them as the cutting wheel doesn't bite deep enough to cut the side of the can.
Oh well back to the hammer and screwdriver.

*happily bashing away at a can with the wrong end of the opener*

I find the best way of getting the top off without a blood sacrifice is to turn the can/tin over and cut the bottom too. Obviously, this should be preceeded by the placing of a suitable stuff catcher under the can/tin. Often merely allowing some air to enter the bottom is enough to allow the contents of the can/tin to plop out; but even if it isn't, you can push the stuff out using the loose bottom as a ram. You still have to fish the loose top out of the stuff catcher, though.

JTG

Sometimes opening can from the bottom can enable you to get all the stuff inside out easily. Try it with a can of beans that you want to get everything out of.

It's by far the easiest way of dealing with stuff like tomato paste.

JTG

*Stumbles in wearing overalls*

I used to open all my cans by throwing them repeatedly against a hard, semi-clean surface 'till they done busted open. Now I see the error of my ways.

I thanks you.

But I bet there's a part of you that misses the excitement. I mean... how else are you going to liven up a tin of beans?

JTG

*he'pin' Amanda*

Yous could always play it a banjo tune.

Wheee-haw! I wuz thinkun 'bout a round of "Dueling Bean Cans"...

You game?

Yes'm ah's a ready t' strum sisters. Naw where'd ah leave thet goll-durned pick.

JTG