Do you have a jar but no can opener? Don't worry, the can lids are made from a thin layer of metal that is easy to break. You can use a spoon, a kitchen knife, a small knife or a stone to open the jar without contaminating the food inside. After a few minutes of work, you will have access to the tasty contents of the can.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: With a Pocket Knife
Step 1. Place the can on a stable surface
A table that is up to your hips is fine. Stand upright so you can easily work from above.
Step 2. Rest the tip of the knife on the inside edge of the lid
Keep it perfectly vertical and not tilted. Grab the handle so your fingers can't get hurt in case the blade slips. The back of the hand must be facing upwards.
- This method is more effective than trying to saw off the lid using the knife. In this case you would ruin the blade and fill the food with metal splinters.
- Make sure the knife is wide open and locked in place so it won't slip.
- This method can be done with a chisel or other sturdy, thin object, similar to a pocket knife.
Step 3. With your free hand, lightly tap the back of the one holding the knife
These strokes help the tip penetrate the lid.
- Don't apply too much force, you don't have to lose control of the blade.
- Hit with the palm of your open hand, so you don't lose control of the knife.
Step 4. Move the knife and drill another hole
Place the tip a few centimeters from the first hole and repeat the technique described above.
Step 5. Continue until you have “dotted” the entire perimeter of the lid
Work around the entire circumference, just like you would with a can opener. The lid should now be loose.
Step 6. Pry and remove the lid
Insert the tip of the blade into one of the holes, using it for leverage. Push gently to lift the lid, throw it away and enjoy the food.
- If necessary, use a smaller knife to saw off the small metal flaps that still secure the lid to the can.
- Consider covering your hand with a tea towel or shirt sleeve before prying, this will protect you from scratches caused by the sharp edge of the lid.
Method 2 of 4: With a Spoon
Step 1. Place the jar on a stable surface
With one hand, hold it firmly in place while with the other you handle the spoon.
Step 2. Place the tip of the spoon on the inside edge of the lid
This has a small raised edge that has been curled to seal the can. You need to put the spoon right along this inner edge.
- Grab the spoon so that the concave part is facing the lid of the jar.
- For this method you need a metal spoon. The other materials don't work.
Step 3. Slide the tip of the spoon back and forth along the edge
Always work on the same small area, where the lid has been sealed. The friction will thin the metal. Continue like this until you can create an opening.
Step 4. Quickly move the spoon and continue scrubbing
Now work on the point adjacent to the zone you forced. The hole you created will widen slightly.
Step 5. Continue around the entire perimeter of the lid
Rub the spoon around the entire circumference until you open the can. Do not squeeze it down or you will splash the food contained inside.
Step 6. Pry and lift the lid
Insert the spoon under the edge and pry until the lid snaps up. Work carefully as long as you have access to food. Throw away the lid and enjoy the contents of the jar.
- If you have trouble prying with a spoon, use a knife. You can also use it to saw off the small flaps of the lid that have remained attached to the can.
- The edges of the lid are sharp, be very careful not to hurt your fingers when prying. Use the sleeve of your shirt or a cloth to protect yourself if necessary.
Method 3 of 4: With a Kitchen Knife
Step 1. Place the jar on a stable surface
A hip-high table is ideal. Do not place it between your legs or on your lap, the knife could slip and you could injure yourself.
Step 2. Grab the knife where the blade fits into the handle
The palm of your hand should be right above this junction point. Fingers should be on either side of the handle, at a safe distance from the edge of the blade.
- Make sure you have a firm grip. This method is dangerous; if your hand slips you can be seriously injured.
- Do not use this technique with small knives. The kitchen ones are big and heavy, much more so than the steak ones or the sickles. To be able to pierce the lid of the can you need to take advantage of the relatively high weight of the blade.
Step 3. Rest the heel of the blade against the inside edge of the lid
The heel of the knife is where the blade is widest and opposite to the tip. Place it against the raised edge of the jar lid.
- The heel should be just below where you grabbed the knife.
- Make sure it sits securely so it doesn't slip.
Step 4. Press the heel of the blade onto the can
Apply steady pressure until you can make a small hole in the lid. If you are having trouble with this, try standing up straight and lean forward slightly. Hold the knife still with one hand while with the other you grab it on the upper part of the handle. Press steadily with both hands until the lid is pierced.
- Do not hit the jar in an attempt to pierce it. The knife could slip, injuring you. Instead, apply firm, steady pressure until the blade enters the metal.
- Do not be tempted to use the tip of the blade. The heel is much more stable and less likely to slip. Also, if you use the tip, you will ruin the blade.
Step 5. Move the knife and drill another hole
Move a few inches around the circumference of the lid. Use the same technique to make another hole near the first one.
Step 6. Continue until you have “dotted” the entire edge of the lid
Work on the entire circumference, just as if you were using a can opener. The lid should now be loose.
Step 7. Pry to remove the lid
Insert the tip of the knife into a hole. Push and leverage. Be very careful and point the blade away from your body so you won't get hurt if it slips. Remove and discard the lid and then enjoy the food in the jar.
- If necessary, use a smaller knife to saw off the small metal flaps that still secure the lid to the can.
- Consider covering your hand with a tea towel or shirt sleeve before prying - this will protect you from scratches caused by the sharp edge of the lid.
Method 4 of 4: With a Rock or Concrete Block
Step 1. Find a flat rock or concrete block
Look for one with a rough surface. A smooth stone cannot generate enough friction to pierce the lid.
Step 2. Turn the can upside down and place it on the stone
This way you can break the closure on the top of the container.
Step 3. Rub the jar back and forth across the stone
With this technique you create friction between the can and the stone. Continue this movement until you notice any traces of moisture on the stone or on the lid of the jar.
- Turn the can to check from time to time how the work is progressing. Stop as soon as you see any traces of moisture, as it means the lid is giving way.
- Do not rub hard enough to break the jar immediately, or all the food will fall on the stone.
Step 4. With a small knife, pry to open the can
The seal should be quite thin and you should have no problem getting the blade into the edge of the lid. Push the blade and pry gently. Remove the lid completely and discard it.
- If you don't have a pocket knife, use a spoon, butter knife, or other similar tool.
- Alternatively, get another stone to beat the lid towards the inside of the can, even if it is not the ideal method, because you could contaminate the food with stone fragments or dirt.
- When you remove the lid, protect your hands with the sleeve of your shirt or a cloth so as not to cut yourself.
Advice
- Go to your neighbor and borrow a can opener! Even when camping, most campers are willing to share their utensils with other lovers of the outdoors.
- The emergency can openers, the flat blade ones, are available in hunting and fishing shops, camping items and in armories. They are not as simple to use as a normal can opener, but they take up little space and you can take them with you in your backpack or in your hiking kit.
Warnings
- Do not attempt to saw off the jar lid with a bread knife. You would end up with metal fragments in the food.
- All the methods described involve the risk that some metal splinters or fragments remain in the food contained in the can. Be very careful to prevent this from happening and wipe off any residue you can see. Work in a well-lit area that allows you to see any reflections of the metal in the food.
- None of the techniques described in this article are ideal for opening a jar and could cause injuries. Children don't have to never groped to implement them. Use the right precautions and take all the time you need when opening a jar without the can opener.
- Never eat food in cans that got punctured or broken prior to your attempts to open, as they are spoiled and likely contain bacteria.
