Those huge plastic blisters, also called "clamshells", will help prevent shoplifting, but they can become a nightmare for consumers. There is also a term for the frustration caused by these wraps: pack rage. In 2004, over 6,000 Americans ended up in the emergency room with injuries resulting from trying to open too rigid packaging! Here is a useful list of tips on how to save your hands and your health when you are faced with a seemingly impenetrable plastic package.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Perforation
Step 1. Check the back of the package for an opening
It is quite rare, but some manufacturers - in response to consumer complaints - are starting to include cracks, holes and other points from which to start opening the package. Also, check the sides to see if there are any tabs that you simply need to pull off.
Method 2 of 5: Can opener
Step 1. Get a manual rotation can opener
Step 2. Open the blister as if it were a jar
The sharp wheels of the can opener will cut the plastic, without slicing your hands. Obviously, the can opener is not able to follow the corners, so open only one side. This way, you will have enough space for the next step.
Step 3. Insert a knife between the two layers of plastic and cut everything around
Since the blade is inside the pack and points towards the center, it is much safer than pushing the knife violently into the plastic and trying to tear it open. With a decent knife, it should be possible to cut through the remaining plastic without any problems.
Method 3 of 5: Cutter or Scissors
Step 1. First understand the dangers of using these sharp tools
As mentioned in the introduction to this article, people get hurt all the time with these objects.
Step 2. Carefully cut the perimeter of the package using the best scissors (or cutter) you have on hand, until the package opens easily
DO NOT insert the blade in the middle of the pack; you could cut the instructions or part of the product and, above all, it is very dangerous because the blade could come out of the package and injure you. Start on the right side of the package, cutting all the way around the perimeter if you are right handed - if you are left handed, you should start on the left side.
If the scissors or cutter are not sharp enough to allow you to open the package safely, put them down immediately. Your hands will thank you. Borrow or purchase a can opener
Method 4 of 5: Commercial Products
Step 1. There are products on the market designed exclusively for opening this type of plastic casing, but these tools do not always do their job well
Method 5 of 5: Shears
Step 1. If you have them handy, the metal shears designed for cutting sheet metal also work with blisters of this type
The shears cut well while not being too sharp.
Advice
- If you are tired of these blisters, tell the manufacturer! Manufacturers like these packs because they are strong, light, cheap, discourage shoplifting and product returns. If you are bothered by the inconvenience or environmental consequences of these packages, make yourself heard!
- Recycle the plastic pieces you cut and store your tools in a safe place.
Warnings
- Remember to always keep scissors, shears and box cutters in a safe place, especially out of the reach of children and guests.
- The corners of this plastic, when cut, can be very pointed. Be careful.
- Focus on what you are doing. It shouldn't take long, but you need to remain fully alert. Rigid PVC packages are capable of causing serious cuts and this is very likely to happen if you lose patience or let yourself be distracted by something else while you open the package.
