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Tins

(50 Posts)
Sallywally1 Mon 22-Sept-25 10:48:44

Does anyone find the tins of sardines/mackerel impossible to open. I do have weak hands due to arthritis. The other day I managed to open half the tin and ended up splashing tomato juice on me, the cupboards and the floor.

Babs03 Tue 23-Sept-25 14:24:24

Tinned goods are so tricky to open sometimes, I got tuna chunks in sunflower oil, bug mistake, it was a ring pull but as I drained the oil before removing the lid entirely it went on my hands and the ring pull so I couldn’t pull the rest off was like wrestling a greased pig, result was that the entire tin flew out of my hands and tuna splattered everywhere.

WelshPoppy Tue 23-Sept-25 14:50:37

I have one of these battery operated tin openers. Bought it cos hubby had problems with rectangular corned beef tins. He said it wouldn't work round corners. He now uses it regularly. Worth every penny.

kircubbin2000 Tue 23-Sept-25 15:19:24

I use a screwdriver.

Purplejoanf Tue 23-Sept-25 15:23:01

Nivea spray deodorant is easier to use

knspol Tue 23-Sept-25 15:28:40

I really struggle trying to open bleach containers, have got two now at the back of the cupboard that I just cannot open. Keep meaning to ask family to try to open but then forget.

WithNobsOnIt Tue 23-Sept-25 15:37:29

Norah

Whilst we don't eat sardines, I believe my method would work as well as it does for other tins. Place tin in sink, holding with one hand, pull ring with long nose pliers.

You are a genius. I have been using an eating knife to force up the lid when is partly opened.

You solution sounds much better and safer.

Do you think we could get on Dragons Den with this idea as the beginning of a range for Senior Citizens/ Disabled . ergonomic kitchen utensils?


Good idea. Well done
🐟🔨✂️🍴🍫

grandtanteJE65 Tue 23-Sept-25 17:37:16

If the tin has a ring pull, I put it on the draining-board, then pull the ring. Usually, I can only get it a little way, about half a centimetre, but that is far enough for me to slip the blade of a paring knife into the gap and work my way round the edge of the lid pushing it up as I go.

No mess, no risk of cutting my fingers on the tin.

Mojack26 Tue 23-Sept-25 17:53:47

I don't buy tins of mackrel or sardines! 🤣 but ring pull tins are difficulties to open that's why I have gadget to open them and even then they can be hard!

handbaghoarder Tue 23-Sept-25 20:57:21

And what about the key system on corned beef tins?? Aaarrgghh!! I loathe it but OH has an occasional sandwich. IF I can open it. Increasingly it ends up in bin 😡

kircubbin2000 Tue 23-Sept-25 21:01:37

The ring pull usually breaks off

mabon2 Tue 23-Sept-25 21:39:28

Not at all.

AN41 Tue 23-Sept-25 23:26:44

Tee1

I have tried to open a jar of pickle from farmers’ market. I made a total mess of the top with my unscrewing implement. I am now waiting for the Age Uk handyman to come and sort it (he does have other jobs that need doing as well!)

Teel, I've had the same problen with jars of pickled beetroot and a jam jar - till I read a tip somewhere.
Tap it firmly in the centre of the lid ( I use the edge of a hammer) just enough to cause a slight indenture, then it should open easily.

If the first tap is too gentle, try a little bit harder, but don't go mad with it. wink

Crossstitchfan Tue 23-Sept-25 23:39:44

NanTheWiser

Re: the ring pull opener shown by Allira, you can use the tail end to slip under and lift the ring before opening with the top end.

I buy tinned tomatoes to make tomato soup - usually Sainsbury’s own, decided to try a branded one (more expensive) only to find the ring pull snapping off, (and mentioned in reviews). Impossible to open with a can opener so had to bin it, a waste if money! Sainsbury’s own are fine.

Nan the wiser, I described exactly this earlier, at some length! I guess you don’t read what others have said before you post!

Witzend Wed 24-Sept-25 01:59:37

M0nica

Like olderme I tend to open them over the sink with the containe in the sink

Also Fray Bentos steakpies. For us, an essential holiday ingredient. They are an absolute b*gger to open.

Try a different tin opener? I got an old style one which works very well, whereas the more newfangled type are a PITA with certain tins.

Esmay Wed 24-Sept-25 03:03:07

I first encountered opening cans and bottles difficult in my twenties .
Now in my seventies the problem is slightly worse ,but can openers have improved .
I occasionally have to ask neighbours to open bottles and jars .
I have a device to open difficult containers and it's not always the answer to my prayers .
My neighbours are away on holiday and I've battled to open a bottle of Listerine .
I think that it took me about ten minutes .

4allweknow Wed 24-Sept-25 08:09:30

Charleygirl5 Have you tried the solid type deodorants. Dove, Nivea, Sure, Sanex and others. Just simply remove the cap and ready to go.

sunglow12 Wed 24-Sept-25 10:23:30

Ah ha! Now I know what to do with the brass gadget with a hook on it bought during pandemic to open and close doors without getting contaminated - it’s now going to be a ring puller ! Thankyou ladies ! 😀

NanTheWiser Wed 24-Sept-25 12:18:51

Crossstitchfan

NanTheWiser

Re: the ring pull opener shown by Allira, you can use the tail end to slip under and lift the ring before opening with the top end.

I buy tinned tomatoes to make tomato soup - usually Sainsbury’s own, decided to try a branded one (more expensive) only to find the ring pull snapping off, (and mentioned in reviews). Impossible to open with a can opener so had to bin it, a waste if money! Sainsbury’s own are fine.

Nan the wiser, I described exactly this earlier, at some length! I guess you don’t read what others have said before you post!

Crossstitchfan, yes I DID read all the posts! You said in your post that you used a teaspoon to lift the ring pull which as I pointed out is not necessary, you can use the tail end of the opener to lift it before using the business end to pull the ring.

Am I vindicated?

Jane43 Thu 25-Sept-25 00:53:22

handbaghoarder

And what about the key system on corned beef tins?? Aaarrgghh!! I loathe it but OH has an occasional sandwich. IF I can open it. Increasingly it ends up in bin 😡

I never use the key as it always seems to break, we have an electric can opener so I open both ends and the corned beef just slides out easily.

Crossstitchfan Thu 25-Sept-25 09:30:13

Absolutely! But I have always found that the tail end of the opener is too thick to get under the ring, which is why I resort to the spoon! Maybe it’s only a thing on the particular product I buy. Apart from that, the opener is great.

Crossstitchfan Thu 25-Sept-25 09:30:57

My message was for Nanthewiser.

ClicketyClick Thu 25-Sept-25 10:58:07

I put a teaspoon in any ring pull as a lever

NanTheWiser Thu 25-Sept-25 11:26:25

Crossstitchfan

My message was for Nanthewiser.

OK, understood. But I can use the tool without a problem.

Crossstitchfan Thu 25-Sept-25 14:12:19

knspol

I really struggle trying to open bleach containers, have got two now at the back of the cupboard that I just cannot open. Keep meaning to ask family to try to open but then forget.

I managed to open mine by using pliers. I place the grippy bit of the pliers against the flat bits on the bits that are meant to be squeezed, then turn the bleach container until it opens. I do take the precaution of doing this over the sink!