Author Topic: Any clean way to open plastic packages? (Read 10580 times)

Monkeyleg · « **on:** January 31, 2014, 07:00:26 PM »

I'm wondering if anyone has any tips for cleanly opening the plastic packages that many tools come in. The packages are usually two piece, with a top and bottom, and sealed with a lip running around the side. The only way I've found to open them is to just cut them apart with scissors, which makes it embarrassing if the item needs to be returned.

This drives me nuts.

Suggestions?

Ben · « **Reply #1 on:** January 31, 2014, 07:07:22 PM »

Finally the first one in --- DETCORD!

I've found no easy way - just knives, scissors, and band-aids.

RoadKingLarry · « **Reply #2 on:** January 31, 2014, 07:07:41 PM »

Detcord!

You knew it was coming.

Cutting them open is pretty much the only option I know of.

Perd Hapley · « **Reply #3 on:** January 31, 2014, 07:08:22 PM »

They're not designed to be resealable, so I wouldn't worry about it. You can cut around the edge of the "blister," if you like. I've also heard that a can opener works well on that lip. Haven't tried it much, myself.

That kind of packaging (and all the other plastic that people are opening on a daily basis) makes me really wonder about people that don't carry a pocket knife. What is up with that?

Nick1911 · « **Reply #4 on:** January 31, 2014, 07:11:54 PM »

I've taken to using some old off-brand tin snips.

Fitz · « **Reply #5 on:** January 31, 2014, 07:40:55 PM »

Can opener. The manual kind.

Tallpine · « **Reply #6 on:** January 31, 2014, 07:45:22 PM »

Quote from: Nick1911 on January 31, 2014, 07:11:54 PM

I've taken to using some old off-brand tin snips.

A while back, someone posted a picture of some special snippers designed especially for the pupose of opening those plastic packages.

The tool comes in one of those same plastic packages

Perd Hapley · « **Reply #7 on:** January 31, 2014, 07:46:51 PM »

Quote from: Tallpine on January 31, 2014, 07:45:22 PM

A while back, someone posted a picture of some special snippers designed especially for the pupose of opening those plastic packages.

The tool comes in one of those same plastic packages

cambeul41 · « **Reply #8 on:** January 31, 2014, 07:53:01 PM »

I usually use kitchen scissors , but I think I will try a can opener next time.

BlueStarLizzard · « **Reply #9 on:** January 31, 2014, 07:56:14 PM »

I just rip the crap open with whatever is handy.

Those things arn't made to be opened, they are made for display.
As such, it is my right as a consumer to say "stupid company, if they want to resell it when I returned it, they should have used smarter packaging"

griz · « **Reply #10 on:** January 31, 2014, 08:17:50 PM »

Someone said that the definition of irony is cutting your hand on the plastic package that the knife sharpener came in.

Anyway, I'm in the 'scissor around the edge' camp.

41magsnub · « **Reply #11 on:** January 31, 2014, 08:22:57 PM »

I was given one of these years ago and it works great: http://www.amazon.com/HIC-Porcelain-95142-iSlice-Opener/dp/B00106JH5M

It is magnetic so it is always on my fridge.

Regolith · « **Reply #12 on:** January 31, 2014, 08:39:23 PM »

I just use my pocket knife. I cut as close to whatever I'm trying to remove as I can without damaging it or my knife. Usually that's where the plastic starts to bulge out around the product.

Boomhauer · « **Reply #13 on:** January 31, 2014, 08:55:51 PM »

I zip them open quick and easy with a sharp knife. Pocketknife works but a utility knife works great

bedlamite · « **Reply #14 on:** January 31, 2014, 09:06:28 PM »

Tallpine · « **Reply #15 on:** January 31, 2014, 09:16:53 PM »

Quote from: bedlamite on January 31, 2014, 09:06:28 PM

That's the one

Monkeyleg · « **Reply #16 on:** January 31, 2014, 09:35:59 PM »

Quote

Those things arn't made to be opened, they are made for display.

Actually, I think they're made to make at least some people too ashamed to return products. Many years before you were born, BSL, to return a product to the store it had to be defective or you needed a very good reason. Stores didn't just take things back without question as they do now.

Returns cost stores money. Those opened packages can't be sold as new. Sometimes they're returned to the manufacturer for a partial credit. Other times stores sell them as seconds. Either way, the stores lose money. If they can make the customer reluctant to return the item because the package is cut to shreds, it saves money.

MillCreek · « **Reply #17 on:** January 31, 2014, 09:37:48 PM »

I have read articles in the medical literature about the sort of terrible hand and finger lacerations people have sustained from trying to open these packages and ripping themselves to shreds on the sharp edges thereto.

Perd Hapley · « **Reply #18 on:** January 31, 2014, 09:56:58 PM »

Quote from: Monkeyleg on January 31, 2014, 09:35:59 PM

Actually, I think they're made to make at least some people too ashamed to return products. Many years before you were born, BSL, to return a product to the store it had to be defective or you needed a very good reason. Stores didn't just take things back without question as they do now.

Returns cost stores money. Those opened packages can't be sold as new. Sometimes they're returned to the manufacturer for a partial credit. Other times stores sell them as seconds. Either way, the stores lose money. If they can make the customer reluctant to return the item because the package is cut to shreds, it saves money.

Pffft. The number of people who would actually care enough is statistically insignificant, and people like that aren't the ones returning products in large numbers. The packaging is chosen for least material and packaging cost, cheapest shipping and storing, and loss prevention.

Boomhauer · « **Reply #19 on:** January 31, 2014, 10:00:21 PM »

Quote from: fistful on January 31, 2014, 09:56:58 PM

Pffft. The number of people who would actually care enough is statistically insignificant, and people like that aren't the ones returning products in large numbers. The packaging is chosen for least material and packaging cost, cheapest shipping and storing, and loss prevention.

This. Blister pack is cheap, showcases the product, helps with shoplifting, and is durable.

lee n. field · « **Reply #20 on:** January 31, 2014, 10:07:46 PM »

Quote from: Monkeyleg on January 31, 2014, 07:00:26 PM

I'm wondering if anyone has any tips for cleanly opening the plastic packages that many tools come in. The packages are usually two piece, with a top and bottom, and sealed with a lip running around the side. The only way I've found to open them is to just cut them apart with scissors, which makes it embarrassing if the item needs to be returned.

This drives me nuts.

Suggestions?

Torch?

Ben · « **Reply #21 on:** January 31, 2014, 10:08:50 PM »

Quote from: Boomhauer on January 31, 2014, 10:00:21 PM

This. Blister pack is cheap, showcases the product, helps with shoplifting, and is durable.

And the inventor should be shot. And then shot again.

Perd Hapley · « **Reply #22 on:** January 31, 2014, 10:13:28 PM »

Quote from: Ben on January 31, 2014, 10:08:50 PM

And the inventor should be shot. And then shot again.

Also true.

Boomhauer · « **Reply #23 on:** January 31, 2014, 10:14:50 PM »

Quote from: Ben on January 31, 2014, 10:08:50 PM

And the inventor should be shot. And then shot again.

Can you seriously not master a sharp object to the point where a blister pack gives you no trouble?

Honestly products secured with zip ties or twist ties are more aggravating than a clamshell blister pack...mainly because it can be tricky to get them off without breaking delicate things.

And if you think a blister pack is aggravating it is NOTHING compared to the plastic racks some companies use to secure their sockets, such as Lowes does

Ben · « **Reply #24 on:** January 31, 2014, 10:29:04 PM »

Quote from: Boomhauer on January 31, 2014, 10:14:50 PM

Honestly products secured with zip ties or twist ties are more aggravating than a clamshell blister pack...mainly because it can be tricky to get them off without breaking delicate things.

You can't handle a zip tie? Turn in your man card.

News:

Author Topic: Any clean way to open plastic packages? (Read 10580 times)