I hate the current style of pop-tab/pull-tab can lids. The type where it looks like the tab on a can of soda, but larger, and backwards. You pull and pull at slightly increasing strength, and when you hit the right point, the entire top pops of, but the release also jerks the can, splashing soup or whatever the contents, all over you and the counter.

They need to change this design. The change would be simple, invisible to the naked, untrained eye. And the modification wouldnt even make the cans cost more.

It is simple.

Make the perforation lines deeper near the pull-tab, and shallower near the opposite side, you when you pull, there is no jerk, only an easy opening motion that stops unless you add more pressure. This way, it opens easily and doesnt end in a jerk.

No mess!
-- DesertFox, Oct 11 2005

I always have the problem where that last little bit sticks and you have to jank the lid, thus splashing your chunky soup on the counter. I think another idea would be to stop the perforation half or 3/4 of the way, with a line making up the chord connecting the stopping points. The lid a) doesnt fly off, and b) doesnt get stuck with a tiny nub left attached. Instead, the idea would be to fold the lid back and pour.
-- rsd212, Oct 12 2005


Excellent. But, to avoid [rsd212]'s "janking the lid", I think the perforation should be "easy" at first, "difficult" in the middle, and easy again at the very end.
-- phundug, Oct 12 2005


[DF], I too had this problem. Here is the secret to overcoming it.

1. Place can firmly on benchtop (countertop), hold down with left hand, exerting reasonable force.

2. Lift pull tab with right hand, breaking seal as usual.

3. (Still pushing can down with left hand) Pull pull tab UPWARDS, not backwards.

Works a charm. Soup stays in can; lapels remain pristine.
-- Texticle, Oct 12 2005


I actually have tried that method.

All that happens is that I break off the pull-tab.
I have a notoriously string grip.
-- DesertFox, Oct 12 2005


I don't think the jerk comes from the material itself, it comes from the pulling energy being released. Imagine, you're exerting all of this force, then, when there isn't anything left there to hold the force back, it's all released.
-- nahte123, Oct 12 2005


/All that happens is that I break off the pull-tab/

OK, maybe pull upwards and just a little bit backwards. Brain-boggling though it may be at first, it's really quite simple once mastered.
-- Texticle, Oct 12 2005


Am I the only one who's afraid of metal shards coming off can lids and into my SPAM?
-- jellydoughnut, Oct 13 2005


Shards? What are you doing, putting the can in a blender?
-- DesertFox, Oct 13 2005


You should stop using string.
-- bristolz, Oct 13 2005


This is solved already, folks. There's a can lid that you pull to the side, and the actual lid blocking liquid flow gets pushed inside the can.
-- Heechee, Oct 13 2005


Yes, shards. They're very small but definitely there.
-- jellydoughnut, Oct 13 2005



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