Over the years we’ve written about a number of different devices designed to crack the combination on clamshell packaging, but every year about this time we like to round up the best of the articles and comments on the subject to give you a better alternative to destroying your good scissors or stabbing yourself in the leg.
Way back in 2006 we wrote about the OpenX — arguably the most heavily-promoted of the packaging-specific knives. It’s essentially a utility knife in a captured end. One commenter received the OpenX as a first gift for Christmas that year, all with the plan of him using it to open the rest of his presents. That’s a great idea in our book, and the OpenX worked well for him. But commenters on our piece about the later, more complicated Zibra Open It tool in 2007 differed. One commenter related that he bought a couple of OpenXs for friends, but received tools with dull blades that couldn’t handle average packaging. Most commenters seemed to like the Open It’s cutter-style design, but virtually all of them admitted that they use more classic tools for the job of de-packaging loot. Some of their solutions:
Aviation cutters topped the list of most. Stanley makes a nice, inexpensive pair available singly and in sets of three (left, right, and straight) at your local big box. And Milwaukee released a set as well last year. We’re guessing that pretty much any of these would eat up clamshell packaging, so you might choose one that you might actually use for sheet metal as well.
One reader suggested a good set of “paramedic-type scissors” — you know, the kind that have a bend in the middle of the blade, perfect for jamming under something (like a patient’s clothing) while keeping the handles at a comfortable angle.
What’s your clamshell-defeater of choice — besides, of course, ordering from Amazon with their “worry-free” packaging offerings?
Open It! Via Amazon [What’s This?]
OpenX Via Amazon [What’s This?]
Aviation Snips Via Amazon [What’s This?]
If you enjoyed this article, please consider sharing it!
32 Responses to TM Wisdom: Opening Clamshell Packaging
Leave a Reply
TM on Flickr
Recent Comments
{ I own a Toro Dingo, and I'll tell you these things are much more versatile then you think. With my 4-1 bucket I can just... } – May 19, 7:00 AM
{ Useful info. Fortunate me I found your web site accidentally, and I am surprised why this accident didn't happened in advance! I bookmarked it. } – May 18, 10:40 PM
{ Excellent post. I used to be checking continuously this weblog and I'm impressed! Very helpful information specially the closing part
I care for such... } – May 18, 8:10 PM{ I have built several systems that do everything listed above and more.... Currently we use my system for critical resin applications and general spray painting... } – May 18, 1:00 PM
{ I just found one of these very old Nelson sprinklers. The rear wheels do not move they seemed to be locked. I have not found... } – May 18, 8:17 AM
Dollar store snap-blade knives. You can usually get 3-4 per package, and did I mention the price? Just lightly score the plastic and pull it apart.
Bare hands, and gnashing of teeth. But in all seriousness, the Skil Powercutter is pretty awesome for this type of stuff.
Fixed blade drywall knife and a pair of telco snips. Knife for the plastic and the snips are used for cutting the tie downs like a lotta kids toys have.
It’s a bit odd, but I often use my can opener. Just clamp it inside the seal then wind around the package. The cutting disc cuts right through the plastic and the clamshell opens right up.
Olfa Heavy Duty Scissors (Home Depot used to carry these)
http://www.scissors.uk.com/product_info.php?products_id=357
I solved the problem by not purchasing items packaged in this manner. The Microsoft Wireless Mouse 6000 packaging is a perfect example of the correct way to do a clamshell packaging – simple pre-perforated cuts, no tools required.
This is the only way to handle it. Vote with your dollars and they will have to follow or die. I’ve bought several items that incorporate several methods of opening the clamshell that maintain integrity till you want to open it.
No more blood sacrifice!
While I always (except when flying commercial air these days) carry a folder capable of doing the deed, I suspect that many of the injuries associated with opening these environmental insults come from blades.
Aviation “tin snips” are overkill and have limited reach. I have been very happy using various models of EZ Utilitiy Snips from Wiss (Cooper Tools.)
http://www.cooperhandtools.com/brands/cf_files/model_detail.cfm?upc=037103211309
The handles allow plenty of leverage, the shears are longer than tin snips and they are great for other light duty shop cutting. Perhaps one of the least expensive tools in my various boxes and tool belts and I seem to use them nearly every day.
They are readily available on the ‘net (try your favorite search engine) but are also commonly found in hardware stores as well as home desperate and slows.
My “clamshell defeater of choice” is my wife. She’s patient enough to work through the clamshell….
I’m similar to Dale. I use Stanley’s version of utility snips. They’re smaller than aviation snips but can handle clamshells (and the wires on childrens’ toys) pretty well.
I still reach for my pocket knife since it’s always right there.
The Leatherman™ Wingman has a pull blade that works well.
I use a pair of these. Work fine.
http://www.harborfreight.com/multipurpose-scissors-47877.html
Coach
I use some electric scissors like these:
Black & Decker SZ360 3.6-Volt Ni-Cad Cordless Power Scissors
http://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-SZ360-3-6-Volt-Cordless/dp/B000BAURWU
I’ll second the snap-off utility blade. We’re not allowed to have them at my retail job (injury liability) but I keep one hidden away in cases of emergency. I can open any clam shell package cleanly and let serious buyers examine what they need. If required I can put it back on the shelf still looking presentable.
A pair of kitchen deboning shears work pretty well.
I use the Skill electric cutter.Works like a charm.
I prefer a pair of 99-cent utility scissors, from Ikea…or the Sawzall, whichever is closer at hand…
I’ve always just used a regular old utility knife. I always have one close at hand, if I’m not actually carrying one. My preferred method is to lay the package on a flat surface and slice three edges.
Same for me – but I like the to use a utility knife with a hook blade – used on the pull stroke – like slicing open cable sheathing
I used to use Super Shears by Cutco for that task and they worked quite well. But now they are for kitchen use only since they come apart.
http://www.cutco.com/products/product.jsp?itemGroup=77
I’ve always used Fiskars scissors, like these:
http://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-94517397-Office-Scissors-8-Inch/dp/B00006IFN9
My pair is over 30 years old, and I’ve used them on paper, cardboard, aluminum foil, carpet, fabric, and those clamshells. The rivet has never loosened, and I think I’ve only sharpened them twice in all that time. I don’t know if the model above is quite the same thing though, mine look more like this:
http://www2.fiskars.com/Products/Sewing-and-Quilting/Sewing-Scissors/Our-Finest-Fabric-Scissors/Seamstress-Scissors-8
I like these crash scissors, the type found in ERs: http://www.leevalley.com/us/gifts/page.aspx?p=59398 .
The serrated blades get a good grip on the material.
I use large scissor-style tin snips – something like this: http://www.toolstation.com/images/library/stock/webbig/20992.jpg
E.M.T. shears are the best. To spend $40 on the Skil Power Cutter just to open the occasional package is ridiculous. Using an utility knife, even with a new blade, I find the blade getting stuck in the packaging. There is to much danger to anyone in the vicinity. Tin snips are good, but I will have to try the can opener.
if your swiss army knife or other pocket multi-tool has an open ended can opener (bottom left http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41X2XC3RN7L.jpg) you can sharpen the tip and the little edge .It works great
Utility knife w/ a new hook blade (shingle, not carpet)
Been using a pair of tin snips for this purpose for years. Never heard them called aviation cutters, but OK – I’m not an aviator. I got my pair for a couple of bucks in a wheelbarrow full of bargain tools at my local hardware store. Just like the pair my old man used to have. Maybe not the fastest tool to use, but a true multi-tasker. It cuts through pretty much anything easily.
I brought two open X and both fell apart. The screw loosen up in due time. Tighten the screw and it will loosen, which in turn won’t cut package. I will not buy this product again.
P.S. I just brought the Black and Deck hand held lith ion with the cutter wheel that sharpen itself. I will let you guys know how it works within one year.
Grizzly G0566 21″ band saw works great for me.
I use – and like – the Open It! Works really well.