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Removing Heavy Plastic Packaging From Products

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Date: 01/27/2006 Topics: Consumer Advice | Readers Request > Consumer  
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What device or technique do you use to remove the sealed heavy plastic packaging used on many products? Tearing it won't work. Cutting with scissors either doesn't work or ruins the scissors. Knives and box cutters are dangerous; they slip on the smooth packaging. The packaging itself can cut skin too. I've been looking for a tool at places like Staples, but I'm getting nowhere.

Iris from Columbia, SC

Editor's Note: I know exactly what Iris is talking about. A lot of items, like DVDs or small electronics at warehouse stores, now come in really thick plastic. It's VERY difficult to cut through and you can cut yourself on the plastic edges.
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Post By Concerned... (Guest Post) (12/02/2006)
Hey,

I found this gadget. (http://www.myopenx.com/home.htm)

I don't know if it works, but it sure looks like it would. I am 35 and have had severe arthritis since I was 6 and the idea of scissors, pliers, screwdrivers, etc is a no-go.

Here are some reviews at Amazon too: http://www.amazon.com/AsSeenOnTVGuy ... l-Blade-Package-Opener/dp/B0006ACWEQ

Or there's the package shark: http://www.packageshark.com

Or the Pyranna:
http://www.Pyranna.com

and on eBay you can find Klever Kutter which appears to be nifty.

Good luck to everyone....


Post by jennma521 (19) | (07/24/2006)
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i dont know if it works or not but i saw an ad on tv for a package shark, it is meant to safely cut open packages. i dont know if it works but it looks like it does, it is at www.packageshark.com hope it helps or works for you, i was thinkin about trying it. but i am not sure. package shark.


Post by Greeneyesmom (15) | (01/30/2006)
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Iris,I use the kitchen sicssiors that you use to cut open a whole chicken in half,works terrific and NO kitchen should be w/o them! They're really cheap and I have even found them at a $ store too! Jackie


Post by Diamondee (125) | (01/28/2006)
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I got heavy duty scissors at the dollar store, all metal. they work well


Post By Jill (Guest Post) (01/28/2006)
If you have purchased the product in a store, go to the service desk, and ask them to open it. (I do this most often with CDs that come in those big plastic frames to reduce theft.) You don't have to give an explanation, but if they ask for one, tell them you are concerned that you will damage the product if you try to do it at home! If the person at the desk is reluctant, ask to speak to the store manager. (That way, too, if the product does get damaged, it is not your liability.)


Post by Great Granny Vi (206) | (01/28/2006)
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Great granny Vi here...I use a heavy duty kitchen Shears to get a start on one corner,Then use pliers and a screw driver to open those ornery plastic packages..I also use pliers on some bacon packages that have the corner to open with the two sides.My hands can't hold the plastic to open it.Most times I just cut the plastic and put the bacon in a ziplock bag.


Post by meoowmom (933) | (01/27/2006)
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HGTV on I WANT THAT or some show with new gadgets showcased a new cutter for just that.
Rosie O'Donnell cut her finger I think and got a staph infection because of that hard plastic. I had
on end of plastic go up under my fingernail and OUCH.


Post by Persnickety Paula (321) | (01/27/2006)
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I use wire cutters to cut the heavy plastic packaging. I feel bad for anyone that has arthritis in their hands because it would be impossible for them to open their new purchases.


Post By Leigh Ann (Guest Post) (01/27/2006)
You need a GOOD pair of kitchen shears. The Pampered Chef has a great pair available. I demo them by cutting through a tin can lid at every show and open all of our plastic packaging with them at home. I even snip right through all those little wires holding toys in their packages. I can cut my lilacs with them in the spring too! Of course, as a consultant, I'd be happy to set you up with a pair. They can be viewed and ordered at www pamperedchef biz/leighann. Add the "dots" instead of spaces!


Post By Mary (Guest Post) (01/27/2006)
The next thing we all need to do, is contact the manufacturers every time we run into this problem. I can manage- or make my husband do it, but what about my 80 year old neighbour? Let's let the makers know they need to come up with a better plan!


Post by Vicka (75) | (01/27/2006)
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Maybe heavy duty scissors or light-weight tinsnips would work. I'm going to check out the seatbelt cutter...never seen one. Tool shopping for this problem will have to be done at an automotive or hardware store. Has anyone tried to take apart a multipiece kid's toy? You need an engineering degree and the jaws-of-life.


Post by tedsmom (221) | (01/27/2006)
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I have found that the scissors that come in knife blocks work the best in cutting the heavy plastic. I don't have a solution for cutting around the odd shapes, tho.


Post by kathleen48 (20) | (01/27/2006)
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I know what you mean. I bought a pr. of earrings at walmart and also a chain. It took me almost half an hour to open the stupid things. The are hard to cut open with all of the weird angles on the packages too. I am sick of this. I hope some has a solution to this and also opening Gatorade bottles has become a problem for me. I have to use vice grips to open these now. Why are they so hard to open.
Kathie, South Portland, Maine


Post by Fredda (1) | (01/27/2006)
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I use a seatbelt cutter, it works really good and no danger of cutting yourself


Post by mkymlp (198) | (01/27/2006)
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In my opinion, manufacturers should not be allowed to use this packaging. It can be dangerous. Even after you figure a way to cut it, you then have to be careful that you do not slice yourself with the cut plastic. There has to be a remedy to this annoying problem. I hope someone has the answer.


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