How to Open Rigid Plastic Clamshell Packages Safely
Those oversized, rigid clamshell packages may help to secure items for shipping and cut down on shoplifting, but they can be a nightmare for consumers. There's even a term for the frustration they inspire: wrap rage. In 2004, over 6,000 Americans went to the emergency room with injuries resulting from opening difficult packaging!Here's a rundown on how to preserve your hands and sanity when confronting a blister pack that has no apparent means of entry.
Can Opener Method
1. Get a manual rotary can opener.
2. Open the clamshell as if it were a can. The sharp wheels of the can opener will cut the plastic, without cutting your hands. It won't go around the corners, so cut open just one side. This will give you plenty of room to...
3. Insert a knife between the two layers of plastic and cut all the way around. Since the blade is inside the package and pointing towards the center, it's much safer than trying to stab through the plastic and wedge the tip in between. With a decent knife, the remainder of the plastic should be easy to cut.
