Forum: lifehacks.stackexchange.com
Tags: <substitute-tool><drinks>
Title: How to open a beverage can that has a broken tab?
Question: I believe using force is not an option as it contains carbonated beverage.

Answers:
sents: text: You can use an actual can opener to open your can.
text: Either place the flat rectangular end of the can opener against the normal opening of the can and pry it open, or place the pointy end of the can opener against another part of the lid and pry a new hole in the lid to drink out of.
answer_details: author: lifehacks.stackexchange.com/users/4198/BrettFromLA
score: 15
sents: text: Get a metal spoon or butter knife and you can lay the edge of the handle across the opening, similar to the way the tab sits, and apply pressure opening the can.
answer_details: author: lifehacks.stackexchange.com/users/4266/Coder-guy
score: 8
sents: text: I would strongly advise against using sharp objects (like screwdrivers) to make a hole that is different in shape from the intended opening.
text: It could result in small bits of aluminium (that the can is made of) falling into the contents, and possibly cause harm if ingested.
text: Just simulate the usual way of opening cans using a spoon handle or a similar non-sharp object in the same motion as the original tab.
answer_details: author: lifehacks.stackexchange.com/users/179/user1306322
score: 3
sents: text: Lay a teaspoon on the hole, face-down, keeping the tip of the head against the edge of the tab/hole.
text: Apply pressure to the middle of the head of the spoon.
text: This will push the tab into the hole, in much the same fashion as the actual ring pull would.
text: Take care to only press on the middle of the head of the spoon - stay away from the edges, otherwise your finger may slip into the hole when the tab gives way (which nobody wants).
answer_details: author: lifehacks.stackexchange.com/users/5099/Easy Tiger
score: 2
sents: text: OK, you all have no clue about how to do this.
text: Get a blunt plastic object, like the base of lighter
text: (I can guarantee that that will work) and then place it against the outside edge of the scored tab (bit that pops down) and then rub back and forth while applying medium pressure.
text: The tab will burst open (be warned, it makes one hell of a bang).
text: The drink remains carbonated and won't fizz over.
answer_details: author: lifehacks.stackexchange.com/users/20453/Pip Wherrett
score: 1
sents: text: A mechanical can opener with the spinning gears or an electric one can be gently used to cut off the entire top of the can.
text: Then just be sure to pour into a glass as you will cut your mouth on the shredded can.
answer_details: author: lifehacks.stackexchange.com/users/26749/Paul K
score: 1
sents: text: Solutions: Take a pair of pliers or like tool and grab what is left if the tab.
text: With these pull upwards and open the can.
text: It make a few trys and ruin the can, so drink the soda out of a cup to avoid messing with your mouth.
text: P-38 can opener.
text: All pictures taken from Wikipedia.org.
text: Shown to demonstrate types of can openers available to use.
text: Use a can opener.
text: You can avoid all of the situation by just opening the can with a can opener.
text: There are portable can openers (p-38 can opener is a really small one)
text: so you are always ready.
text: Some forceful methods: Use a sharp object, I.e. a screwdriver or other clean sharp object to poke a hole in the can.
text: Be very careful, and direct the object away from your body.
text: Make sure the object is clean.
text: Take a sturdy blunt object and place it on the tab.
text: Then apply force, the tab should fall in making the contents accessible.
text: Some other helpful advice can be found on this site .
answer_details: author: lifehacks.stackexchange.com/users/188/Pobrecita
score: 0
sents: text: Using force is always an option.
text: :)
text: Seriously, though, the main thing you want to avoid is squeezing the can while you are opening it, or you will have a mess.
text: Aim for the perforations with a screwdriver or a spoon
text: and you should be able to ease it open.
answer_details: author: lifehacks.stackexchange.com/users/4939/GuitarPicker
score: 0
sents: text: Pushing in the indented area with a flathead screwdriver worked best for me!
answer_details: author: lifehacks.stackexchange.com/users/15632/Tucker Nelson
score: 0

Summary of the answers:
There are a few different ways to open a beverage can with a broken tab, and a simple method would be to use a normal can opener. Alternatively, you could simply push the hole open in the can using a metal spoon or a screwdriver.
The options are to open the can using a can opener, a metal spoon handle, a teaspoon head or a screwdriver but avoid squeezing or it may make a mess.