Can Opener 2.0

[Texf1]

We all use rattle cans in our projects, but when they are empty, they are still considered hazardous waste unless you puncture the can. I have done this in the past in a 5 gal bucket with a hammer, but my hammer and hand are covered in paint. I decided to make something that can solve about 95% of that problem. Some paint will leak, but for the most part, it contains it pretty well and I don't have to worry that the can will explode and hurt me or one of my kids close by. I used 4" square tubing and cut it about 3" larger than the tall rattle cans. I welded one end closed. I made a strip out of scrap steel and put a 90 degree bend in it and welded an end cap to the short side and welded the other end to the hinge. I then used an old punch and sharpened it to a point and welded it to the strip in the middle of the tube. I drilled a hole in the tube for the punch. You will have to make the hole larger on the open side of the tube because as you close it, it will not be straight down. Let me know what you guys/gals think.

[rlm98253]

Nicely done.

[Texf1]

Thank you sir.

[hilerioal@outlook.com]

very cool tool, I will make one for myself , especially for wd-40 , lubriplate , etc. Thanks AL

[madokie]

i just use a old pick axe,and wear safety glasses,sometimes sticky goo comes out of these cans,your cutter would have to be cleaned out often,i do mine on a dirt spot in back yard.the gooey stuff will either harden or evaporate.my scrap yard wont take it with a small hole.i have a old neighbor that uses a 6 ft long 1x1 board with a large nail in it..never seen a can explode.

[Texf1]

I have never seen a can explode, but I have had some where the tip will not spray no matter what I do. I tried to change tips and that didn't work either. When I go to puncture the can, there is a lot of pressure in it that has made a small hole about 3 times its size. I have heard stories, but don't know how true or not, but I want to make sure it doesn't happen.

[desbromilow]

For cans which are a bit "sticky" in the valve, I've grabbed another rattle can of clear coat, removed the nozzle from each and pressed the two tube ends together. The clearcoat can shoots a small amount of wet paint/ solvent/ propellant into the stuck can valve assembly and seems to free things up fairly well - the small amount of clear coat doesn't seem to affect the colour of the other can. - the stuck can is on the bottom, the clearcoat can is inverted - so it's more propellant than paint being transferred.

for venting empty cans - I use the spike end of my welding chipping hammer - then slice open the can with tinsnips, retrieve the marble and dip tube and recycle the rest. The chipping hammer allows me to point the vent away from the body, and "hook the shot" with the hammer backwards so any vent starts away from me.

dip tubes are handy for making small cable guides, bushings, and other uses. marbles if cleaned on a shop rag within 20 seconds of the can venting are perfectly clean,and are used for bribing children, or thrown in a jar in the shed for floral arranging.

Des

I have never seen a can explode, but I have had some where the tip will not spray no matter what I do. I tried to change tips and that didn't work either. When I go to puncture the can, there is a lot of pressure in it that has made a small hole about 3 times its size. I have heard stories, but don't know how true or not, but I want to make sure it doesn't happen.

[12bolts]

Put them in the recycle bin and let them take care of the problem

[charles scozzari]

I worked in the elevator industry in NYC and was sent to rehang two basement elevator shaft doors that were blown into the pit. When i got there PD and FDNY told me that this happened is because someone threw an empty hair spray can down the garbage chute and it became a bomb. At that time they were still burning the waste in NYC apt. buildings and because the incinerator room was opposite the elevators the exploding can became a bomb and was the cause of the elevator doors being blown off. Bottom line is these things are dangerous.

[ranald]

In the mid 60's the whole family, except me, were awakened by some bomb in our house in sleepy Brisbane. Upon their carefull investigating and the damagewas in the kitchen: the family discovered glass all over the place & cupboards doors blowen off hinges. Long before the european 32mm system became "the normal" here. Apparently one or more of my home made ginger beer bottles exploded and set all the others (many dozens) off at the same time. three bottles did not explode & they were promptly covered & removed to our green house.The burgeoning teen was not popular.:-(. glad terrorists haven't discovered ginger beer!