---
slug: how_to_use_a_can_opener
category_path: home_kitchen/kitchen_dining/kitchen_utensils_gadgets/can_openers
title: "How to Use a Can Opener"
lead: "With a standard rotary can opener, sit the cutting wheel on the rim, squeeze the handles together to pierce the lid, then turn the knob clockwise, walking the opener around the can until the lid comes free. Keep a firm grip and let the wheel track the rim — a side-cutting 'safety' opener cuts below the seam so the lid lifts off without a sharp edge."
recommendation:
  name: "Clamp the wheel on the rim, squeeze to pierce, then crank clockwise around the can — steady grip, opener upright"
  reason: "A manual can opener has a sharp cutting wheel and a toothed feed gear that grip the rim, and the trick is getting them seated before you turn. Hold the can steady on a counter and open the opener's arms, then set it on the top rim so the cutting wheel rests just inside the lip and the toothed gear sits on the outside edge. Squeeze the two handles firmly together — you'll feel the wheel puncture the lid — and keep them squeezed while you turn the knob clockwise; the gear pulls the can along and the wheel cuts as it goes. Work around in steps, re-gripping as needed, and hold the opener roughly upright so it stays on track; near the end, slow down so the lid doesn't drop into the food, and lift it off with the opener's magnet or a fork rather than your fingers. There are two common styles: a top-cutting opener slices through the top of the lid and can leave a sharp edge, while a side-cutting 'safety' opener cuts the seam on the side so the whole lid lifts away with smooth edges. Rinse and dry the opener after use, especially the wheel and gear where food collects, and if a cheap opener skips or won't bite, the wheel is dull or bent and it's time to replace it."
published: 2026-07-09
updated: 2026-07-09
---


<ComparisonTable
  columns={["Step", "Do", "Why"]}
  rows={[
    ["Clamp", "Sit the wheel on the rim, squeeze the handles to pierce", "The wheel and gear grip the lid to cut"],
    ["Turn", "Crank the knob clockwise around the rim", "The gear feeds the can as the wheel cuts"],
    ["Hold", "Grip the can, keep the opener upright", "Keeps the cut on track, avoids slips"],
    ["Lift", "Use the magnet or a fork to lift the lid", "Keeps fingers off the cut edge"],
  ]}
/>