# Freaking clamshell packaging **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [July 17, 2017, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freaking-clamshell-packaging/791457 "2017-07-17T01:39:07Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 13\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![BubbaDog](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bubbadog/32/333_2.png) [@BubbaDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BubbaDog)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2017, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freaking-clamshell-packaging/791457/21 "2017-07-17T18:25:11Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > You want [this one.](https://www.amazon.com/Plastic-Surgeon-44500-Package-Opener/dp/B0010SHGX0/ref=pd_sbs_194_6?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B0010SHGX0&pd_rd_r=AESBT1GGYSHG0MWJMZDF&pd_rd_w=qVFiy&pd_rd_wg=uSfp4&psc=1&refRID=AESBT1GGYSHG0MWJMZDF) > It’s not afraid to show it comes in the plastic packaging it’s designed to open. > 😃 When you’re ready for the big leagues. [This one](https://www.amazon.com/Zibra-Open-ZPCOPEN-GZ-Package-Opener/dp/B004UIHITY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1500315818&sr=8-1&keywords=package+opener) ---
**Author:** ![DrCube](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a3d4f5/32.png) [@DrCube](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrCube)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2017, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freaking-clamshell-packaging/791457/22 "2017-07-17T18:49:28Z")
> [@Acsenray](#): > > So how are clamshell packages actually meant to be opened without risking serious injury? They’re not meant to be opened. They’re _meant_ to be purchased. The whole point of the clamshell packaging is [to make it difficult to open](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clamshell_(container)), in order to reduce shoplifting. [QUOTE=Wikipedia] When plastic clamshell containers are securely heat sealed, they are tamper resistant and deter package pilferage. These security packages are intentionally difficult to open, sometimes requiring customers to use scissors or a knife to open. [/QUOTE] Now, some of us consumers have come up with a few clever ways to open them, but that was not the intent of the manufacturer. The manufacturer’s customers are stores, and stores want goods that can’t be opened easily. Nobody really gives a shit about the end user, we just have to fend for ourselves. I suggest avoiding clamshell packaged products entirely. It wouldn’t take long for things to change if selling this offensive packaging made stores lose money. I guess in the mean time, if you can’t avoid it, there are expensive tools you can buy to help you get at the items you paid for, and separate them from the obnoxious garbage you also paid for. ---
**Author:** ![GaryM](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garym/32/241_2.png) [@GaryM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaryM)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2017, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freaking-clamshell-packaging/791457/23 "2017-07-17T19:12:19Z")
> [@BubbaDog](#): > > When you’re ready for the big leagues. > > [This one](https://www.amazon.com/Zibra-Open-ZPCOPEN-GZ-Package-Opener/dp/B004UIHITY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1500315818&sr=8-1&keywords=package+opener) I’ve got an earlier model of this one and it works well. I gave several to relatives at Christmas several years back and was a hero. ---
**Author:** ![vtxrider](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/d26b3c/32.png) [@vtxrider](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vtxrider)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2017, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freaking-clamshell-packaging/791457/24 "2017-07-17T20:01:13Z")
I feel compelled to order those giant green scissors that can open any package. I generally pull out a katana or an ax, or a chainsaw, or a guillotine. Whatever it takes. ---
**Author:** ![chacoguy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/50afbb/32.png) [@chacoguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chacoguy)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2017, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freaking-clamshell-packaging/791457/25 "2017-07-17T20:02:05Z")
You can use a can opener. ---
**Author:** ![Ruken](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f475e1/32.png) [@Ruken](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ruken)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2017, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freaking-clamshell-packaging/791457/26 "2017-07-17T21:11:31Z")
N/M not aGQ response ---
**Author:** ![TimeWinder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/bcef8e/32.png) [@TimeWinder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TimeWinder)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2017, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freaking-clamshell-packaging/791457/27 "2017-07-17T21:30:40Z")
> [@Quasimodem](#): > > When I worked the ER of our hospital, every once in a while we saw a serious cut from packaging such as you describe. Can’t the manufacturers of these things be sued? How about class action? ever heard of one or even an effort to file one? At one point a few years back, I used Bing to look up “clamshell packaging” or “blister pack” and I was seeing entries for personal injury attorneys before the end of the first page of results. Maybe it’s gotten better over the years, since I can’t reproduce the feat now. ---
**Author:** ![Sage\_Rat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sage_rat/32/399_2.png) [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2017, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freaking-clamshell-packaging/791457/28 "2017-07-18T00:29:52Z")
I once bought a pair of oversized “scissors” (probably some yardwork tool intended for trimming bushes and stuff that should not actually be called “scissors” but) for the purpose of cutting lengths of rubber tubing, like hoses and stuff. They’re small enough that I can still work them with one hand (at least, I can open them large enough to deal with clamshell packaging), though they’re probably intended to be used with two, and from that I would say that this is far and away the right way to go for opening the things. I haven’t had a worry or consideration for opening them for the last decade. ---
**Author:** ![anomalous1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e56c9b/32.png) [@anomalous1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anomalous1)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2017, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freaking-clamshell-packaging/791457/29 "2017-07-18T01:34:17Z")
Bought a utility knife that was package in a hermetically sealed clamshell and cut my hand on the package… the irony is so great it could collapse the universe. ---
**Author:** ![davidm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidm/32/225_2.png) [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2017, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freaking-clamshell-packaging/791457/30 "2017-07-18T02:23:33Z")
> [@RealityChuck](#): > > A pair of scissors. One time I misplaced my only pair of scissors. The new pair I bought were in a clam shell package… ---
**Author:** ![griffin1977](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/977dab/32.png) [@griffin1977](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/griffin1977)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2017, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freaking-clamshell-packaging/791457/31 "2017-07-18T18:35:14Z")
My thought on this @$\*#ing stuff, is how do store security guards feel about it? I assume the idea is it makes stuff harder steal (as it is harder to remove from the packaging and slip into your pocket). But it surely what is actually means is now shoplifters now have to carry very sharp knives. I wonder if stab injuries among store security guards has increased since this was introduced? ---
**Author:** ![Claude\_Remains](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/898d66/32.png) [@Claude\_Remains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Claude_Remains)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2017, 4:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freaking-clamshell-packaging/791457/32 "2017-07-19T04:01:36Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > Some companies offer alternatives. Amazon, for instance, offers some items in “frustration-free packaging”. Perfect for the 20 somethings in my Class who need a fidget spinner in the safe room while they’re having milk and cookies and a back rub during nap time. ---
**Author:** ![gigi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a587f6/32.png) [@gigi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gigi)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2017, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freaking-clamshell-packaging/791457/35 "2017-07-19T21:56:54Z")
> [@BubbaDog](#): > > When you’re ready for the big leagues. > > [This one](https://www.amazon.com/Zibra-Open-ZPCOPEN-GZ-Package-Opener/dp/B004UIHITY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1500315818&sr=8-1&keywords=package+opener) If that thing comes packaged in a clam shell, it can probably just eat its own way out of it! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freaking-clamshell-packaging/791457.md?page=1)