# Is there such a thing as a can opener that lasts longer than a few months? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [July 22, 2017, 12:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-such-a-thing-as-a-can-opener-that-lasts-longer-than-a-few-months/791875 "2017-07-22T12:47:55Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Evan\_Drake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b487fb/32.png) [@Evan\_Drake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evan_Drake)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2017, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-such-a-thing-as-a-can-opener-that-lasts-longer-than-a-few-months/791875/21 "2017-07-22T16:31:27Z")
I think damp climates can weaken the wheels of the cheap ones. ---
**Author:** ![TheChileanBlob](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thechileanblob/32/435_2.png) [@TheChileanBlob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheChileanBlob)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2017, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-such-a-thing-as-a-can-opener-that-lasts-longer-than-a-few-months/791875/22 "2017-07-22T18:04:22Z")
I’ll second EZ-DUZ-IT. We went through about three or four can openers in a few months a few years ago until we got this. Swing-a-way used to be the Cadillac of can openers, but they’re cheaply made now. ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2017, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-such-a-thing-as-a-can-opener-that-lasts-longer-than-a-few-months/791875/23 "2017-07-22T18:07:20Z")
My decades old one still works, even if it is a bit tarnished. But the newer ones we bought all keep failing. (We like to have at least two.) I’m hoping that if I buy one that looks like the same build as my old one, that it will last. On one, the plastic crank broke. I finally just broke it entirely on one final can. The other just doesn’t rotate anymore, and I don’t know what happened. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2017, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-such-a-thing-as-a-can-opener-that-lasts-longer-than-a-few-months/791875/24 "2017-07-22T18:08:10Z")
> [@TheChileanBlob](#): > > I’ll second EZ-DUZ-IT. We went through about three or four can openers in a few months a few years ago until we got this. Swing-a-way used to be the Cadillac of can openers, but they’re cheaply made now. So are Cadillacs. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2017, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-such-a-thing-as-a-can-opener-that-lasts-longer-than-a-few-months/791875/25 "2017-07-22T18:13:59Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > And the Q-38 will also effectively open most cans. > [@somepumpkin](#): > > Only good for one use, though. 🙂 Some screwy rabbit keeps taking mine. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2017, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-such-a-thing-as-a-can-opener-that-lasts-longer-than-a-few-months/791875/26 "2017-07-22T18:19:56Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > [Try one of these](https://www.webstaurantstore.com/choice-1-manual-can-opener-without-base/3331.html?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=GoogleShopping&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIr-vctKSd1QIVloKzCh3KdgRCEAYYASABEgJLvvD_BwE). I’ve seen models older than I am still opening cans at restaurants Yes, but is she willing to mount the base to the side of her countertop? ---
**Author:** ![Siam\_Sam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2017, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-such-a-thing-as-a-can-opener-that-lasts-longer-than-a-few-months/791875/27 "2017-07-22T18:23:05Z")
We bought [this one](http://tornadocanopener.com/) a month or two ago and love it. Paid about $22 for it at Walmart. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2017, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-such-a-thing-as-a-can-opener-that-lasts-longer-than-a-few-months/791875/28 "2017-07-22T18:52:03Z")
> [@cochrane](#): > > Yes, but is she willing to mount the base to the side of her countertop? I suppose in desperation that’s an option. There just has to be a decent can opener out there that the OP won’t have a problem with though. ---
**Author:** ![Siam\_Sam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2017, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-such-a-thing-as-a-can-opener-that-lasts-longer-than-a-few-months/791875/29 "2017-07-22T18:54:02Z")
> [@Siam\_Sam](#): > > We bought [this one](http://tornadocanopener.com/) a month or two ago and love it. Paid about $22 for it at Walmart. > [@TriPolar](#): > > I suppose in desperation that’s an option. There just has to be a decent can opener out there that the OP won’t have a problem with though. Yes, the Tornado. It works wonderfully, even eliminating sharp lid edges so you can’t cut your fingers even if you tried. ---
**Author:** ![Nava](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/da6949/32.png) [@Nava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nava)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2017, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-such-a-thing-as-a-can-opener-that-lasts-longer-than-a-few-months/791875/30 "2017-07-22T19:46:48Z")
Yours truly uses the [explorador](https://www.google.es/search?q=explorador+abrelatas&rlz=1C1GGRV_esFR751FR751&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi3gNrk053VAhUDPhQKHVZ4CYcQ_AUICigB&biw=1366&bih=638) type, if possible. The one at Mom’s is older than me. ---
**Author:** ![Trinopus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/2bfe46/32.png) [@Trinopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trinopus)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2017, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-such-a-thing-as-a-can-opener-that-lasts-longer-than-a-few-months/791875/31 "2017-07-22T21:04:03Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > I have a couple of manual side-cutting can openers, including one from Oxo, that work well. This design may have less stress on the device. I adore side-cutting openers! The concept is a delight! No sharp edges! Less wasted food trapped under the rim! But I do find that they don’t last as long as the other kind. Maybe they’re having to slice through a greater thickness of metal? I’ve had two side-openers. The first lasted about two years, and the second, also about two years old now, is starting to give me trouble. Time for a replacement. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2017, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-such-a-thing-as-a-can-opener-that-lasts-longer-than-a-few-months/791875/32 "2017-07-22T21:07:00Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > So are Cadillacs. > > 😃 So you’re saying that Cadillacs are not the Cadillacs of cars? As for the OP, I’ve only owned one can opener my entire life. It still works fine after ~40 years. ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2017, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-such-a-thing-as-a-can-opener-that-lasts-longer-than-a-few-months/791875/33 "2017-07-22T21:07:55Z")
> [@Sage\_Rat](#): > > I don’t know how many cans you’re opening per day, but I’ve had the same one for the last two decades. Mine is 13 years old and has never had an issue. My mother still has them from my childhood and I turn 39 in a month. I didn’t know they broke. ---
**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2017, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-such-a-thing-as-a-can-opener-that-lasts-longer-than-a-few-months/791875/34 "2017-07-22T21:19:36Z")
> [@Trinopus](#): > > I adore side-cutting openers! The concept is a delight! No sharp edges! Less wasted food trapped under the rim! > > But I do find that they don’t last as long as the other kind. Maybe they’re having to slice through a greater thickness of metal? I’ve had two side-openers. The first lasted about two years, and the second, also about two years old now, is starting to give me trouble. Time for a replacement. Mine’s at least 15 years old. I don’t open too many cans with it, though. Most of my cans have the pull tops with a ring on it. ---
**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2017, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-such-a-thing-as-a-can-opener-that-lasts-longer-than-a-few-months/791875/35 "2017-07-22T21:22:55Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > I suppose in desperation that’s an option. There just has to be a decent can opener out there that the OP won’t have a problem with though. And the opener part does take up space on the countertop unless you remove it and put it aside. She says her counter space is very limited. ---
**Author:** ![Quartz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quartz/32/267_2.png) [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2017, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-such-a-thing-as-a-can-opener-that-lasts-longer-than-a-few-months/791875/36 "2017-07-22T21:27:35Z")
I have a butterfly style can opener that’s probably older than I am. ---
**Author:** ![dwyr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dwyr/32/363_2.png) [@dwyr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dwyr)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2017, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-such-a-thing-as-a-can-opener-that-lasts-longer-than-a-few-months/791875/37 "2017-07-22T22:00:31Z")
[Nogent Classic Service Super Kim Manual Can Opener](https://www.amazon.com/Nogent-Classic-Service-Manual-Opener/dp/B001E05WQM). A little awkward to use at first but works very nicely. Takes up hardly any room in the drawer. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2017, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-such-a-thing-as-a-can-opener-that-lasts-longer-than-a-few-months/791875/38 "2017-07-22T22:26:07Z")
> [@Trinopus](#): > > > [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > > > I have a couple of manual side-cutting can openers, including one from Oxo, that work well. This design may have less stress on the device. > > I adore side-cutting openers! The concept is a delight! No sharp edges! Less wasted food trapped under the rim! > > But I do find that they don’t last as long as the other kind. Maybe they’re having to slice through a greater thickness of metal? I’ve had two side-openers. The first lasted about two years, and the second, also about two years old now, is starting to give me trouble. Time for a replacement. I’ve examined cans after using a side-cutting can opener and see absolutely no sharp edges. My guess is that these openers aren’t actually cutting any metal but instead are mechanically separating the top of the can from the side. ---
**Author:** ![Trinopus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/2bfe46/32.png) [@Trinopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trinopus)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2017, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-such-a-thing-as-a-can-opener-that-lasts-longer-than-a-few-months/791875/39 "2017-07-22T23:05:06Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > I’ve examined cans after using a side-cutting can opener and see absolutely no sharp edges. My guess is that these openers aren’t actually cutting any metal but instead are mechanically separating the top of the can from the side. Now I’m totally curious how cans are sealed in the first place! I just did some Googling, but didn’t find a clear answer. Anyrate, aye, no sharp edges, and that’s a real plus! ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2017, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-such-a-thing-as-a-can-opener-that-lasts-longer-than-a-few-months/791875/40 "2017-07-22T23:16:36Z")
[Here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNYnvFxRL08) is a YouTube video illustrating how cans are sealed. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-such-a-thing-as-a-can-opener-that-lasts-longer-than-a-few-months/791875.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-such-a-thing-as-a-can-opener-that-lasts-longer-than-a-few-months/791875.md?page=3)