# Why are things packaged in that evil, impenetrable "clamshell"? How are you supposed to open it? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [August 15, 2011, 12:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-things-packaged-in-that-evil-impenetrable-clamshell-how-are-you-supposed-to-open-it/592734 "2011-08-15T00:30:39Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Kevbo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/e47774/32.png) [@Kevbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kevbo)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2011, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-things-packaged-in-that-evil-impenetrable-clamshell-how-are-you-supposed-to-open-it/592734/41 "2011-08-15T17:33:06Z")
Beyond theft, these packages reduce loss for a store. A lot of people like to handle stuff before they buy it. They open a package to examine the item. Even if they decide to buy it, they then often buy an un-opened package, leaving the opened package that nobody will buy, and it is usually obvious it has been opened because package density is so high that it is tricky to get all the pieces in place so the box will close right. And if they do put it back so you can’t tell it was opened there may be a piece or accessory missing that will cause a return by the unhappy customer that ends up buying it. Also, the clamshell packages have mondo-tough pegboard holes. Cardboard backers are forever having the peg holes ripped out, and people don’t buy that if there is one still intact. Even though it is just a bit of paper they are going to rip and throw away as soon as they get home, and has no effect on utility, people still expect perfect. ---
**Author:** ![brazil84](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8491ac/32.png) [@brazil84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brazil84)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2011, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-things-packaged-in-that-evil-impenetrable-clamshell-how-are-you-supposed-to-open-it/592734/42 "2011-08-15T17:51:30Z")
I agree that’s one advantage to those clam shells. There’s less anxiety now that you are buying a lemon that someone else returned and the store repackaged. ---
**Author:** ![chiroptera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/df705f/32.png) [@chiroptera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chiroptera)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2011, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-things-packaged-in-that-evil-impenetrable-clamshell-how-are-you-supposed-to-open-it/592734/43 "2011-08-15T18:58:36Z")
I ask the store clerk to open it for me once I’ve paid. Or I use my Swiss army knife. ---
**Author:** ![KneadToKnow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kneadtoknow/32/3999_2.png) [@KneadToKnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KneadToKnow)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2011, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-things-packaged-in-that-evil-impenetrable-clamshell-how-are-you-supposed-to-open-it/592734/44 "2011-08-15T19:01:27Z")
> [@bump](#): > > I usually use kitchen shears to cut the clamshells open. This, with a side of not understanding that solution not being immediately obvious. Of course, I never had a problem opening CD jewel cases, either, so maybe I’m a package-opening savant. ---
**Author:** ![yabob](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yabob/32/2821_2.png) [@yabob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yabob)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2011, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-things-packaged-in-that-evil-impenetrable-clamshell-how-are-you-supposed-to-open-it/592734/45 "2011-08-15T19:26:03Z")
> [@Turek](#): > > I’m not talking about being cut with the knife; I’m talking about the actual packaging cutting you when you reach in to retrieve the item. If you open it on three sides, like suggested, you can spread it open far enough to not have to touch the cut edge of the packaging. Still, shears are a better tool. Note that some of the tools being sold as “clamshell tools” look suspiciously like repurposed pruning shears. If you happen to have a pair of those for a garden, it might be worth keeping them someplace convenient inside the house. ---
**Author:** ![Lynn\_Bodoni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e47c2d/32.png) [@Lynn\_Bodoni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lynn_Bodoni)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2011, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-things-packaged-in-that-evil-impenetrable-clamshell-how-are-you-supposed-to-open-it/592734/46 "2011-08-15T21:07:51Z")
> [@Mijin](#): > > You get quite fragile things packed in this too e.g. a desktop microphone. It can be tricky to get the item out without breaking it or at some point cutting the cable :smack: > > …which is good for the manufacturer because then you might buy another one. I had to buy a new thermometer. In a clamshell package, of course. I was able to cut the clamshell with my utility scissors…but the frigging instructions were packages so that the end stuck out past the thermometer, in between the two pieces of cardboard, so it was impossible to tell that the instructions were there. Grrr. ---
**Author:** ![Arnold\_Winkelried](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Arnold\_Winkelried](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arnold_Winkelried)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2011, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-things-packaged-in-that-evil-impenetrable-clamshell-how-are-you-supposed-to-open-it/592734/47 "2011-08-15T21:09:32Z")
Another one here that uses the Swiss Army knife. Even the small keychain one can open them. > [@whiterabbit](#): > > At the big-box store I worked at the thieves would steal a pair of heavy scissors, then use said scissors to open the packages and steal the other items. That store needed to learn from these guys: > [@njtt](#): > > [This clamshell opener](http://www.amazon.com/Zibra-ZPCOPEN-GR-Universal-Package-Opener/dp/B0049PBLPU/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1313407606&sr=8-4) appears to come in a clamshell itself!! ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2011, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-things-packaged-in-that-evil-impenetrable-clamshell-how-are-you-supposed-to-open-it/592734/48 "2011-08-15T21:10:42Z")
Explosives. Lots and lots of explosives. ---
**Author:** ![blondebear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blondebear/32/1022_2.png) [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2011, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-things-packaged-in-that-evil-impenetrable-clamshell-how-are-you-supposed-to-open-it/592734/49 "2011-08-15T21:35:33Z")
Some of the clamshells I’ve encountered recently have pull tabs and perforated edges that make it a lot easier to get to the stuff inside. Hopefully that trend will continue. ---
**Author:** ![Hero\_From\_Sector\_7G](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/65b543/32.png) [@Hero\_From\_Sector\_7G](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hero_From_Sector_7G)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2011, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-things-packaged-in-that-evil-impenetrable-clamshell-how-are-you-supposed-to-open-it/592734/50 "2011-08-15T23:38:41Z")
> [@Lynn\_Bodoni](#): > > I had to buy a new thermometer. In a clamshell package, of course. I was able to cut the clamshell with my utility scissors…but the frigging instructions were packages so that the end stuck out past the thermometer, in between the two pieces of cardboard, so it was impossible to tell that the instructions were there. Grrr. [Easy peazy.](http://www.ehow.com/how_13566_rectal-thermometer.html) ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2011, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-things-packaged-in-that-evil-impenetrable-clamshell-how-are-you-supposed-to-open-it/592734/51 "2011-08-15T23:40:32Z")
> [@Simplicio](#): > > I’m picturing one of these being delivered in packaging involving six inches of solid plastic. I use the [OpenX](http://www.squidoo.com/openx-dual-blade-universal-package-opener?utm_source=google&utm_medium=imgres&utm_campaign=framebuster) for opening clam shell packages. I ordered my opener through the mail; it arrived inside of three boxes, kind of like those old Russian wooden dolls. The outside box was the one with the mailing info, the second box was to hold the two boxes for each item (one item per box) I’d ordered as I’d ordered a set of kitchen shears at the same time (I’ve no idea why the manufacturer thought the outside box wasn’t sufficient), and the third box was the one containing only the OpenX cutter. ---
**Author:** ![Toucanna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/3bc359/32.png) [@Toucanna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Toucanna)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2011, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-things-packaged-in-that-evil-impenetrable-clamshell-how-are-you-supposed-to-open-it/592734/52 "2011-08-16T00:25:41Z")
> [@bump](#): > > I usually use kitchen shears to cut the clamshells open. > [@Mosier](#): > > My brother, who works in a supermarket, says most thefts in his store occur from people removing items from the packaging to make them easier to conceal.{snip} > [@whiterabbit](#): > > At the big-box store I worked at the thieves would steal a pair of heavy scissors, then use said scissors to open the packages and steal the other items. > Deterrent my ass. Not a complaint and not a criticism, merely sharing my experience… The kitchen shears and the last two pairs of scissors I bought (at a large regional supermarket) were packaged in plastic clamshells. I used a box cutter to open them and was nervous the entire time I was hacking away at the plastic. I understand all the sensible reasons for packaging stuff in plastic clamshells–I truly do. It’s just that they are so difficult (and potentially dangerous) to open for people who have weak hands, carpal tunnel syndrome, or arthritis. As always, YMMV. ---
**Author:** ![Oukile](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/13edae/32.png) [@Oukile](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oukile)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2011, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-things-packaged-in-that-evil-impenetrable-clamshell-how-are-you-supposed-to-open-it/592734/53 "2011-08-16T14:20:30Z")
> [@thelurkinghorror](#): > > [They make products for those](http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=clamshell&x=0&y=0#/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=package+opener&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Apackage+opener). Take your pick, I don’t know which style works the best. I have seen more products shying away from these packages, lately. That’s an interesting thing that you did with that URL ---
**Author:** ![thelurkinghorror](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7c8e57/32.png) [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2011, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-things-packaged-in-that-evil-impenetrable-clamshell-how-are-you-supposed-to-open-it/592734/54 "2011-08-16T18:41:44Z")
> [@Oukile](#): > > That’s an interesting thing that you did with that URL Hmm? Don’t know what’s happening, just did a search and then refined it a bit. At least it’s not [del]hitachi wagic wand[/del]… [del]kenny g greatest hits[/del]… package opener. ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2011, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-things-packaged-in-that-evil-impenetrable-clamshell-how-are-you-supposed-to-open-it/592734/55 "2011-08-17T00:39:58Z")
[Here](http://www.bendbulletin.com/article/20110602/NEWS0107/106020402/) is a cool article from June 2, 2011 about the demise of clamshell containers. What jumped out at me in that article is the bit about how shoplifters can deter the anti-theft provision of the clamshells. Brilliant move, manufacturers! ---
**Author:** ![Leo\_Bloom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leo_bloom/32/10377_2.png) [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2011, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-things-packaged-in-that-evil-impenetrable-clamshell-how-are-you-supposed-to-open-it/592734/56 "2011-08-17T01:18:14Z")
I ventilate them by vicious stabs w/a scissor. But the best part is smelling the odor inside. What is that from? ---
**Author:** ![Gukumatz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/74df32/32.png) [@Gukumatz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gukumatz)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2011, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-things-packaged-in-that-evil-impenetrable-clamshell-how-are-you-supposed-to-open-it/592734/57 "2011-08-18T23:09:31Z")
I use a short [electrician’s knife](http://www.powertoolsdirect.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/h/u/hul-electricians-knife-elk.jpg). Stick it paralell to the flat area around the product, poke sharply and then it’s just like cutting bread. Alternatively, a hunting knife with a [guthook](http://huntingknivesguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/278BK.jpg) would work just as well, though that might be a bit dramatic. ---
**Author:** ![Dickerman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/8baadc/32.png) [@Dickerman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dickerman)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2011, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-things-packaged-in-that-evil-impenetrable-clamshell-how-are-you-supposed-to-open-it/592734/58 "2011-08-18T23:45:51Z")
Nevermind. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-things-packaged-in-that-evil-impenetrable-clamshell-how-are-you-supposed-to-open-it/592734.md?page=2)