This article was taken from the June 2014 issue of Wired magazine. Be the first to read Wired's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by <span class="s1">subscribing online.
Ever forgotten the tin opener? Here's how to open your beans using nothing more than a hard surface. "It's a technique many survivalists use," says Ryan Arter, owner of outdoor shop Mission Survivor, who can bust open a tin in just over 30 seconds using nothing more than a kerb. "I carry an opener but if this skill is needed, I will be happy that I know it."
Find the weak spot
Tins are sealed by pressing the top lid over the tin and bending the edges to form a crimp. It means there's only a small amount of metal around the top lip, which will break with enough friction.
You will need to protect your hands with gloves for this exercise, because the edges of the tin will be extremely sharp.
Select a stone
You can use the pavement in urban areas, or some kinds of rock in the wild -- quartz sandstones, quartzite, granites and rhyolites.
The harder and rougher, the better. "However, soft rocks, such as limestone, will not work," says Arter.Flip the tin upside down, so that the top of it is in contact with the rough surface.
Grind it down
Scrape the tin across the surface in a backwards-and-forwards motion. You'll see the edges wear down and gradually start to separate, and moisture from the contents will spill on to the rough surface. The time it takes to do this depends on how firm you are -- it can be done within ten seconds.
Remove the lid
Clean any metal shavings off the top of the lid before opening it.
The lid may come off easily. If it is difficult to remove, just squeeze the sides firmly between your thumbs and index fingers until the lid pops off. Make sure your hands are protected when you do this. Hey presto! No need to rely on a tin opener.
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
