What are the Types of Paint Can Openers

Here are the four categories of paint tin openers:

1. Standard Flat-Head Paint Can Opener: The Standard flat-head paint can opener is also known as a screwdriver paint can opener. These paint openers are made up of steel and metal. It contains a flat handle with a C-shaped rectangular tip. Its sharp head goes under the lid and lifts it. Rotate the screwdriver in a circular motion to loosen the lid. Don’t forget to wear gloves to minimize cuts from the sharp ends of the opener. 
2. 5-in-1 Painter’s Tool: The 5-in-1 paint can opener is widely used due to its multi-tasking abilities. It reduces the need to purchase scrapers, roller frame cleaners, and crack openers. This five-in-one tool is made up of steel with a durable handle. Its sharp edge is used to clean and open cracks. It is also used to remove the paint buildups without a putty knife. Professionals use this painter’s tool to clean the roller frames due to its C-shaped design. Its handle works as a rubber hammer to close the paint can lids. Use the 2-inch flat side of this tool to open the paint can. Apply gentle pressure and lift it. It is made up of zinc-coated steel(galvanized), which makes it rust-resistant. 
3. Plastic Paint Lid Lifter: The plastic paint lid lifter is a lightweight and durable opener for plastic paint cans. The steel and metal paint can opener can damage the lids and rims of plastic cans. These lid lifters are best for one-time use. They are unfit for steel paint buckets as they bend or break when high force is applied. This paint can opener also takes rims and lids into its grip and then pulls the lid upward. 
4. Paint Key Opener: Paint key opener is a well-known paint can opener due to its smooth design and dual functionalities. It contains a ring on one side and a sharp tip with a hook on the other. The sharp tip of the paint key opener is inserted below the lid to open it. The ring edge is used to open the cans of bottles and to pull the spiks when painting walls. Paint key opener is 4.4 inches in length with 1.1 inches of ring diameter. It is used to open small paint tins and buckets. 

How to Choose the Right Paint Can Opener

Here are the five tips to find the best paint tin opener:

1. Project Size Matters: Understand the scale of the project before purchasing the paint can openers. Plastic paint can lifters cannot withstand frequent use, as they are fragile when it comes to large-scale projects. Likewise, paint key opners are not suitable for complete home renovation or construction. Invest in a 5-in-1 paint can opener when starting from scratch, as they reduce the expense of a putty knife, scraper, and crack opener. 
2. Material & Build: Opt high quality and durable paint can openers for long-term use. Make sure to check the handles and their grip for smooth results. Select the paint key opener or plastic paint lifter for touchups and when filling small dents.
3. Functionality Options: Assess the function of each tool before investing in it. A plastic key opener cannot be used for scraping or cleaning roller frames like 5-in-1 paint can openers. Electric paint can openers are also available in the market that come with batteries. Understand the scale of the project and then prefer the one that meets the requirements. 
4. Ergonomics & Comfort: Check the design, shape, and handle grip of the paint can opener when working on large projects. Choosing the slippery and heavy paint can opener affects the work. The right angle, length, shape, and grip of the opener are important for high-repetition tasks.
5. Budget & Brand: Budget is the most important factor to consider when purchasing the paint can openers. There are multiple brands that sell the best can openers at a suitable price. The higher the cost of the tool, the higher the lifespan and quality phenomenon does not work anymore. Choose the paint tin opener that falls under the budget range and withstands the scale of the project.

How to Use a Paint Can Opener Properly

Here are the 5 tips to use a paint can opener properly:

1. Check Can Integrity: Make sure to check that the paint isn’t dry and the lid is working fine. Open the can carefully if the lid is dented or has holes in it to prevent cust and paint splashes. 
2. Insert Under Lid: Insert the sharp edges of the paint can opener under the lid and have a strong grip on the handle. Apply gentle pressure on the paint can opener to lift the lid upward. Don’t put high force at once, as the paint lid jumps into the air and leaves splashes all around. This is a bad technique to open the lid, and it also increases the expense of drop cloth cleaning and stains on the floor.
3. Pry Around Rim: Don’t lift the lid at one point of the rim only. Twist the paint can opener in a circular motion along with the paint can to loosen the lid completely. It decreases the chances of rim damage and splashes.
4. Clean Rim Area: Make sure to clean the rims with a microfiber or towel after opening the lid, as paint drips on them. They cause paint splashes and stains on the floor if left unchecked. 
5. Reseal Properly (if needed): Close the paint lid immediately after pouring the paint into the paint tray and after completing the project. Use the handle of the 5-in-one painter’s tool or a wood block to seal the lid. It increases the lifespan of leftover paint and protects it from mildew growth. 

How to Maintain Paint Can Openers

Clean the paint can openers with soap or solvents to remove the paint immediately after opening the lids. Soak them in warm water if the paint gets dry. Take them out and let the water evaporate completely in open air before storing them. Keep them away from water to avoid REDOX reaction and prevent rust. Wrap them in a towel or any small piece of cloth to store them. Put them in a mini toolbox for quick access in the future.