The arms of the can opener only need to be open while you are fitting it to the can, rather than while the can opener is in use. You can either keep the can on a flat surface while you use the can opener or hold it in the air.

On the can opener, the cutting edge is situated alongside the handle, the axle, and the serrated wheel that bites into the rim of the can lid. The purpose of the serrated wheel is to hold onto the can lid, keeping the can opener attached and stable while the cutting edge cuts into the can lid. The cutting edge hangs over the small raised lip adjacent to the furrow.

You may need to use 2 hands to close the can opener arms if it’s too difficult.

Alternatively, you can continue to cut the lid until it comes off completely. If you don’t apply enough pressure while you’re turning the handle, the can opener might stop puncturing the surface. In this case, detach the can opener from the can, reattach it at the last point where the lid was cut, and try again.

Be very cautious not to cut yourself on the razor-sharp edge of the can or the severed lid. It’s safe to pinch the flat top and bottom of the lid, but try not to touch the sides. If the lid has separated from the can entirely and has sunken into the contents, pry it out with a knife or another flat, sturdy object.

The can opener blade can also be used as a screwdriver! Some Swiss Army knife can openers can function as a bottle opener too. In this case, the can opener will have a slight indentation down the long edge. [7] X Research source

It’s important to hold the can steady while you work so that the contents don’t spill out. If your Swiss Army knife can opener is a bottle opener too, hold the Swiss Army knife at a right angle to the can and puncture through the lid by pushing the cutting edge down and then rocking it forward. [9] X Research source

You can either continue opening the can until the top is fully separated or you can leave a tiny part of the can still attached. If you are using a Swiss Army knife can opener that is also a bottle opener, it’s easiest to work anticlockwise around the can. [11] X Research source

Be very careful not to touch the edges of the lid, as these are very sharp.