Gransnet forums

Ask a gran

Can’t open tins, bottles etc

(58 Posts)
NanKate Sun 17-May-26 21:46:19

Recently I have found I don’t have the strength to open bottles, or use the tin opener. I do have some plastic devices that help.

Where has my strength gone?

poppysmum Wed 20-May-26 09:32:49

electric can opener is the only one I can use, try Age UK they have loads useful gadgets

patty47 Wed 20-May-26 09:52:47

That's fine if you've got any teeth left!

Stillness Wed 20-May-26 10:04:34

I think they’re generally harder anyway. I have a gadget for ring pulls and bottle tops and hit the edge of jars in something to bend them which breaks the seal. I’m reasonably healthy and don’t have arthritis. Ridiculous isn’t it. One roll on deodorant I buy was getting harder and harder to open. My husband couldn’t even open it with a vice and a load of tools! I wrote to the company and they apologised and sent me a box of them, all opening ok! They’ve always been ok since. Sometimes it’s worth speaking out and not assuming it’s just you.

GrannySomerset Wed 20-May-26 12:41:36

I have a multipurpose opener, bought by DH for 50p at a church jumble sale many years ago. It seems to cope with most things and is one of those things I would save in an emergency!

Rocketstop2 Wed 20-May-26 18:12:17

Aldom

All of the above advice is useful and I'll add a tip of mine.
Try wearing a rubber glove. I find that works for me with my arthritic hands.

Yes rubber glove works for me too !

50ShadesofGreyMatter Thu 18-Jun-26 23:01:11

Putting on a rubber glove often helps ime.

Janussi Thu 18-Jun-26 23:57:26

Since listening to Dr. Hilary Jones banging on about having a good grip will extend your life expectancy, I persevere. When I broke my arm and shoulder in a fall due to a broken pavement, the A And E surgeon asked me to shake his hand as hard as possible. He was about 6ft 6in and like a bear but I gripped so hard he told me I would recover. Everyone else disagreed. I still struggle sometimes with Bovril. Solution? Hot water expands the plastic top. When impossible (I’m not Superwoman), I ask male family members to help. Son bought me a gadget from John Lewis but it requires some strength to use it.