That Russian 5.45 can is a bitch to open

[Polak 10]

I should have ordered two cans and gotten a can opener with it. After a few hits with a large screwdriver, I made a hole. Then came the channel locks. Ripped it appart, and not the ammo is free. Now I wish I had a rifle and mags to put the ammo into.

 

By the way. I bought one can at $119 not $129 like it said on AIM's website. I put in 99 as the quantity, then hit update cart. I then put in 1, and it stayed at $119 for the one. Saved $10

[T1gger 3]

I busted the back end of a screwdriver (albeit a cheap one) trying to get that open.

[Paulry 50]

I could use it for you, would have helped you to open it as well. Just trying to help!

 

[Stansplace 414]

Polack you um.... the update thingy... ummmm.... nevermind.

[Mide 0]

Same thing happened to me when I purchased through AIM. I got mine open by using two hammers (one hammer utilizing the "hook" ends.)

[scoutjoe 276]

Am I the only one who opened one of those spam cans with a hack saw? I mean it took a little bit but it was clean and easy.

[Paulry 50]

I read once (7.62x54r) where they claim a 4" angle grinder grinding the top edge, pops it right off! Never tried it.

[blkgunlvr 31]

I've opened several "spam cans" of Wolf .45 ACP, .40 S&W and 9 mm, so I've got at least three of the can-openers. The 5.45 can was no worse than any others, they all can be very tough at the corners, where the rim gets flattened and the can-opener claw can't get a grip. I usually only open the lid half-way (start at the middle of a long side- go around one end to to the middle of the other long side) and fold back the lid and access all the contents from that one opened end. I guess it helps being an "old fart" who's had life experience with manual lever can-openers! That used to be the only way to open a can of soup or beans!

[vbrtrmn 167]

I used a bolt cutter to nibble away at the edge, then used the jaws of the bolt cutter to grab some of the sheet metal and rolled it up like a sardine can.

[bigcec1 72]

If you buy it by the crate it usualy comes with some openers

[JK-47 33]

The angle grinder works wonders. you can just run the grinder along the top lip surface of the can, all the way around and it pops right off. I went slow because I didn't want to heat up anything too hot too close to live ammo.

[glennco 0]

I would recommend an air chisle. a little noise for about 10 seconds.

[Mak 3]

angle grinder

[jimdigriz 580]

I use a hammer and a cold chisel. Works pretty well.

[lxk495 0]

The angle grinder worked for me. It took a few minutes of grinding to grind down the top edge of the can. The can did not get hot at all. The sparks were flying with a thousand rounds of ammo very close by.

[-dW 2]

I read once (7.62x54r) where they claim a 4" angle grinder grinding the top edge, pops it right off! Never tried it.

I can attest that method works great, possibly better than a can opener... It's not something I could repeat in the field though

[Azrial 1,091]

The can opener is the way to go, if you are lucky enough to have one. I have three. Have you tried an commercial manual screw type can opener?

[Cobra 76 two 2,677]

Good thread! I remember what an adventure that was when I got my first 5.45 can. Hell I tried several ways....even gave it a go with the ol swiss army knife...FAIL! LOL...I wish I had thought of the angle grinder. I finally broke down and went after mine with a hammer and an old 1" wood chisel. Worked great but not as neat as a grinder would have been. I have a can opener now if I ever need to open one in the field.

 

[The_EE 1]

Good thread! I remember what an adventure that was when I got my first 5.45 can. Hell I tried several ways....even gave it a go with the ol swiss army knife...FAIL! LOL...I wish I had thought of the angle grinder. I finally broke down and went after mine with a hammer and an old 1" wood chisel. Worked great but not as neat as a grinder would have been. I have a can opener now if I ever need to open one in the field.

 

I was only going to buy 1 can of ammo, 1080 rounds but decided to say screw it and buy 2 cans just to get the opener and make my life easier. I could really use a grinder for car work and sure, its cheaper than a second can of ammo but I also plan on doing a lot of shooting and this saves on shipping.