Buzz
If you don’t have a bottle opener handy, there are still plenty of ways to open a bottle cap. At home, you can use various household items to pry the cap off. When you’re out, you might find something in your bag that can help open a bottle when needed. If you need to open a wine bottle, you can find a way to remove the cork. No matter the type of bottle, you can open it easily!
Steps
Using Household Items
Leverage the bottle cap with the edge of a spoon. Hold the neck of the bottle with your non-dominant hand, positioning your hand about 2.5 cm from the bottle’s mouth. Place the metal edge of the spoon under the cap, with the handle resting against your hand. Press down on the spoon’s handle to lift the cap.
- Make sure to use a spoon that won’t bend or deform when pressure is applied.
Use scissors as a makeshift bottle opener. Open the scissors halfway to form a V-shape and place the intersection point of the blades under the bottle cap. Press the handles of the scissors downward while gently squeezing the blades together to lift the cap.
- Alternatively, cut around the edge of the cap until it loosens.
- Ensure the scissors’ tips point away from you to avoid injury if they slip.
Use a claw hammer to pry off the bottle cap. Position the claw of the hammer under the bottle cap. Pull the hammer handle downward toward you to lift the cap. Once the cap pops off, set the hammer aside and enjoy your drink!
- Be careful not to pry too hard, as the bottle might break.
Try twisting the bottle cap using a rubber band or a piece of cloth. Wrap the rubber band or cloth around the cap several times until you have a firm grip. Twist the cap counterclockwise to see if it loosens. The leverage from the rubber band may cause the cap to turn and come off.
- This method can be tricky, as many bottle caps aren’t designed to twist open.
Place the bottle cap against the edge of a table to pop it off. Position the edge of the cap against the table’s edge and tilt the bottle at a 30-degree angle. Hold the bottle firmly with your non-dominant hand and strike the cap with your dominant hand. It may take 2-3 strikes to pop the cap off, but the force will eventually loosen it.
- Be cautious to avoid breaking the bottle when striking the cap.
- If the drink is carbonated, it may start to fizz. Be mindful not to spill it on hard-to-clean surfaces.
Warning: This method may damage the table, so only attempt it if you’re sure the table can withstand the force. Avoid using wooden tables, as they are prone to scratches or dents.
Opening a Beer Bottle When You're Not at Home
Pry the bottle cap off using a key until it pops loose. Hold the top of the bottle cap firmly with the thumb of your non-dominant hand. Slide the edge of a house key or car key under the rim of the cap. Lift the end of the key to pry the cap’s edge until it loosens.
- You may need to pry the cap in multiple spots to loosen it. Work your way around the cap until it comes off.
Use a lighter to lift the bottle cap. Hold the bottle with your non-dominant hand, positioning your hand about 2.5 cm below the cap. Place the bottom of the lighter under the cap’s edge, sliding your hand up to grip the bottle’s neck for stability. Press the lighter downward so it hooks under the cap and lifts it off.
Use the edge of a belt buckle as a bottle opener. This works best if your belt has a metal buckle. Unfasten and remove the belt for easier use. Position the U-shaped curve of the buckle under the cap’s edge and pull the belt backward to lever the cap open.
- Some belt buckles come with built-in bottle openers. Check if your belt buckle has one included.
Lever the bottle cap using a steel or titanium ring. Place your hand over the cap so your ring hooks under the cap’s edge. Tilt the bottle at a 45-degree angle toward your hand to secure the ring in place. Grip the bottle’s neck and tilt your hand back to pry the cap off.
- If the ring starts to tighten on your finger before the cap pops off, stop to avoid injury.
Warning: Avoid using precious metal rings like gold or silver, as they may deform when attempting to open a bottle.
Opening a Wine Bottle Cork
Screw a wood screw into the cork and use a claw hammer to pull it out. Twist the screw into the center of the cork by hand, stopping when about 1.5 cm of the screw remains above the cork. Grip the screw with the claw of the hammer and wiggle it gently to loosen the cork. Rotate the bottle until the cork pops out.
Tip: You can also use a drill to insert the screw into the cork, but be careful not to crack the bottle.
Place the wine bottle inside a tennis shoe and tap it against a wall if you lack tools. Insert the bottle into the shoe, ensuring it’s snug against the sole. Tap the shoe’s heel against a hard surface, such as a wall or table, to push the cork upward. Once you can grip the cork, pull it out by hand.
- Avoid using high heels or flat-soled shoes, as they may accidentally break the bottle.
Use a bicycle pump to push the cork out. Ensure the pump has a small needle attached to its tip. Insert the needle into the cork along the side of the bottle’s neck, ensuring it goes past the cork’s base. Pump air slowly and observe if the cork begins to rise. Once you can grip the cork, pull it out by hand.
- If there’s no progress after a few pumps, remove the needle. Pressure buildup inside the bottle could cause it to break.
Push the cork into the wine bottle if you can’t remove it. Use your hand to push the cork into the bottle so it falls into the wine. If you can’t push it in by hand, use a long object like a wooden spoon handle to press it deeper.
- If the cork breaks apart in the wine, strain the wine through a filter into another container.
Tips
- Always try twisting the bottle cap first to check if it’s a twist-off or if you truly need a bottle opener.
Warnings
- Avoid using sharp knives to open bottle caps or corks, as they may slip and cause injury.
What You'll Need
Using Kitchen Tools
- Spoon
- Scissors
- Claw hammer
- Table
- Rubber band
Opening a Beer Bottle When You're Out
- Key
- Lighter
- Belt
- Ring
Remove the cork from the wine bottle
- Screw
- Screwdriver
- Claw hammer
- Tennis shoes
- Bicycle pump
