How to Open a Spray Can

Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Aerosol spray cans hold anything from hairspray to roach killer and everything in between. And although they're very useful, sometimes they can be fairly frustrating to get open. It seems like no matter how hard you squeeze the cap or push things together, nothing will get the cap off right. This is particularly an issue with spray paint cans, making a quick project more frustrating than need be. Fortunately, once you know how to do it the right way, it's no big deal at all.

Advertisement

Step 1

Locate a small, square hole on the side of the spray can cap. This is an access hole used for a flathead screwdriver.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

Step 2

Place the tip of the flathead screwdriver into the square hole on the cap and aim it toward the top of the can. You want it to sit on the ledge at the top of the can, and that is going to be your leverage point.

Advertisement

Step 3

Push up on the flathead screwdriver handle toward the top of the can, and push it vertically. This is going to push the cap up off the spray can and remove the cap. The spray can is now ready to use.

Video of the Day

Advertisement

Advertisement

Report an Issue

screenshot of the current page

Screenshot loading...