Reading glasses \u2013 check. Scissors \u2013 check. Wire cutters \u2013 check. Jackknife \u2013 check. Multi-head screwdriver – Allen wrench combo \u2013 check! That\u2019s five checks! So, I\u2019m ready to face the day. OPENING THINGS! Otherwise, I wouldn\u2019t be able to open anything! <\/p>\n
A bag of chips? Good luck! I pull on each side, hoping the seal at the top will let go and satisfy my craving for salt. No go. I\u2019m too weak, (apparently) to pull it open, or, if it does cooperate, it bursts, sending chips everywhere. So, having finally admitted I can\u2019t open anything, I pull out my scissors and snip the top. <\/p>\n
Later, I attack one of those \u201cEasy open trays\u201d of deli meat. Easy open? Not until I get my reading glasses to figure out where the separation point is between the top and the body of the container. Sometimes I can force my fingernail between the two components, but most often I have to pull out my jackknife, slip the blade in and pry the two halves apart. <\/p>\n
Bought your kid or grandkid a toy lately? Then you know what a challenge it is to get the darn thing free of its enclosure. It\u2019s more securely attached to the container than astronauts belted in for takeoff. <\/p>\n
This is a job for the wire cutters, to snip the several plastic straps keeping an impatient four-year old from his new toy. Snip, snip, snip and you\u2019re good to go; unless the gift is battery-operated. <\/p>\n
Remember when it was no big deal? You opened the compartment and inserted a battery or two. Unfortunately, some kid in East Podunk ate a battery and his parents sued the toy manufacturer. Now, we are saddled with tamperproof battery compartments. <\/p>\n
When it started out, you could get in using a small screwdriver, but these days you are often confronted with a hexagonal, or some other odd shaped screw head, for which you aren\u2019t prepared (thus the need for a multi-head screwdriver -Allen wrench combo tool. Never give a little kid a toy in factory packaging. Open it, energize it, check that it works, and then wrap it up for presentation.<\/p>\n
Everything is like this: food, toys, medicine and electronics. MAKING AMERICA SAFE! Don\u2019t fight it. Admit you can\u2019t open anything and have your tool kit with you at all times. <\/p>\n