21CT55 #2628 restoration

[ohohyodafarted]

Originally Posted by Zenith6S321

On my first attempts I was using a small pair of wire cutters to pry the edge up. It was pretty easy that way, but left ugly marks on the outside of the wider ring at the bottom of the can. With the right small jewelers flat blade screw driver I can force up the edge and then wedge it in, applying pressure along the circumference and then pry up a very short bit at a time. It gives a nice result but is tiring on the hands.

Dave

I use an old Stanley scratch awl with a wooden handle. I have it ground and curved the tip in such a way that I can work it under the rolled edge and use it to "roll" the edge open once I have it started. Then after I have the tab ring removed. I use a piece of water pipe just the right size, clamped in a vise, as a curved anvil. I take a small ball peen hammer to flatten the unrolled aluminum edge against the pipe anvil. You need to be careful with the awl so you don't slip and run the point into your hand when working the rolled edge open.