How do I open this packaging without cutting myself?

[aimeeandbeatles]

I was given an Amazon gift card for Christmas. Along with some other things I ordered a new portable CD player as mine is old and starting to go bad (e.g. the lid keeps popping open). I picked one with good reviews. I just got it today.

It came in the plastic "turtleshell" (I'm not sure if its called that but it reminds me of one) packaging that electronics often come in. Normally, I cut up my fingers trying to open these. I figure I am doing it wrong.

I have, with me, several pairs of scissors and some knifes. Also, downstairs my mom has a tool set with a small saw (yes, I'm serious about considering using this.)

What is the proper way to open one of these?

Also, WHAT'S THE POINT OF THIS TYPE OF PACKAGING?????????

EDIT: I looked it up. It's properly called clamshell packaging, or sometimes blister packaging.

 

[Terxpahseyton]

Thread needs pictures

 

[aimeeandbeatles]

See the edit. It's sort of like this

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Wrap_Rage_Example.jpg

But with a CD player instead of a lightbulb

 

[holy king]

ah, those suck. use the saw.

 

[The_J]

Some big scissors should do the job.

-> I've never really understood what the problem with this type of packaging is. IIRC some of the bigger manufacturers abandonded it, due to the complainments. Not that I understand it...

 

[Boundless]

Cut just the sealed edge off.

 

[Quackers]

use your teeth

 

[peter grimes]

There's usually a flange around the edge where the top and bottom are heat sealed. I use tin snips aNd cut all the way around that flange. Scissors aren't usually sturdy enough.

 

[druidravi]

Poke at one point of packaging with a sharp object and work around that hole using strength to tear the rest of packing off .

 

[NickyJ]

Big scissors.

 

[shadowplay]

Big scissors and a strong hand will do the job. Barring that, they sell special pliers for getting these clamshell packages open.

 

[classical_hero]

Just don't bother, since they are a nightmare to open.

 

[IglooDame]

Boxcutter.

 

[Theov]

I was checking to see if the topic was made in 1992. But it was not.
Anyway... can't you just open these with scissors? Just keep cutting along the edges.

 

[Cutlass]

The reason for hard to open packaging is to discourage shoplifting. The way to get the packages open is with a large and heavy scissors.

 

[aimeeandbeatles]

I tried the scissors but it would not cut properly and the big ones are still missing from the move.

But I got it open with a small hacksaw (the one in my mom's tool set).

 

[Save_Ferris]

^Shoulda used a chainsaw

 

[aimeeandbeatles]

I don't have one or know anyone who owns one and to rent it would be a bit expensive.

 

[Benefactor]

Portable CD player

Why not something a little more... modern?

 

[aimeeandbeatles]

Portable CD player

Why not something a little more... modern?

Apparently you have not seen many of my posts. I do not use MP3 players. I don't like them and, anyways, most of them are too small for me to operate.