How do you open the spam ammo can?

alwyswrkng · Post by **alwyswrkng** » Thu Jan 19, 2012 8:59 am

I bought a 440 spam can of ammo from SGAmmo and was wondering what is the best way to open it. It did not come with a can opener and the old handheld one my wife had does not fit. Suggestions?

Post by **Rongo** » Thu Jan 19, 2012 9:02 am

I would recommend getting a proper opener. Otherwise I've heard of guys using all kinds of tools. I'll let them chime in.

avenger · Post by **avenger** » Thu Jan 19, 2012 9:03 am

I Have a surplus can opener for it...ive heard of using a dremel...ive also heard of using a grinder to grind off the top edge a bit and it will separate without being sharp or anything

Post by **Jumperwire** » Thu Jan 19, 2012 9:15 am

I had some Czech ammo that came 880 to a can. it had tabs to pull but they were useless. I have an unopened can like you have as well, but they gave me a can opener. Now if you treat it like Duct Work(sheet metal) get an old flat tip screwdriver and a hammer. Knock a whole in the top edge and then with the screwdriver in the metal, tap it in one direction and let the screwdriver cut the metal. It doesn't have to be completely opened to get every thing out. Just be careful to not go in the middle and hit the ammo and not to deep. Just about 1/4" or so and that should do it.

alwyswrkng · Post by **alwyswrkng** » Thu Jan 19, 2012 9:23 am

Thanks for the replys. I'll head out to the shop and work on opening it. I'm feeling the need to kill some paper! Range time coming!

zeebill · Post by **zeebill** » Thu Jan 19, 2012 9:36 am

I have been opening the spam cans for years with a small disc grinder out on the grass some where away from the shop. Just grind the lip away enough so I can open them enough to get everything out of there and that all goes immediately into a GI ammo can and gets marked what and when it was opened. The can goes into the trashcan without stopping anywhere or looking at anything as those things can cut the hell out of you and others. Bottom of the trash can and the trash men know by now to stay away from them too. Quick and simple and all that needs to be done as there is precious little info on them at this time in my life on a spam can that I care anything about. Bill

mosinjunkie · Post by **mosinjunkie** » Thu Jan 19, 2012 11:57 am

A basic hammer, a wood chisel, and a bit of care and patience. Place the chisel at an angle so the edge cuts in, tap just enough to advance the cut. You really only have to get one end open to get all the ammo out, but I like to carefully cut all the way around, so I can re-use the can for other purposes. Lots of sharp edges, so be careful. I grind the edges down on the empty can, and use it for other things. I was thinking of hanging all the can tops on a wall.

desdem12 · Post by **desdem12** » Thu Jan 19, 2012 11:58 am

I poked a hole on the edge with a good knife abd then used steel nibblers that you can get at harbor freight for about $6

Post by **bunkysdad** » Thu Jan 19, 2012 12:30 pm

What? Who has money for a spam can? Ok I'll be right over to help you open it and shoot it!

MadisonAV · Post by **MadisonAV** » Thu Jan 19, 2012 4:47 pm

I was thinking about using a jackhammer. But I'm not sure how to use one to cut around a curve.

Seriously, I just received two cans with 880 rounds and a can opener was included. I'll let you know how it goes.

tjtM38 · Post by **tjtM38** » Thu Jan 19, 2012 5:01 pm

I'm glad my first spam can (I've purchased three in a year's time) came with a can opener. Otherwise, I would be in real trouble. I thought it was hard to do WITH the opener. How the hell did the Russian front line soldiers do this quickly in the field? Or did they?

desdem12 · Post by **desdem12** » Thu Jan 19, 2012 5:04 pm

I think Ivan did NOT carry spam cans around as an infantryman. But the female Ivans probly had the openers around.

SA1911a1 · Post by **SA1911a1** » Thu Jan 19, 2012 5:21 pm

If you buy two cans at the time you normally get an opener. Otherwise, I just use a flat tip screwdriver and a hammer. (it ain't exactly Fort Knox)

You could also probably open it by heating it in the oven at 500 degrees for an hour or so..........

alwyswrkng · Post by **alwyswrkng** » Thu Jan 19, 2012 6:46 pm

You could also probably open it by heating it in the oven at 500 degrees for an hour or so..........

[/quote]

Or better yet I use a block of C-4 I just happen to have lying around...............

The hammer and scewdriver method worked just fine. I tried working the edge back first but those "rooskies: really intended these cans to stay sealed!

BuckeyeSgt · Post by **BuckeyeSgt** » Thu Jan 19, 2012 6:50 pm

I used a thermite grenade, I think two rounds were still good when I got done.

BuckeyeSgt · Post by **BuckeyeSgt** » Thu Jan 19, 2012 6:51 pm

This is probably why I bought a 300 round deal in a .30 cal ammo can. It's a lot easier to open. Price wasn't too bad either.

polymerase2 · Post by **polymerase2** » Thu Jan 19, 2012 6:57 pm

I use a hammer and a cold chisel. About a 3/4". A crappy wood chisel would work too. I would not use a good wood chisel. Angle it right at the edge of the top and hit hard enough to go through the metal. There are no primers right at the edge. Once it is started just follow the cut. Move the chisel over about half it's width hit, repeat. It goes pretty quick.

Post by **Junk Yard Dog** » Thu Jan 19, 2012 6:59 pm

Swear it open mostly, then buy a second case of ammo and hope the dam commies remembered to include the can opener.

gwilly · Post by **gwilly** » Thu Jan 19, 2012 7:32 pm

Am I the only one to use the screwdriver/bayonet??

Post by **Junk Yard Dog** » Thu Jan 19, 2012 7:50 pm

No, you ain't

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