And the worst job in an Eastern Bloc military is....

[Spermgewehr]

The supply guy that has to open the spam cans. Can you imagine? Just opened one with the designed opener and had forgotten how tedious it can be.

[Sgt. Rob]

I like a flat blade screw driver and a hammer. Let the side of the blade cut while you bang the other side with the hammer. Only need to open about a third of the top, pry it back and take out the ammo. Takes me maybe 5 minutes, probably less.

Semper Fi, Rob

[Ban-One]

I have learned that a pair of tin snips work well. I remember my first spam can though...probably took me 20 minutes to get any ammo out of it.

[MarkB]

I took a dremel to mine with a heavy cut off wheel it worked though.

[Simo]

I use a 4" grinder with a coarse grinding wheel and just skim the top lip and the lid comes off as a whole. takes maybe 2 mins

[Junk Yard Dog]

I never had any problems opening the spam cans with the opener, but then I have been removing the tops of 55 gallon steel drums for years with a similar tool. Now if you want a bad job, think about opening that spam can while under fire or being overrun by the enemy.

[Junk Yard Dog]

The US military also used spam cans for long term ammo storage, but in our case the cans actually looked and opened like giant cans of the spam meat. I have one for a trash can next to my desk, the ammo was packed in 20 round boxes inside, I forget how much.

[alwyswrkng]

I think it is time for me to order another spam can. This one is almost empty. I saw some at the gun show today for $121 plus tax. Offered $90 OTD but $105+ was as low as he would go so SGAMMO here I come (again).

[Junk Yard Dog]

Don't be tosing out that empty spam can now, they make good containers for holding stuff

[damuralt]

Any ammo can you need tools to open is a phenomenally bad idea. Ask the British Army. After a disaster in South Africa in 1879 at Isandlwana, all small arms ammunition has been packed in easily-opened, tool-free containers. It sort of goes along with that old saying that "you never need a gun until you REALLY need a gun."

I use the issued tool...

[Hobe Sound Falcon]

What is the best way to smooth off the sharp edges on the side of the Inside after you take off the Lid? If you want to keep the Can. You would have to make it safe, expecally with Kids in the House.

[desdem12]

I'm sure a grinder would take those edges down in a jiffy.