How to Open a Bottle With a Lighter

The first time you saw someone pop a bottle cap 10 feet into the air with only a lighter as their tool, you knew you wanted to do it, too. Now you can. Just read these simple step-by-step instructions.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• An unopened bottle
• A lighter

1. Hold the beer in your off-hand. (If you are right handed this means your left hand...duh).

2. Grip the bottle so that your hand is almost slightly, but not quite touching the cap. Hold tightly.

3. Place the blunt end of the lighter (opposite the flint) solidly between your lowest knuckle and the edge of the bottle cap. Hold the lighter perpendicular to the bottle.

4. Tuck the lighter so that the edge is under the rim of the bottle cap. Squeeze tightly on the bottle and apply a little pressure on the lighter to make sure its wedged in between your knuckle and the cap.

5. Use the lighter as a lever, pushing down on it as though you are wrapping it over your hand in the direction away from the bottle. Your finger should be thought of as the center part of a see-saw.

6. With the right amount of pressure and leverage, you should be able to discharge the bottle cap with a loud "popping" report.

Tips & Warnings

• The trick will also work on twist-off bottle tops, but it is especially handy when no opener is handy.
• Keep the bottle upright so as not to spill.
• Readjust your grip if the action causes any pain.
• Don't do this to too many beer bottles in one night. Aside from the fact that your finger will get sore, you may also become extremely inebriated.

Resources

• A video version

[motherNN]

on 2/8/2009 In the 70's, we used the inside of the car door jam as the beer bottle opener. Why did everybody always get down to the river to party and forget the opener!! AHHHH!! LOL

[PABechko]

on 10/19/2008 Fun facts, who knew?

[Colonna]

on 8/20/2008 awesome! I've done this and let me tell you, once you're trying this out, ALWAYS use cheap beer until you get the hang of it! GREAT POST-5 STARS!!!!!!!!!
MIKE

[GreenGardenChic]

on 3/31/2008 Valuable information for the survival guide.

[RubyBayan]

on 1/3/2008 I've tried this a few times. It takes some trial and error to find the position that doesn't cause too much pain. It helps to do it in one swift motion. And yes, the bottle cap edge will scratch the surface of the lighter. Thanks for the memories! ;)