How to Open a Beer Bottle with a Lighter

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By jmwhitaker
User-Submitted Article

Article Rating: (9 Ratings)

Nothing is as aggravating as trying to open a beer-bottle that doesn't have a twist off lid. Nobody ever seems to have a bottle opener and, to many, the "lighter trick" is just as hard as doing one-handed cartwheels. When I was 16, I was staying in a small Mexican border town when an old Mariachi showed me the trick. Years later, I have become such a master at the technique that I am able to open a bottle with just about anything from pocket change to car keys.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

A disposable lighter

Step 1

First, grab the bottle as high up on the neck as you can. Your thumb should completely cover the first joint of your index finger (depending on how big your hands are). Now, you should place the bottom edge of the lighter under the lip of the bottle's lid. The lighter should be sitting on the center of the second joint of your index finger.
Step 2

Now, grab the bottle as tight as you can, pry the bottle lid off. Didn't work? Make sure you are keeping pressure on the lighter so that it is firmly against the bottle. Also, depending on the size of your hands, you may need to move the lighter around a bit. It may take a few minutes, but once you figure out the right angle, you'll be able to pop the lid off on the first try every time.
Step 3

Now, no matter where you are, no matter what kind of beer you're drinking, you'll be the hero of the party.

Comments

xtraordinary said

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on 7/28/2008 This rocks, thank you so much! If you feel inclined, please check out my article on how to display your beer coaster collection:
http://www.ehow.com/how_4434806_display-beer-coaster-collection.html

BFunkey said

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on 12/21/2007 Kool! R we talking BIC lighter? Zippo? Or what...? And "does size matter" (or style, type, materials, etc)? I'm presuming from your description that the lighter is horizontal, long axis perpendicular to the bottle's long axis, right? Thx!