How to Open a Bottle of Beer Without a Bottle Opener

You're at a party or at the campground, and you brought a six-pack of your favorite brew. The bottle caps, though, are not twist-off, and nobody can find a bottle opener. In a desperate moment, you consider breaking the bottle to get at the beer. Don't do it: you can open that bottle of beer without an opener or risking laceration from broken glass.

Instructions

With a Lighter

1. Grip the neck of the bottle tightly with one hand, tucking your index finger just below the bottle cap.

2. Hold the lighter in your other hand. Place the bottom of the lighter under the rim of the cap, right about where your second knuckle is. Picture the lighter as a lever, or a seesaw, and your finger as the fulcrum.

3. Pry the rim of the cap upward with the lighter. Resist the pressure of the lighter with your finger. With enough pressure you should be able to deform the cap enough to open the bottle. Leverage is the key.

4. Try again on a different part of the cap if it doesn't open on the first try.

On a Hard Surface

1. Find a hard surface with a sturdy edge, such as a table or countertop

2. Hold the bottle firmly with one hand, so that the edge of the cap rests on the very edge of the table.

3. Hit the top of the cap firmly with the palm of your other hand. If done correctly, the edge of the surface should pop the cap off the top of the bottle.

4. Try again on a different part of the cap if it doesn't open on the first try.

Tips & Warnings

• If you can't find a lighter, another sturdy object with a flat edge, such as a knife, will work.

• Don't try this on expensive or treasured furniture. You may damage whatever surface you use to open the bottle.