Ring Pull Can Opener Assist - Two Versions

This was made for an acquaintance with severe arthritis, who has difficulty open cans with ring pull tops. There are a number of other 3D printed design available, but I was not really satisfied with any of them, so I designed this very simple version with no decorations, text, or holes - just the minimum required to make it work. I considered giving it a truss type framework, but decided that a “solid” exterior would make it easier to keep clean.

My initial version was the yellow one shown in the photos. This works, but I thought a version with a larger lever section (orange version in the photos) might work better. Each version has some advantages, depending on the size of can being opened. If you only want to print one, I recommend the larger version.

Use Instructions

In case the pictures are not already self-explanatory :

Hold the can in one hand, while inserting the “hook” into the ring on the can pull-top (you may need to lift the ring a little first to be able to insert the hook). While holding the can, rotate the handle down so as to fully engage the hook in the ring, while levering off the top.

Print Instructions

Print in PETG using the files provided (PLA would probably work also). In general :

• 3 perimeters
• 30% Adaptive Cubic infill
• Paint On Support under the tip

CAD

The OnShape 3D CAD files for this are here :

https://cad.onshape.com/documents/c779d604a7da818331fbd075/w/0233e7e79f912dae7a2c5e25/e/385f1a0667dc654a58417eab