What's the trick for opening the Proofide?
 

OK, so I finally got a little tin of Proofide for my new Brooks saddle - but I can't open the tin! The tape securing it shut wouldn't come off, so I got out a knife and cut it. I know the tape is cut all the way around because I've gouged into it so much the paint on the tin is now scratched all the way around the tin. But the lid won't budge. I mean - not even one millimeter! I got out a knife and tried to pry the blasted lid off, but it still won't budge. It's like it's glued or something. How did you get your tin open? Any suggestions?

Put it on its side (so that it can roll around) and then whack it with the back of a knife all around the side until it opens. I sympathize.

Try setting it on a hard surface, and then lightly tapping on one side of the top with a small hammer or mallet. Just bang down on one edge like you're trying to hammer it on.

It will either (a) force the lid to pop up on the side opposite of where you are tapping or (b) force it on so tight it will never come off.

In the case of (b), you can return it, and buy a jar of Obenhauf's, which is the same thing but comes in a better case.

http://www.obenaufs.com/product_info...f8d63bdca30edf

I got it open!!! It was almost like there was an airlock - once it broke it slid open very easily. Hmmm...why would thy use such a silly container?

I don't know why they use such a silly container. I used to open mine with the bottle opener on a pocket knife. When I finally used up a jar of shoe cream with a screw top, I decanted the Proofhide into that, and I've been happy ever since.


You know, BF has a feed back forum for just such comments. I think I'll go post the question there.

There was an vacuum lock, that is to prevent the stuff from drying out on the shelf. It is not as hard to open after the first time. Just grab the bottom in one hand and twist the top in the other hand. You can open a new can that way too, but it is a bit of a struggle.

I knew it was air lock.

I think that's all I did to open my tin of proofide. I don't recall it being too much of a struggle, at least not enough to be memorable.

Same here...that's why this thread is such a surprise.

Once the lock broke, it opened very easily. I wonder if difference in altitude makes a difference???