How To Open a Bottle Without A Bottle Opener
CultureWith a little practice and a little leverage, all kinds of ordinary household objects can pop a cap. (Just don't try it with your phone.)By The Editors of GQDecember 23, 2024Courtesy Everett CollectionSave this storySaveSave this storySaveBeverages. You like them. I like them. We all like them. The only problem is that sometimes liquid refreshment is trapped in non-twist-off glass bottles which—while very attractive—can be a hindrance if you don't have a bottle opener. But don't worry. If you find yourself without the right tool close at hand, you can pop those pesky caps off with basically anything with a solid edge: lighters, keys, even your belt buckle. All you need is a little leverage.Note: There was a time when people would tell you that you could use your iPhone to do this. We don't recommend trying it with anything later than a 4—in this specific respect, they really don't make ‘em like they used to. You may be thirsty, but you’re not that thirsty.Instead, here's how to open a bottle with something you don't have to be as careful with: your basic disposable lighter.First, get a good grip around the very top of the neck. Brace your index finger against the glass, creating a U-shaped bridge with your finger—this is going to be your fulcrum. Think of it like the middle of a seesaw.Next, take the lighter. Solidify your grip around it, leaving about 25 percent of the plastic end visible.Wedge the lighter in between your U-shaped finger and the bottle, hold on tight, and use the leverage to flick upward at the bottle cap.You probably won't get it on the first try, but the key is to keep practicing. (If the cap is particularly stubborn, you can rotate the bottle and try again on a different edge.) Once you get a feel for the leverage, you can use whatever's at your disposal.Just don't use your teeth. The guy who uses his teeth makes it weird for everyone.
Beverages. You like them. I like them. We all like them. The only problem is that sometimes liquid refreshment is trapped in non-twist-off glass bottles which—while very attractive—can be a hindrance if you don't have a bottle opener. But don't worry. If you find yourself without the right tool close at hand, you can pop those pesky caps off with basically anything with a solid edge: lighters, keys, even your belt buckle. All you need is a little leverage.
Note: There was a time when people would tell you that you could use your iPhone to do this. We don't recommend trying it with anything later than a 4—in this specific respect, they really don't make ‘em like they used to. You may be thirsty, but you’re not that thirsty.
Instead, here's how to open a bottle with something you don't have to be as careful with: your basic disposable lighter.
First, get a good grip around the very top of the neck. Brace your index finger against the glass, creating a U-shaped bridge with your finger—this is going to be your fulcrum. Think of it like the middle of a seesaw.
Next, take the lighter. Solidify your grip around it, leaving about 25 percent of the plastic end visible.
Wedge the lighter in between your U-shaped finger and the bottle, hold on tight, and use the leverage to flick upward at the bottle cap.
You probably won't get it on the first try, but the key is to keep practicing. (If the cap is particularly stubborn, you can rotate the bottle and try again on a different edge.) Once you get a feel for the leverage, you can use whatever's at your disposal.
Just don't use your teeth. The guy who uses his teeth makes it weird for everyone.
