Opening a well taped package

[sierras1160]

I've been buying small collectibles here on ebay. I've been getting packages that are so well taped that I have a hard time getting them open with my scissors. Yesterday it took me awhile and several tries to open a package that was completely taped up. I was finally able to get my scissors in the right spot to start cutting. Maybe I should stop using my scissors to open packages?

What are some good tools for opening well taped packages? I thought of an exacto knife. Would that work? Thank you.

[campanaelia]

I usually use a box cutte/utility knife and scissor combination.

[mudshark61369 · Accepted solution]

@sierras1160,

What you want is a retractable blade utility knife. they have the ability to be set so that all you cut is the tape and not into the package, or the blade can be extended to cut through thicker items.  Stanley tools makes a good reliable one that is available at any hardware or home improvement store. 

[1tuna]

I always have a couple of small pen knives opened up ready to take apart my watch cases

I use the same knives to open the packages .

tape belongs on the outside of a box

I cant stand a bunch of tape on bubble wrap.........whats it supposed to be doing

[kathiec]

You've hit my pet peeve! Sometimes I use a box cutter like the one mudshark showed. I also have a device with a very short blade that's intended to open blister packaging. It's particularly useful when the item at the center of the mound of  bubble wrap and tape is cloth, an expensive vintage Barbie outfit for example.

[buyselljack2016]

As others say, a knife.  I try to use it, and when possible,  angle it in a way so as to not cut into the packaging.  Like when using a knife near yourself.  Pointed to not inflict damage. Wife still has the scar from when she was cutting up some cardboard prepping a cat birthing bed. Only time I use scissors is when I can easily get under what I am cutting like a bubble envelope flap

[airsheep]

I've had packages where mispackaging has negated the value of what was shipped.  I had a piece of pottery where they taped bubble wrap to it and when I unwrapped it, despite my caution, surface glaze peeled off with the tape.  I also had a piece of clothing where the seller crammed it into an envelope so tightly that part was caught in the gummed flap, and I nicked it when I cut the envelope open.

[house*of*paws]

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@mudshark61369 wrote:

@sierras1160,

What you want is a retractable blade utility knife.  Stanley tools makes a good reliable one that is available at any hardware or home improvement store. 

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They are also available on eBay.   😊

[I use them to open packages as well.]

[buyselljack2016]

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@house*of*paws wrote:

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@mudshark61369 wrote:

@sierras1160,

What you want is a retractable blade utility knife.  Stanley tools makes a good reliable one that is available at any hardware or home improvement store. 

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They are also available on eBay.   😊

[I use them to open packages as well.]

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But how will they open the the taped up package that it comes in upon arrival  😊😄😅

Don't need  a Stanley. $ and a quarter store one will work just fine.

[sierras1160]

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@mudshark61369 wrote:

@sierras1160,

What you want is a retractable blade utility knife. they have the ability to be set so that all you cut is the tape and not into the package, or the blade can be extended to cut through thicker items.  Stanley tools makes a good reliable one that is available at any hardware or home improvement store. 

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Thank you. I think I will go look for one of those. Thank you for the tip!  😉

[sierras1160]

Thank you everyone for the tips! I appreciate that!

Yeah I've also come across well taped bubble wrap as well. I'm almost holding my breath cutting through the tape with my scissors.

[soh.maryl]

"Maybe I should stop using my scissors to open packages?"

Ya think?