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Just realized my old man was right about using a putty knife for paint can lids

Last week I was trying to pry open a paint can with a flathead screwdriver and bent the lid. My dad saw me and handed me a 2 inch putty knife instead. He said "stop wrecking the lid, use the right tool." I always thought he was just being picky. Now I get it. The putty knife pops the lid off clean without bending the rim and it seals back tight. Been painting for 15 years and never knew this trick. Anyone else learn something simple late in the game?
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3 Comments
robertgreen
Patricia says a flathead works fine if you know the angle. Yeah, I know the angle alright - the angle of me cussing at 7am with paint fumes in my nose. Been there, done that, bent three lids in a row. At this point in my life, putty knife is like training wheels for my old man brain. Less frustration, more painting, and I can find it in the toolbox because I only own one of them. Maybe that says more about my organizational skills than anything else.
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patricia_green21
Nah I think you're overthinking it, a flathead works fine if you know how to angle it right. A putty knife just seems like one more tool to lose in the garage.
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robertgreen
I'd add that a butter knife works in a pinch, but not for the tough stuff.
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