Knives

• Some knives are sharp enough to make a clean cut through the can without crushing it. Before you begin, make sure your knife is properly sharpened for the cleanest cut possible. Use a non-serrated knife for a clean cut. Place the can horizontal and on a flat surface. Hold one end of the can with your non-dominant hand to keep the can still. For best results and to prevent crushing, hold the can on the very end, where there is extra aluminium for the rim and top of the can. Carefully, but quickly, slice through the middle of the can.
  
  

Scissors

• Large scissors -- including large pruning shears -- can also effectively cut through a pop can. If using scissors, or another two-bladed shear, keep in mind that the risk for crushing the can is greater. To prevent crushing, pierce a few holds around the middle of the can using the shears. Then, lay the can horizontally and cut through. The pierced holes help the shears slice through the can easier, more quickly and with less resistance.
  
  

Hand Saw

• If you do not have a knife sharp enough to cut through the can, but you do not want to risk crushing the can with a pair of scissors, use a hand saw. Gently secure half of the can in a vice, then saw through the middle of it with a hand saw. Although this will be easier than using a knife or scissors, keep in mind that a hand saw will leave serrated, tooth-like marks around the can.
  
  

Warnings

• The cut edges of the can will be very sharp and can cut your fingers or hands very easily. To protect yourself when cutting through your pop cans, it's best to wear a pair of utility gloves while doing so. If this is for a school project, ask an adult to cut through the pop can for you or assist you as you cut through the can. Adding a thin strip of storage tape to the outer edges helps reduce the sharpness.