Zibra ZPCOPEN-OR Open It Universal Package Opener Reviews

• Finally! Easily and quickly opens clamshell and other packaging!

  
  By A2X4DS5KRSZFHR on 2007-11-07
  Zibra ZPCOPEN-OR Open It Universal Package Opener
  
  After half a century of living, I'm not easily impressed, but I know I will be using this super-handy opener constantly. I received mine yesterday, tried it out on a hard clamshell package of inkjet cartridges, and I am delighted! It was effortless to use on that tough package and I couldn't wait to write a review and let everyone know it works great! I couldn't be more pleased with this universal package opener! I'm going to purchase another to keep in the car to open cd cases and other packages, another for my desk drawer, and several more to give as gifts. With Christmas coming soon, now is a great time to buy this item, especially for anyone with arthritis or fibromyalgia. (I can't imagine being a parent trying to open numerous clamshell packages, one after another!)
  
  If you've ever tried to get a toy out of a package in a hurry while the child waits (think Barbie), or been in a hurry to get an ink cartridge out of a clamshell while the boss or a customer paces while waiting for a printout, or tried to open child proof blister packs of medicine with arthritic hands, then you know why this tool will be handy! It is very well-designed, ergonomic, and effortless to use. It is especially wonderful for anyone with arthritis, fibromyalgia, tendinitis, tennis elbow or carpal tunnel. The package indicates it will cut, snip, slice and unscrew just about any package. Cut it: Hard plastic clamshells, blisters, cardboard, paper; Snip it: Tooy packaging, twist ties, zip ties, straps; Slice it: Boxes, cds, dvds, plastic wraps; Unscrew it: Open battery compartments and more using the interchangeable philips and flat screwdrivers.
  
  It has several safety features including a latch to keep it closed when not in use, and the utility blade feature will automatically retract if you stop pressing and holding the button to keep the blade extended. The package warns to keep it out of the reach of children. (Better yet, don't let them see you use it since kids learn by watching and imitating behaviors.)
  
  I just can't say enough good things about this universal package opener; I give it my highest recommendation without reservation. This is a heavy duty tool designed by women that should serve me well for years to come.
  
  

• READ ALL AMAZON REVIEWS, THEN....

  
  By A3FFFQ2N2ZKQ2U on 2008-08-18
  I find amazon.com customer reviews the most helpful on the web, but this is one time I will disagree with the majority. Maybe it depends on how you use it, but I found this item to be cheap and awful.
  
  Don't get me wrong, it looks great, but it comes with alot of problems:
  
  
  1. The clippers simply DO NOT work. I tried them on an average plastic packaging (headphones) and not only could they not break the plastic, the clipper edges wouldn't even meet! I was astounded by how bad this was.
  
  2. The cutter is fine - but no better than one for 2 bucks at Home Depot - and the whole unit must be locked up to use it, which is awkward.
  
  3. The item itself is not ergonomic. It is unclear to me why it must be so big, and it did not even fit in a large coffee mug (and I mean LARGE) with some pens as to keep it handy.
  
  Finally, the clippers broke and I threw it out.
  
  I regret this purchase.
  
  

• Have kids? This will save you.

  
  By A2X61KKXXR6WNP on 2007-12-25
  This is the best product of its type. I have several open-x devices, but this one is much better, particularly when there are wires to be cut. Before I got this, I was using a professional wire cutter for that, but for simple packaging, this works just as well and is easier to keep around in the kitchen drawer without worrying about it.
  
  It has a little blade that pops out, and a safety button to stop it from popping out unexpectedly. It even has a flip out screwdriver for opening battery compartments of children's toys (I guess they make them like that so they can't eat the batteries).
  
  The best feature, however, is the wire cutter at the front. It is offset, so it easily slips behind the toy and cut the wires that bind them to the packaging. It can also cut through the seemingly impervious plastic bubble packs everything seems to be in these days. And, when finished, the handles lock shut for easy storage. Brightly colored so it won't get easily lost, too.
  
  If you have a child waiting not so patiently for you to get the Barbie out of the pack, you'll really appreciate having this around.
  
  I really like this, and highly recommend it!
  
  

• At long last, a real package opening solution

  
  By A680RUE1FDO8B on 2007-12-20
  I hate plastic wraps. I'd love to boycott them, but then I'd be unable to purchase most electronic and photo gear.
  
  Zibra OpenIt! is the practically perfect solution to dealing with plastic wraps and more. It is an all-in-one solution to dealing with modern packaging.
  
  The form factor is relatively large, in the general shape of garden shears. The snipping jaws, which are the heart of the instrument, are thick and cleverly designed. Small enough to allow you to attack any modern plastic wrap, no matter how bizarre the design, while strong enough to slice through any commonly used plastic.
  
  The genius of the product is the provision of the relatively large, spring-loaded handles. You can get more than adequate leverage with only minimal exertion. This makes cutting through any plastic packaging an easy task. What a total delight!
  
  The snips can also be used to easily cut through the wire or plastic wraps used in all too many packages.
  
  Also included is a reversible screwdriver bit for opening the battery compartments on toys. It has both slotted and phillips bits. Be sure to push the bit all the way into its holder to avoid loss.
  
  There is also a handy razor that you can extend from the handle to slice through tape or things like the wrap on CDs and DVDs. It does not appear to be replaceable, which is a minor drawback.
  
  There is also a catch is provided to close the unit and keep the blade closed.
  
  Overall, this is beautifully designed tool that no household should be without.
  
  Jerry
  
  

• At last, a GREAT package opener!

  
  By A2Q3ZT6BQLY1G2 on 2007-11-15
  I'm not easily impressed with a lot of products, but I know I will be getting a lot of use out of this super-handy opener. After receiving this product, my husband tried opening one of those stubborn plastic packages! My husband has nerve damage in his right arm and hand, but he could use it with no problem! It was effortless to use on those tough packages! It works great! It is well designed! I have some arthritis in my hand and I couldn't wait to try it! I had no problem using it at all! I couldn't be more pleased with this universal package opener!
  
  I agree with the other review, that with Christmas coming soon, now is a great time to buy this item, especially for anyone with arthritis or fibromyalgia, or any other physical handicap that makes opening packages a chore! I won't go into detail, as the other review says it all!
  
  I also can't say enough good things about this universal package opener; I give it my highest recommendation. This is a heavy duty tool designed by women that should serve anyone well for years to come. It took women to make something that makes sense and actually works! Zibra ZPCOPEN-OR Open It Universal Package Opener
  
  
  
• A word of caution...
  By AR0WP5CX4PIH2 on 2008-02-15
  First, I gave this two stars so it would get more visibility. The product works great, but...
  
  The latch that locks the handles together can be mistaken for the button which deploys the cutting blade. If you make this mistake while holding the tool, it is possible to cut you hand or wrist badly. I consider this a serious design flaw. I would not let children use this tool, and I am extra careful not to repeat my original mistake.
  
  
• This one actually works!
  By ARBQV7MFTJJUD on 2007-12-06
  I have bought a couple of others and have not been coordinated enough to actually get them to work. This one actually works. It has the retractrable knife, the screwdrivers as well as the huge sheers. It could be dangerous but it does have a safety lock. A very good buy.
  
  
• Safety could be an issue
  By A3UU5WG8FDFAY4 on 2008-02-10
  We've had the product for two months and were quite happy with it until today when the safety latch broke off. We could see it was pretty weak plastic compared to the rest of the product. Now the blades cannot be locked shut when in storage. Disappointing because we really liked the Open It.
  
  
• WOW!! Finally...a package opener that actually works!
  By A23896ZO7FH6AW on 2007-12-06
  I ordered this after reading reviews on Amazon. I was still a bit skeptical, but was excited to try it nonetheless.
  
  I conveniently had several plastic clamshell packaged items that I had purchased, but had been too frustrated to try to open to test the tool on.
  
  I was thrilled with the results! It quickly and efficiently clipped off the edge of the packages, leaving the contents--including the printed materials insdie--100% intact. I left all of the items in their packages to show my husband when he got home. He was mildly impressed (tough crowd). I, however, am a lifetime fan and will be buying several for Christmas gifts.
  
  Also...mine came black instead of the advertised orange. I consider this a bonus. :)
  
  
• Give me an opener that works...
  By A4LYEH5CLBHEU on 2008-07-16
  ...because this one doesn't. I've had it for about 6 months and never could get it to work very well. The light plastic clamshells it makes decent work of, but try opening the ones with slightly thicker plastic. The first cut into the package might be easy and then it gets difficult. And I had the cutter blades dinged up in no time. From cutting plastic packaging? Yes. Which tells me the metal is soft, cheap quality. Also, note that the clasp that holds the handles closed is too loose and flimsy. Often when you're cutting it jiggles closed and locks the handles together, which is extremely frusterating. Last night my wife made the mistake of cutting some lightweight wire with this tool. Which bent the blades out of alignment now so it won't close. I threw it in the trash without any remorse. The bottom line is that this is a cheaply made piece of junk and it's not a big loss.
  
  
• Best gadget this year!
  By AQ39MABY9MY1N on 2007-12-27
  The Open It is a fantastic product. Period. It makes opening blisterpaks easy and spares you the usual bloodshed. I purchased one for my folks and they love it too. It will definitely hold an honored place in your gadget drawer.
  
  
• Plastic Rage Defeated
  By A12OV99H457WYZ on 2008-02-08
  Do I hate plastic wrap? You betcha. What a horrible thing we are leaving for the next generation.
  
  Anyway, bought a LaCrosse Weather Station that was so encased in plastic, that it took an hour to unwrap, and the paddles for the wind indicator were broken.
  
  Bought this tool, was able to open the replacement package in about 10 minutes, with nothing broken this time.
  
  If we have to continue to deal with this type of packaging, this is the tool to attack "plastic rage."
  
  
  
  
• works great
  By A1FY5TTLR9G8YK on 2008-02-15
  I got this for Christmas, paid $14.99 I believe, so this is a good price. I actually used it Christmas to open those tricky heat-sealed packages and it works much better than scissors. I would recommend it.
  
  
• It really works
  By AGITH5SMFTBOB on 2008-02-20
  This thing really works. The offset blades and proper placement of the joint gives the needed leverage to simplify the awful task of opening modern packaging. It is possible to pinch the side of your hand if you hold it wrong, so be careful.
  
  
• Dangerous!
  By A1BF2VTL1PGD2K on 2008-02-26
  This product will open clamshells as described, but it is very difficult to manage especially with poor hand strength. It required a great deal of effort on my part. However, the dangerous part happens when you accidentally push a button on the side and the knife pops into your palm. This has happened to me twice. Maybe it would not be a problem for others, but it is something I have to be wary of when I use it. I would not buy it again nor recommend it.
  
  
• Safety issue and too expensive
  By A2PPQI2OZFZRAG on 2008-05-09
  Safety latch broke too easily. At least 2 others I have bought that are less expensive and work as good if not better. Universal Package Opener and Open Sezz Me
  
  
• Good, but could be a bit better
  By AKRNVMGYCYHBT on 2008-05-27
  If you are considering a package opener to open those annoying (dangerous!) sealed plastic packages that everything comes in these days, this is the one to buy. None better. The missing star is because the box cutter razor is not replaceable. I guess it could be sharpened, but I'm used to just replacing box cutter blades once they wear out. Maybe I'm just not thinking green enough.
  
  
• Would like to rate it higher but...
  By AJ1CE24O54TFM on 2008-09-04
  The knife at the end will not lock in the "out" position. It's still usable, but inconvenient to do so. I do like the tool's ability to quickly slice through the plastic security packaging.
  
  
• Wonderful Product!
  By A3FRFQRW62RSXK on 2008-01-07
  This product is great! We used it at Christmas to open all those impossible clamshell packages and it did the job perfectly. I highly recommend it.
  
  
• If you can't open it with this then it shouldn't be opened! ;-)
  By A1FKO5XQGMEM42 on 2008-01-12
  I am so happy with the Zibra universal package opener. I gave it to my husband (myself really)on Christmas morning to deal with all of the clam shells and over packaged toys etc. It was a dream. I found that it even worked to trim the top of our christmas tree to make the star straight. I love the fact that the blade is retractable and only out when you hold it out. Many uses and a great price. My only con is I almost needed one to get my Zibra out of it's own packaging.
  
  
• 4.5 Stars---
  By A1AUJLHP9IFB68 on 2008-01-24
  Only reason I dont give it 5 stars is becuase all the ink or printing on it rubbed off the first day.
  
  Otherwise the thing rocks my world! Opens everything with Ease. I cut of peoples toes with it with out any problem. I want to try fingers next but think I will wait.
  
  
• This One Actually Works
  By A10EUHFYIBGDOC on 2008-02-16
  The Zibra ZPCOPEN-OR is the fifth different hard plastic package opening tool which has been purchased. This is the only one which actually works. The tool is essentially heavy duty shears with a double right angle offset between the handles and the cutting blades. The offset is the key feature which allows the tool to maneuver around the angled edges of hard plastic product wrapping.
  
  Forget all of the other opening tools, do not pass go, and head straight for this product.
  
  One can only imagine the collective cynicism of the manufacturers of plastic package opening tools. Every manufacturer, including Zibra, ships their hard plastic package opening tool inside of its own indestructible hard plastic packaging. Rest assured. After using your own creativity to extract the Zibra ZPCOPEN-OR from its original hard plastic packing, this tool will be able to handle all subsequent plastic packaging.
  
  
  
• Your best clamshell solution
  By A1ODOGXEYECQQ8 on 2008-02-20
  This is a wonderful great product. Simple and easy to use.
  I actually bought this from hearing positive reviews from Dick DiBartolo and Leo Laporte
  
  Pros:
  -The blade is well designed to get through those irregular shape tough clamshells
  -It can easily cuts wire twist ties and plastic straps
  -Retractable blade to cut plastic wraps on CDs and DVD packages
  -Rubber grip to keep it from slipping on your fingers
  -Phillips screwdriver built in
  -Safety lock to keep it close when not in use
  
  Cons:
  -Screwdriver is a bit cumbersome to use
  -Not available in other colors
  
  
  
  
  
  
• It cuts through plastic (but how are you going to cut through its packaging?)
  By A6FIAB28IS79 on 2008-04-24
  My wife wanted one of those look-easy, near-automatic cutters advertised on television, so I ordered this one since it had the highest consumer ratings. Nothing automatic, magic, even ingenious or clever about it. It's just your basic cutter--as effective as any, as efficient and neat as its user, as safe to operate as the user is sensible. It'll definitely get you through those laminated blister packs where even a heavy-duty scissors would fail. The "universal" part refers to an extra razor-type blade that extends (awkwardly) from the handle (that's where you could self-inflict collateral damage) and a screwdriver device that I've never found a use for. My wife was underwhelmed by such a utilitarian cutter, so at least I got another tool out of the deal.
  
  
• Excellent!
  By A1B4PV13625R38 on 2008-07-11
  Soon after receiving this, I had to open a hard plastic casing for something else I bought. Normally, this would take me quite a while and probably an injury or two as the plastic would cut my skin.
  
  With this little device, I had the thing opened and being used within 30 seconds with no injury. At Christmas, considering I'll be visiting three kids, this will come in EXTREMELY handy since all kids' toys now seem to have hard plastic or insane packaging that would be easily removed with this.
  
  I'd recommend this to anyone who has ever fought with any packaging for more than a minute.
  
  
• Good for more than just opening clamshells.....
  By AFXNXN8TMGKZF on 2008-08-11
  The secret to this tool is the offset blades; this allows you to cut any size package without the handles getting in the way.
  
  The blades are very sharp and cut through the plastic very quickly.
  
  I keep these in our kitchen junk drawer; my spouse uses them to cut flower stems before putting them in a vase.
  
  I've never used the screwdriver; I think this was a "throw-in" to make it more attractive ("Honey, look, it's also a screwdriver").
  
  This may seem to be a frivolous tool, but I think it is worth every penny.
  
  
• Best purchase in awhile!
  By A2OUA0BAI3EJVV on 2008-01-15
  I haven't used the little screwdriver or razor blade on it. I just use the cutters. The definitely make life easier opening those darn packages. If you are opening a big package you have to be careful because when your cutting the package plastic might rub your hand and you might scratch or scrap yourself. I have used this a ton already and i wouldn't be without one!!! FYI, HD has it for $9.97 also!
  
  
• My Mom loves it!
  By AYWNKDWHBZAKK on 2008-01-26
  I gave this to my Mom who has pretty bad arthritis in her hands. Here's what she said, "I would highly recommend the cutter to anyone as we have to deal with awful packaging, and this really does a great job and doesn't hurt my hands either. You did a great job with that one." So I recommend it!
  
  
• Excellent product!
  By A93PXT46Y3RHG on 2008-01-27
  Opening the hard clamshell packaging had always been difficult. Occasionally I wouldn't consider purchasing a product if it came in that kind of packaging, or I would request that a salesperson open it for me. After recently having carpal tunnel surgery, opening a product in this kind of packaging was an impossibility. This handy, easy to use item does the trick every time. It is effortless to use. I recommend this for anyone wishing to protect their hands.
  
  
• A necessary little lifesaver
  By AEOCAW963TM88 on 2008-01-28
  Packages need to be opened eventually. That simple ergonomic fact seems to have been lost in whatever passes for the packaging industry today. Blister packs are the bane of wounded fingers, stressed landfills and common sense. The ZPCOPEN (how would you pronounce that anyway?) is an intelligent and worthwhile response to the problem, though it doesn't do much for landfills. It has capable shears, a retractable blade resembling that of a craft knife, and a reversible screwdriver. It also has a catch to keep it in the closed position, so it fits nicely and without hazard into my kitchen utility drawer. Good job, Zibra.
  
  

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