Having a bunch of different tools on hand to handle certain tasks is fine, but why carry all that extra gear when you can have a single tool that handles them all?
Pocket knives are great for everyday carry, and there are a few reasons why they’re so important. Let’s take a look at some of the most common uses for this handy tool!
Opening Bags
Opening bags is one of the most common uses for a pocket knife. Pet food, bird food, cereal, charcoal, and sand all come in heavy-duty bags that are difficult to open without a knife.
In the food processing industry, workers often open bags that weigh as much as 50 pounds. Using knives that are specifically designed for bag opening can prevent serious safety hazards for both workers and customers.
When opening bags, it is important to choose a knife that can easily cut through multi-layer bags. In addition, you want to make sure the blade of your knife is retractable or concealed. This reduces the risk of a worker slipping and cutting themselves.
Staple Remover
Staples are one of the most common items we use for securing objects, and they can be a pain to remove from wood or furniture. Fortunately, a staple remover makes it easy to unstaple items without harming paper or other objects.
A staple remover has a mouth-like design with metal prongs that allow it to get under a staple and pull it out cleanly, much safer than using your finger. They also come with magnetic removers that hold onto staples and keep them off the floor.
A good staple remover will also help you keep your workspace organized and neat. Many have spring-loaded levers and ergonomic shaping to make it easier to handle and use.
Clothes Tag Remover
Those annoying plastic tags that stick out on your new clothes can be a nuisance. They can ruin a garment and set off an alarm if they’re left on, and it can be hard to remove them yourself.
The best way to get rid of a tag is by disassembling it. Luckily, there are several ways to do this.
One way is to use a flat-headed screwdriver. Place the item on a surface with the ink cartridge facing up, and slip your screwdriver underneath it.
This will pierce the plastic and pop it up. Once the tag is out of the plastic, you can pull it away from the clothing to dislodge the pin.
Another method is to use a rubber band. Wrap it around the pin, which is next to the part of the security tag that juts out of the clothing.
Do this a few times, and it should separate the two pieces. If it doesn’t, add a second rubber band to loosen the pin more.
Making Bandages or Tourniquets
Whether you are making bandages, improvised tourniquets or cutting wire or other materials for other purposes, a pocket knife is a must. It can be used to remove staples, snip wire, trim insulation, or cut rope, among other things.
A tourniquet is a device that restricts blood flow around a wound, cutting off its oxygen supply until you can get medical help. It can save a life in an emergency, but only when it’s used correctly and quickly.
Tourniquets are available commercially and often are included in first aid kits and hemorrhage control kits. They are usually made from flattened fabric or plastic strapping with a clasp or buckle, and include a windlass, or winch-like rod, to help tighten the tourniquet.
When you make a tourniquet, it should be at least an inch wide to prevent damage to the skin. It should also be tight enough to stop bleeding, but not so tight that it can damage nerve tissues or cause permanent injury.