Zibra ZPCOPEN-OR Open It Universal Package Opener

Could not wait to get the Zibra Open It! because of all the positive customer reviews - I hate opening plastic packages - little did I know that THIS PRODUCT is MORE DANGEROUS than the plastic packages is claims to safely open!

The FIRST and ONLY time that I used this product I was trying to open an average size plastic package. As soon as I started cutting the cheap plastic latch on the handle broke causing my hand slip and eject the HIDDEN BLADE in the product's handle. The blade sliced right into the palm of my hand. After I grabbed a towel to stop the bleeding, I picked up the Open It! and started trying to figure out how I got cut...and HONESTLY, WHO DESIGNS A PRODUCT WITH A SHARP BLADE IN THE HANDLE THAT YOU HAVE TO HOLD TO USE THE PRODUCT IN THE FIRST PLACE??? Especially if the blade DOES NOT LOCK firmly into place?

I boxed this stupid thing up with the package, which I ended up opening with a utility knife, included a NOT SO NICE little note and sent it back to the brilliant designers at Zibra. Not sure that they will care - they didn't return my phone call and their website does not allow customers to post reviews. The link to the Open IT! below says enjoyZibra - Haaaaa!


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My mom had one of these in her house that I used frequently. And once I found I could get one on Amazon (and free shipping with my Prime!), I had to get one for myself.

Interestingly enough, my pair is slightly different than my mom's. It is actually a bit smaller in total size and fits better in my hand than her's. Also, the 'open-close' lock is on the other side from my mom's and slide for the retractable utility knife is on the backside vs the front side as on the pic shown here. And the screwdriver assembly totally slides out vs flipping out on the other pair. So I have to believe there are at least 2 different permutations of 'Open It!' (See my images for a closer look.)

I don't like the little cover over the retractable utility knife; I seem to lose it whenever I try to use it. (Thus only 4 stars and not 5.) But all the other changes seem to improve 'Open It', especially the smaller size; it is less awkward to hold.

As far as opening those injury-inducing clamshells, this product really works wonders! Easier to use than regular scissors and it snips those annoying zip-tie plastic straps with ease.

Highly recommend this product.

I have tried several package openers.

Utility shears work fairly well, but my fingers often get cut by the sharp edges of the cut plastic.

This Open It! tool does help keep my fingers away from the sharp plastic, however, the handle is poorly designed and has a tendency to pinch your fingers if you do not hold it correctly with you finger tips. Because there is no gap between the handles, if you hold it next to your palm to get a more powerful grip, the skin of your fingers can get caught between the handles. After pinching myself a couple of times, I started wearing gloves when I use this tool.

If the manufacturer removed the screwdriver and utility knife and left a gap between the handles, or designed the handles more like scissors, this would be a much safer tool to use.

This methodically nibbles through the ultrasonically welded heavy plastic packaging that the vendors have inflicted on us. There are better solutions for opening bottles, cutting that requires a blade, and screw-sealed battery compartments, even though its tools can handle those chores, but those aren't real problems. Getting heavy plastic open without destroying the contents *is* a problem if you do not have a specialized tool. This is a good one. I've used aviation tin snips for this job in the past, and they are not as well suited to this purpose as this gizmo costing a fourth as much.

I bought this as a gift. I have owned one for several years. I keep it in the kitchen drawer and use it nearly every day. Very versatile tool.