Corned beef frustration!

[PreparedKent]

I never use the key, the key results in the can getting thrown at the nearest wall.... always use a tin opener, watch your fingers

[cornerstone]

I never use the key, i have a small long nosed jewellery pliers and even if the tab has gone too you can dig out the strip and then just unwind it.

[nickdutch]

coal chisel and sledgehammer over a tin plate? Just an idea....

[NOMAD]

I do hate when that happens, also always seems to be when you're starving. I usually stab it with something pointy along the pre cut line thing and try and pry it apart.

However usually end up like the OP, with a chunk of my hand missing or gouged. But at least i got something to eat.

[womble]

My family used to have one of these:

https://www.kitchenscookshop.co.uk/medi ... opener.jpg

while I was growing up. If I was feeling the need for opening that kind of can, I'd get one. I think their more certain grip and larger radius will result in fewer broken-off tabs, and they replace the key, so lost ones don't matter. It certainly won't break and twist, itself.