Comments on: What to do with Extra #10 Food Storage Cans

By: Carrie Levonius

Carrie Levonius — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:10:24 +0000

You could fill the bottom inch or so with sand after punching holes in the side in a decorative design. With them weighted with sand place a candle in the bottom and light it. These would make great path lights and luminarias for special holidays and Christmas.

By: Victoria Brown

Victoria Brown — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:21:34 +0000

The reason for the churchkey-type can opener, that's the type which creates a triangle opening, is that it creates a little larger hole than most other types of punches.
You may need to use pliers to fold the flaps down against the edge of the can, for safety reasons.

By: Victoria Brown

Victoria Brown — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:13:07 +0000

This is also known as a Hobo Stove. You use it with a buddy burner (tuna can with cardboard & paraffin wax) for the heat source.

By: Victoria Brown

Victoria Brown — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:07:14 +0000

I have seen this before for a Christmas decoration, though it doesn't need to be limited to any one holiday.

Thanks for the reminder.

May want to use the metal spoon idea to reduce the sharp edges inside, making it a little safer, just make sure to not close up the holes. Plus some sand or other weight in the bottom, to keep it from possibly tipping over.

By: Victoria Brown

Victoria Brown — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:01:45 +0000

I have mainly switched over to a can opener that cuts from the side, so there isn't a sharp edge in the can itself. I only use the old-fashioned can opener if I want to use the lid to help strain the contents.

By: Victoria Brown

Victoria Brown — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 03:58:21 +0000

This sounds interesting. More information, please.

By: Victoria Brown

Victoria Brown — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 03:56:35 +0000

Another use with both ends cut out is as a charcoal chimney fire starter. Just punch some holes around the “bottom” with a churchkey-type can opener, for ventilation. Put some crumpled up paper or some other fire starter in with a few coals at the bottom, then put some more charcoal on top. Finally, have some tongs available to remove the can when the coals are going well. You can light the firestarter(s) through the ventilation holes.

By: Victoria Brown

Victoria Brown — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 03:51:48 +0000

You can use them as a pan, saucepan, etc, but you have to be extra careful since you don't have a regular handle and you could burn yourself.
You can use them to carry food or utensils, just make sure that it isn't top heavy.
You can make them into a stove (see Hobo stove in earlier posts)
You can use them for water or dirt for fire safety.
You can think of other uses, using your own creativity.

By: Victoria Brown

Victoria Brown — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 03:45:35 +0000

How do you make your own commercial wipes? Do you use regular paper towels, or something else?

By: Bri Clark

Bri Clark — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:08:39 +0000

I make my own cleaners and my favorite is I make my own commercial wipes. I have found that #10 cans with the fitted plastic lid with a slit cut in it make great wipe holders.