The Pull-Tab Tin Can Opener is a 3d printed device to help those with arthritis, limited finger dexterity or limited finger strength open tin cans with pull-tabs.
The Pull-Tab Tin Can Opener is open assistive technology (OpenAT). Under the terms of the open source licenses, the device may be built, used, and improved upon by anyone.
The overall cost of materials is about $0.50.
This is an open-source assistive technology, so anyone is free to build it. All of the files and instructions required to build the Pull-Tab Tin Can Opener are contained within this repository. Refer to the Maker Checklist below.
If you would like to obtain a Pull-Tab Tin Can Opener, you may submit a build request through the MMC Library Page. The requestor is responsible for the cost of materials and any shipping.
If you have the skills and equipment to build this device, and would like to donate your time to create the switch for someone who needs it, visit the MMC Maker Wanted section.
1. Read the Makers Checklist.
All of the files and individual print files can be in the /Build_Files/3D_Printing_Files folder.
Reference the 3D Printing Guide for the tools and steps required to build each portion.
| Document | Version | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Maker Checklist | 1.0 | Pull-Tab_Tin_Can_Opener_Maker_Checklist |
| Bill of Materials | 1.0 | Pull-Tab_Tin_Can_Opener_Bill_of_Materials |
| 3D Printing Guide | 1.0 | Pull-Tab_Tin_Can_Opener_3D_Printing_Guide |
| User Guide | 1.0 | Pull-Tab_Tin_Can_Opener_User_Guide |
| Changelog | 1.0 | Pull-Tab_Tin_Can_Opener_Changelog |
| Summary | 1.0 | Pull-Tab_Tin_Can_Opener_Summary |
- The Can Opener was designed by 4xsample and released on Printables under a Creative Commons Public Domain license.
- Documentation by Neil Squire / Makers Making Change under a CC BY SA 4.0 license.
Copyright (c) 2022-2025 Neil Squire Society.
- The design is is available under a Creative Commons Public Domain license. The original designer has waived all rights to their work, so anyone can use it for any purpose—including copying, modifying, distributing, and even commercial use—without needing permission or giving credit
- Accompanying material such as instruction manuals, videos, and other copyrightable works that are useful but not necessary to design, make, test, or prepare the Pull-Tab Tin Can Opener are published under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license (CC BY-SA 4.0). This means you are free to use, share, and adapt the work for any purpose, even commercially, as long as you give credit to the creator and license any adaptations under the same terms. The “share alike” rule means adaptations must also be free for others to use under CC BY-SA.
Makers Making Change is a program of Neil Squire, a Canadian non-profit that uses technology, knowledge, and passion to empower people with disabilities.
Makers Making Change leverages the capacity of community based Makers, Disability Professionals and Volunteers to develop and deliver affordable Open Source Assistive Technologies.
- Website: www.MakersMakingChange.com
- GitHub: makersmakingchange
- Bluesky: @makersmakingchange.bsky.social
- Instagram: @makersmakingchange
- Facebook: makersmakechange
- LinkedIn: Neil Squire Society
- Thingiverse: makersmakingchange
- Printables: MakersMakingChange
For technical questions, to get involved, or to share your experience we encourage you to visit our website or contact us.