They say there is no stupid question....so here we go.....

[bambiying]

Those plastic bags and flavor packs that come in kits. They have those big plastic spout things on them that you are supposed to open and pour the juice out of. Um, how the heck do you get the lid off the darn things??? I have resorted to just cutting a hole in the darn bags and pouring the liquid out that way because I can't figure out how to get the top off. I know, stupid, but I can handle all the chemicals, cleaning, sanitizing....I just can't open them!!!

 

[Rampage4all]

I make a slit up the side of the cap then it comes off easy

 

[bambiying]

And is that what you are actually supposed to do, or do you not really know how to open them either??

 

[Rampage4all]

Supposed to just pull them off but it's to tough for me so I improvise.

 

[Loner]

I use a bottle opener .. Just like popping the top off a coke bottle except you use the end that's made for punching a hole.

 

[bambiying]

Cool! I'll try that when I make my next kit. Thanks!

 

[petey]

Those plastic bags and flavor packs that come in kits. They have those big plastic spout things on them that you are supposed to open and pour the juice out of. Um, how the heck do you get the lid off the darn things??? I have resorted to just cutting a hole in the darn bags and pouring the liquid out that way because I can't figure out how to get the top off. I know, stupid, but I can handle all the chemicals, cleaning, sanitizing....I just can't open them!!!

I cut it also. I've seen openers just for those.

 

[carlb]

I just slip a butter knife between the bottom of the cap and the container and give it a little pry. It comes off pretty easily by hand once you get it up a little bit.

 

[wineforfun]

I did as carlb mentioned.
I too was having a time of it and was afraid I was going to have juice all over the place.

 

[cpfan]

I used a butter knife or can opener (as described already) before getting the specialized opener. They pop off quiet easily (in my experience).

Here's a pic of the special opener:
http://www.brewersdirect.com/equipment/accessory/wine-bag-opener/

Steve

 

[TomK-B]

There are special openers for those caps. But, like loner, I use an old beer can opener. Only I use the flat end of it.

 

[robie]

I use the special opener, which is really cheap and will last a lifetime. It came with my original wine equipment kit.

 

[Enologo]

I have a similar opener meant for prying up the bucket lids it works fine for the bag caps also.

 

[tonyt]

I use a pair of pliers for the juice bags. The instructions on some of the grape packs say to cut the bag open at one of the corners. The grape packs are too hard to squeeze out the filling hole anyway.

 

[Bartman]

I use a big flat head screwdriver that is usually nearby. They can be annoying - but at least you know they are well-sealed.

 

[Runningwolf]

I use the special opener which every LHBS should have in stock. They're cheap and work well.

 

[bkisel]

I just slip a butter knife between the bottom of the cap and the container and give it a little pry. It comes off pretty easily by hand once you get it up a little bit.

Ditto! [7,8,9]

 

[Scott]

Channel lock pliers and it pops right off. Try different things to see which works best for ya!

 

[mikey1273]

I have never not been able to get one off with my bare hands... yes they are often a bear to get but I always have managed so far. if I couldn't get one I'd go get the channel locks

 

[Geronimo]

I use a 12 gauge shotgun and hand grenades.