Seeing red as you try to open a toothbrush package?

Today’s question: I just bought a toothbrush and practically cut my finger off trying to open the package — hard plastic that scissors won’t even cut. Do packaging engineers ever consider the difficulty in opening a package? Most packages these days are more “senior-proof” than “child-proof.” Then again everything in life seems more difficult as we age.

You, sir, are suffering from what is known as “wrap rage,” and it is not just an affliction of the elderly. Even the fittest among us can be reduced to bloody-fingered despair by plastic “oyster” packaging. According to an article in the June 3, 2011, edition of Time, about 6,000 people a year go to the emergency room with injuries sustained trying to opening plastic packaging.

In 2006, Consumer Reports started giving out “Oyster Awards” for the most aggravating packaging. Toothbrushes and Barbie dolls were among the worst offenders. I read a piece in a British newspaper that said it can take up to 15 minutes to unwrap a Barbie doll, but I don’t know if that is really so.

Why do manufacturers put us through these ordeals? Mostly to save money. Hard plastic packaging is light, cheap, easy to store and transport and cuts down on damage and shoplifting.

I am told aviation snips are useful for opening these package, but not many of us have such a specialized tool sitting in the kitchen junk drawer. I am also told that hand-held can openers are good for the job. I’ve never tried that, but I have used wood chisels, screwdrivers and hammers, all without much success.