Why doesn't Big Can make their cans nestle the tops and bottoms to fit together?

[Dennis S]

It is so much better when two cans fit when you stack them. Some identical cans don't do it and some different types of cans do fit. It seems like they would require all cans of the same size to fit together.

[bik]

I agree and share your frustration when cans refuse to properly nest together.

I think it's clear there's been some collusion among the Big Can conglomerates.

I blame Russian Oligarchs.

[Racer X]

Many do. I would bet that the packaging plants that don't aren't willing/able to modify or replace their machines to deal with the new style cans.

[RAMd®d]

Many do.


That's been my experience. My gripe is that a few newer style cans are a little difficult to open with a can opener. But they also have a pull tab. Coincidence?


I would bet that the packaging plants that don't aren't willing/able to modify or replace their machines to deal with the new style cans.

Yes, budgetary concerns would be my guess. Nesting cans (LOL) is more of a convenience than a need. I don't keep much of a larder so that would be a very slight convenience for me.

[Filliam H. Muffman]

I don't especially like the cans with pull tabs. I always use a side-cut can opener on them so I don't slice up my hand when I try to scoop out the residue. The only time they might be useful is in a go-bag if you forgot to put in a can opener.

[Sarcany]

Dennis S wrote:
It is so much better when two cans fit when you stack them. Some identical cans don't do it and some different types of cans do fit. It seems like they would require all cans of the same size to fit together.

The stackability of cans is a feature for the convenience of customers and store personnel. It offers no advantage to the manufacturer.

If you look at the way that food-cans are stacked for shipment, you'll see that they aren't stacked one-on-top-of-another.

Instead, there's a thin cardboard sheet placed between them. They don't need to nestle up for transport and transport is the big expense/worry that they're designed to accommodate.

"Tin" or steel cans used for food are rolled and soldered. The last major update to the tech was in the 1960s and that includes those pop-top cans. The equipment lasts for ages and excepting aluminum drink cans there's no competition in the industry. No motivation to improve except in the tiniest increments as machines wear out.

[RAMd®d]

I don't especially like the cans with pull tabs. I always use a side-cut can opener on them so I don't slice up my hand when I try to scoop out the residue.

I don't and do.

The only cans with pull tabs that I've come across don't cooperate with my side-cutting opener. The lid is recessed more than most cans and the cutter just barely gets the top of the rim. This results in the lid almost always not being completely cut, difficult to open, and impossible to 'close'. So the pull tab wins. But it's only one item so I live with it.

[Speedy]

Sarcany wrote:
[quote=Dennis S]
It is so much better when two cans fit when you stack them. Some identical cans don't do it and some different types of cans do fit. It seems like they would require all cans of the same size to fit together.

The stackability of cans is a feature for the convenience of customers and store personnel. It offers no advantage to the manufacturer.

If you look at the way that food-cans are stacked for shipment, you'll see that they aren't stacked one-on-top-of-another.

Instead, there's a thin cardboard sheet placed between them. They don't need to nestle up for transport and transport is the big expense/worry that they're designed to accommodate.

"Tin" or steel cans used for food are rolled and soldered. The last major update to the tech was in the 1960s and that includes those pop-top cans. The equipment lasts for ages and excepting aluminum drink cans there's no competition in the industry. No motivation to improve except in the tiniest increments as machines wear out.
Yup, thin sheet of cardboard with a bottom pallet and a top flat board all bound with metal strapping. I've hauled them and at that time they were about six feet high. Probably now they are stacked higher.