Opening bags of charcoal

hoffmand

As I was opening a new bag of charcoal tonight, I remembered how when I started grilling I had no idea how to open the darn things without a knife. Made a mess and ended up ripping the bag.

For those of us that didn't grow up opening bags of feed, here's a handy write-up on how it's done (not mine, just one I found).

http://cheaptalk.org/2011/05/29/how-to-open-a-bag-of-charcoal/

KennyLee

Since I transfer my lump from the bag to a storage tote, I actually do still use a knife.  I lay the bag down and cut it from top to bottom, pull it open and then move the pieces by hand into the tote, therefore eliminating the dust and tiny pieces getting mixed in.

I kind of find it a little humorous that there's a video showing people how to open a bag of charcoal. 

Terrebandit

Tjcoley

I've struggled with the string and always end up with a knife or scissors. Can't wait to open my next bag.

hoffmand

KennyLee said:

kind of find it a little humorous that there's a video showing people how to open a bag of charcoal. 

Be careful what you say in a forum where we take pictures of how we cook our dinner

Philly35

KennyLee said:

Since I transfer my lump from the bag to a storage tote, I actually do still use a knife.  I lay the bag down and cut it from top to bottom, pull it open and then move the pieces by hand into the tote, therefore eliminating the dust and tiny pieces getting mixed in.

I kind of find it a little humorous that there's a video showing people how to open a bag of charcoal. 

And now there's a thread on it too!

caliking

Nice thread - or should i say string? i get it right about 80% of the time. The knife by the bbq accessories deckbox is for the other 20%.

Deckhand

Everyone struggles... Often have to use a knift to get things started.  Once you see that it's "unzipping" take advantage of the situation... Open the bag with a dramatic sweep of the arm... Good deck theater.  

TexanOfTheNorth

KennyLee said:

Since I transfer my lump from the bag to a storage tote, I actually do still use a knife.  I lay the bag down and cut it from top to bottom, pull it open and then move the pieces by hand into the tote, therefore eliminating the dust and tiny pieces getting mixed in.

I kind of find it a little humorous that there's a video showing people how to open a bag of charcoal. 

How do you feel about the instructions on a bottle of shampoo?

The Naked Whiz

All fine and well except different manufacturers use different stitches.  I just fuss and swear until it pulls free.  If I've only gotten about 1/4 of the way across and I'm still fussing and swearing, I get out the utility knife and with one final swear word slash the mother open.      

More or less....

Griffin

That's how I do it. Same kind of setup on the horsefeed we use down at the ranch. Takes a bit of practice, but when you get it down its much faster. Comes in handy when you don't have a knife on hand.

hoffmand

The Naked Whiz said:

All fine and well except different manufacturers use different stitches.      

Good point. I pretty much only use Ozark Oak anymore so I can vouch for it working on those. Just pick at the knot a couple times and it opens right up.

Fred19Flintstone

TexanOfTheNorth said:

KennyLee said:

Since I transfer my lump from the bag to a storage tote, I actually do still use a knife.  I lay the bag down and cut it from top to bottom, pull it open and then move the pieces by hand into the tote, therefore eliminating the dust and tiny pieces getting mixed in.

I kind of find it a little humorous that there's a video showing people how to open a bag of charcoal. 

How do you feel about the instructions on a bottle of shampoo?

Lather, rinse, repeat. I stop when the bottle runs out. If that's not the proper method, the manufacturer would not advise it.

Eggcelsior

Conditioner is better. It makes the hair silky and smooth.

henapple

What about nutting up and cutting the bag open?

Spaightlabs

I'm typically about an arm's length from the knife in my pocket.  By the time you un-jackedup the first side of the string, I've got the bag open and my Egg filled.

Eggcelsior

henapple said:

What about nutting up and cutting the bag open?

Nut up? Hulk smash. Rip bag with hands. Dump black gold. Feast.

nolaegghead

This is how I used to open it....but I'd get a lot of dust.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfuJ_20MGok

SaturdayFatterday

Eggcelsior said:

Conditioner is better. It makes the hair silky and smooth.

Stop looking at me, swan!

OMG Eggs

In the time you've played with that string (like a house cat); I've grabbed the tab, ripped it open and dumped a load of coals into the egg.

I'd make a video, but I think you guys probably do the same thing.