The Freezer Didn't Fix It

dents on front of can

new rip on back of can

When I got to work last Monday, a coworker said he found a can for me but it was dented up.  At first glance I thought this was an alcoholic drink, but it's a sparkling juice beverage from Italy.  In fact, my only other can from Italy is another Sanpellegrino can.

In an effort to push out the dents, he had filled the empty can with water and put it in the freezer overnight hoping the ice would expand and push out the dents.  But the freezer didn't fix it!

When we pulled the can out of the freezer, we saw the dents were still there along with a new rip down one side.  The dents were stronger than the flat side, so it was the flat side that expanded and split.

So I let the ice melt and the water drain out.  It had been a good experiment even though it had ultimately failed.  I described a tool my dad gave to me a few years ago and how it had pushed out many dents.  So I brought the can home, used the tool, and now the can looks pretty good... except for the rip on the back side.

The can with the dents removed

But just as I told my coworker, I'd rather have a can with a rip in it than not have one at all.

Addio!