On Sun, 25 Jul 2010 01:52:19 -0700 (PDT), Matty F wrote:

If the can is very thin I use a screwdriver at 0 degees rather than 90
degree angle to the edge of the can. Lever up a little bit around half
of the can and the lid doesn't get damaged. I don't know how to
explain this but when you do it it is really the only sensible way to
open a paint can.

The word you are looking for is "tangent". Have the screwdriver at a
tangent to the rim and yes that is a more controlled method of
opening.

--
Cheers
Dave.