Hyde Job Guides

How to Break Down Boxes and Cartons

Flatten empty corrugated boxes and folding cartons into clean stock for reuse or recycling. Most boxes need very little cutting, so release the tape and fold the box.

What you need

• Model 42067Switchblade® Industrial Strength, Short Blade Exposure $12.61 each$8.57 each at 100 or more

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• Model 42056Switchblade® Ultra Light Self-Retracting Utility Knife $3.84 each$2.61 each at 100 or more

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• Model 42020Front-Loading Top Slide Knife $16.01 each$10.89 each at 100 or more

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• Model 42047Snap-Off Knife, 18mm $3.58 each$2.43 each at 100 or more

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• Model 42005Carton Cutter $4.93 each$3.35 each at 100 or more

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• waist-height bench or cart with a cutting mat
• lidded rigid used-blade container
• pliers or staple puller
• gloves and eye protection

Steps

1. Empty the box fully and check every fold for tape rolls, packets and film.
2. Set the box on a stable bench with the taped seam facing up and your free hand on the far panel.
3. Cut or peel only the tape. Keep the blade shallow so it does not score the board.
4. Close the blade, rotate the box and release the bottom seam the same way.
5. Open all eight flaps and fold them outward. Do not cut them off.
6. Collapse the box along its original folds, with hands on opposite vertical corners.
7. For folding cartons, open both ends and release the tuck. Do not fillet the panel.
8. Stack flat sheets square and dry with the same orientation. Put film and bags in the film stream.

Tips

• Use the 42067 or 42056 where self-retracting knives are the rule. Hold the button only for the cut.
• The 42020 suits mixed back-room work. The 42047 18mm snap-off suits heavy or doubled board.
• The 42005 carton cutter has no retraction or lock, so cover it before it leaves the station.
• Cut size down only if the container or hauler requires it. A full-size flat sheet is safer and faster.

Watch out

Questions about the right tool for your job? Email cs@hydestore.com or call 508-916-6442.