Our apologies Leslie. We regret that you’ve had difficulty with the fuel can. This product is designed to be used with your palm, the video "How To Operate Your SmartControl Fuel Container" can be found at the following link and should help https://www.scepter.com/safety/instructional-videos/ To operate VENT the fuel can first, then there are two steps to using this spout. Step 1. UNLOCK: Using your palm, press the small dark green lock tab up to unlock. Step 2: POUR: Place your fingers over the black grip and keeping the lock tab depressed and using your palm, squeeze to slide the large green block forward to release the fuel. The large green block will need to slide all the way forward to achieve maximum flow. If you have any further questions or are still having difficulty, please reach out to our Customer Care Team at 1.800.387.6018 for assistance. Thank you, we are here to help!

Hi al - We apologize for your experience. Customer satisfaction is very important to Scepter. Similar to medication packaging, gas/diesel cans must also adhere to strict child resistance packaging laws. All fuel containers sold in the United States must come equipped with a child-safety lock and adhere to environmental regulations (EPA). This product should only be used with the spout it came with at the time of purchase. Every automobile/equipment is different, so it is not a one size fits all situation. The SMARTCONTROL gas can, is designed to be used with your palm. Step 1: Vent the fuel can by slowly unscrewing the cap, allow all the pressure to escape. Once vented re-tighten cap. You may find that placing the fuel can flat on the ground and actuating the spout once or twice prior to use may allow the green pad to slide easier during operation. Step 2: Flip up dark lever on back of spout with your palm. Step 3: With the dark green lever still flipped up, push the entire light green pad forward. It will be stiff as that is part of the child resistant feature. Again, you may find that placing the fuel can flat on the ground and actuating the spout once or twice prior to use may allow the green pad to slide easier during operation. Step 4: Tilt can and pour. The “screen” you see in the neck of the fuel can is actually a safety device called a flame mitigation device (FMD). Its inclusion in fuel containers is part of a 2020 U.S. law to improve overall safety. It does not make it safe to mix Gas and Fire, which remains extremely dangerous, but helps to protect the consumer against situations of potential misuse. Do not ever remove or modify the FMD. We understand that filling the containers now requires the user to learn to rest the pump in the center of the FMD, on the steps, to fill at full speed. The spout has a channel for venting when pouring. You can also choose simply to take your time filling the container. We have posted both fill and pour instructions online at https://www.scepter.com/safety/instructional-videos/ which should help. Please contact our Customer Service team at 1-800-387-6018 or email customerservice@scepter.com if we can be of any further assistance. We are here to help!