Hi Michael - We apologize for your experience. Customer satisfaction is very important to Scepter. Please contact our Customer Service team at 1-800-387-6018 or email customerservice@scepter.com so that we can resolve this for you. 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). These cans are certified by EPA and CARB and sealed for emissions. When it is hot in the summer you can expect the fuel can to balloon a bit as the gases force the can to expand and when the temperature drops the fuel can may contract and the sides pull in. 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. This can has a flow rate of 3+ gallons per minute when actuated fully. 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. We are here to help!

Hi cmcer - We apologize for your experience. Customer satisfaction is very important to Scepter. The spout has a channel for venting when pouring. 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. This can has a flow rate of 3+ gallons per minute when actuated fully. 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. 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!