Hello – We are sorry to hear you have had difficulty using your fuel can. After VENTING the fuel can, 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 pad forward to release the fuel. This video may also help: https://www.scepter.com/safety/instructional-videos/ . There is some stiffness expected when sliding the large green pad forward as that is part of the child resistant feature, however it should not require excessive force. 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. If you are still having difficulty, please reach out to our Customer Care Team at 1.800.387.6018 so we can help get this resolved for you. Thank you

Hello Tammy - We apologize for your experience. Please contact our customer care team at 1.800.387.6018 or email customerservice@scepter.com so we can resolve this for you. Thank you.