Tips on opening Hanna packets and getting all the reagent?

burningmime

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Maybe I'm stupid, but I have serious issues getting all the reagent powder out of a Hanna packet. Seems like every time I try, some portion of it falls on the table, sides of the vial and/or is stuck in the packet. Anyone have any foolproof tips? I miss leveled spoonfuls like the other test kits :-(
 

Dolphins18

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They are very difficult using just about every method unfortunately. I cut a small corner off the packet with an opening about the size of the opening on the vial, I then use a toothpick to loosen all the powder up and then put the two together and most of it just dumps right into the vial.
One part of me must imagine the folks at Hanna know its a bit difficult and I don't think test results are too skewed if a tad bit doesn't get mixed in.
 

Mikedawg

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Instead of driving myself crazy (yes, it would be a short trip!) I bought a mini funnel from Amazon and greatly increased my "margin of error" and have never looked back.

iSnuff Mini Funnel Small Funnel 5-Pack for Lab Bottles​

Best $4 I have ever spent.
 

Pistondog

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1. Pinch packet with thumb and forefinger at corner getting cut off.
2. Tap/shake against table edge to put reagent in opposite corner.
3. Cut packet as indicated
4. Open packet, being careful not to spill
5. Place packet edge in vial opening
6. Raise both together, gently tap on table to dislodge reagent into vial.
7. Repeat at 4 if there's still reagent in pack
 

Cell

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Plastic vessel would be nice. Straw shaped, think soda bottle type plastic, twist off the top, and pour it in with a couple gently taps or invert and squeeze it a couple times and have air push it out.
 

MaxTremors

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I fold them in half (so it’s a triangle when folded) and then cut it open. I open the packet up so that the crease from folding makes a litte funnel. I then hold the vial with one hand and the packet with the other, and put the tip of the funnel in the vial and use the pinkie on the hand holding the packet to tap the packet. I’ve never spilt any, get all of it in the vial, and it’s fast and easy to do once you get it down.
 

JMetaxas

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1. Pinch packet with thumb and forefinger at corner getting cut off.
2. Tap/shake against table edge to put reagent in opposite corner.
3. Cut packet as indicated
4. Open packet, being careful not to spill
5. Place packet edge in vial opening
6. Raise both together, gently tap on table to dislodge reagent into vial.
7. Repeat at 4 if there's still reagent in pack


This is my method. It works well.
 

jhuntstl

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I try and loosen everything and let it settle in one corner, I cut the opposite corner and nothing else. I stick the end of my scissors in the open corner I cut to create a diamond shaped opening. If you do it just right, you'll make a crease that acts as a channel for the reagent to fall into. If I did a good job, 95% dumps out after a few taps. I always cut off the sides, open it up and double check for anything I missed.

I like the folding technique mentioned and linked above. I'll try that next time.
 

jdiefenbaugh

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I flick the bottom with my finger a few times. Sometimes I just tear along with dotted lines, without scissors, to live dangerously.

But seriously, I don't know why they don't make them like Hach, small foil pouches that just cut the top off. So much easier.
 

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