If this is in the wrong forum, I apologize. Mods feel free to delete it.
I've owned the very expensive and relatively light Wild Ideas Bearikade Blazer bear canister for a few years. It's pricey but my philosophy is, "buy once cry once." I recently learned something new and thought maybe others could use this info. Or maybe I'm just a slow learner and everyone already knows this.
The Wild Idea bear canisters employ a Dzus fastener. A Dzus fastener is also sometimes called a quarter turn screw. While a coin can be used to open a Dzus fastener, a tool made for the task can be more comfortable to use. This is a quick rundown on some Dzus tools, which is the tool used for the Dzus fastener. Dzus tools can be found on various internet shops by searching for “Dzus tool” or “quarter turn screw tool.” Prices usually run around $20-30 including shipping. If one is springing $300-400 for a bear canister, another $20-30 shouldn't be a deal breaker.
tools1.jpg
The grid is 1 inch square. All tools are lined up along the left edge. The top tool appears to hang over, but it doesn’t.
1: Quarter Turn Tool Bryke Fasteners. Traditional screwdriver style. The handle is about 1 inch square. This tool provides more reach than the others.
2: An aviation Dzus tool, sometimes called a “Snoopy.” The handle has plastic riveted to the metal with a total width of about 3/8 inch. This is a WWII era tool however newer versions exist.
3: Dzus Self Ejecting Fastener Tool by UPR Products. A flat, steel tool about 1/16 inch thick.
4: Homemade tool made from titanium, also about 1/16 inch thick. Yes, it weighs a tiny bit more than the steel tool.