This bear canister is easy to get into, even in freezing temps. I use a titanium spork, so I use that as a wedge to gently allow the tabs to slide against each other. The older canisters weren't as flexible where the tab is. The newer double tab canisters are a little bit easier to depress. I'd say use anything you like to cheat the tabs, just ensure you aren't damaging the canister.

"Cast Away" - starring Tom Hanks - brought to you by FedEx. Nah, these are easy to get into (unless if you have really cold hands). Unfortunately, you've probably figured out that bears sometimes get into these as well. I was in Sequoia NP a few weeks ago and some of the rangers weren't big fans of this particular canister. I prefer (as well as some park rangers prefer) using a different bear canister, but we don't sell that kind on Backcountry, unfortunately.