Manual can opener maintenance.
I seem to be unable to keep a manual can opener (of this general sort) for more than a year or so before something snaps, dislocates, or whatever--I fear my mechanical illiteracy is hanging out here--with the result that the handle no longer operates the circular blade. What should be the life expectancy of such an appliance, and is there anything I need to know about its cleaning and care beyond wiping the blade clean after each use?
(Disclaimer: I'll grant that my penchant for buying el cheapo Big Lots or Dollar Store specimens may be my problem right there.)
ETA: Thanks for all the advice, everyone! (kosaginolegion, who knows me in the flesh, shares the prevalent opinion that the problem has been my choice of cheap-ass hardware and adds this observation: I tend to clench tools in a Kung-Fu Grip and exert more force than may be good for either the tools or my hands.) I'll keep my eyes out for an OXO-Grip, then.
(Disclaimer: I'll grant that my penchant for buying el cheapo Big Lots or Dollar Store specimens may be my problem right there.)
ETA: Thanks for all the advice, everyone! (kosaginolegion, who knows me in the flesh, shares the prevalent opinion that the problem has been my choice of cheap-ass hardware and adds this observation: I tend to clench tools in a Kung-Fu Grip and exert more force than may be good for either the tools or my hands.) I'll keep my eyes out for an OXO-Grip, then.