Hilary here are two ideas I have NOT tried, but I think they would work: What about drilling a pair of tiny holes in the cover,near the edge, and loop a piece of monofilament through, making a handle you could tug off the lid with? OR: cut about 3 inches of plastic electrical tape, fold it in half, and trap the end under the lid when sealing, you should be able to tug the tape to open the lid. I hope that helps. Ken "Thomas Edison Wannabe"