How to Pack Skoal

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: May 6, 2021

Skoal is known as one of the most popular brands of spit tobacco. You must be 21 and older to buy Skoal in the U.S. at a convenience store or online. Once you purchase the Skoal, you will need to pack it properly so you can chew on it and receive the nicotine kick of the tobacco.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using Your Wrist and Your Pointer Finger

1
Practice relaxing your pointer finger. This method requires you to slap your pointer finger against the side of the Skoal tobacco can or the top of the Skoal tobacco can to pack the tobacco together. To do this method, you will first need hold your hand so it is sideways and your palm is facing you. You will then need to practice relaxing your pointer finger so it hangs loose.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Keeping your pointer finger loose and relaxed, you should try to slap your pointer finger against your middle finger, making a quick slapping up and down motion.
- This may take practice but be patient. Over time, your pointer finger will relax and make a slapping noise as it hits your middle finger.
2
Hold the can of Skoal between your middle fingers and your thumb. Once you start to get the hang of relaxing your pointer finger so it slaps against your middle finger, you can do this same motion on the can of Skoal.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Start by placing your middle finger and ring finger on top of your thumb. This will look a little like you are making bull’s horns with your fingers. Then, place the can of Skoal, lid on tight, between your middle fingers and your thumb. The can should be turned on it’s side, with the lid facing towards you.
- You can rest all three fingers on the side of the can, with your pointer finger relaxed and loose on the side of the can.
Advertisement
3
Tap the side of the can with your pointer finger. With a tight grip on the side of the can, shake the can, keeping your wrist loose. Use your pointer finger to tap the side of the can. This is the same motion you practiced earlier, where your pointer finger slapped against your middle finger. Tapping the side of the can with your pointer finger a few times, making a slapping sound, should pack the Skoal nicely.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Tap the can five to eight times before you plan to chew.
4
Tap the top of the can with your pointer finger. Another option is to hold the can of Skoal so the lid is facing the ceiling, rather than facing you. Grip the can between your thumb and middle finger. Then, shake the can with a loose wrist and tap the top of the can with your pointer finger several times in a quick up and down motion.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- This option should also pack the Skoal nicely. Make sure you screw the lid of the Skoal on tight before trying this option, as you do not want to get tobacco everywhere.
- Tap the can five to eight times before you plan to chew.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using Your Wrist and Your Palm

1
Hold the can of Skoal in one hand, with your pointer finger on the side of the can. Grip the can of Skoal in one hand so it is turned on it’s side. Hold it so your fingers have a strong grip on the lid of the can and your pointer finger is curled on the side of the can.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- This method is often done by chewers who have not mastered the pointer finger slap method of packing. Though it may not get you as tight of a pack as the pointer finger method, it is sufficient for the occasional chewer.
2
Flatten the palm of your other hand. Keep your palm flat, as this will act as the flat surface you are going to use to pat down the tobacco in the can.^{[6]
X
Research source}
3
Hit the can of Skoal against the palm of your hand. Grip the can tightly and firmly hit the can against the middle of your palm, keeping your wrist loose. The side of the can should tap against your palm and you should hear the tobacco pack together in the can.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- Make sure you tap the can five to eight times before you plan to chew for a nice, tightly packed chew.