FAQ

The EZ SHUCKER is a manual, lever-style device engineered to safely and easily pry open oysters and other bivalve shellfish. Using a fulcrum-based design, the pressure applied to the handle is doubled in force, allowing the blade to enter the hinge seam and gently separate the shell without breaking it. The handle rotates up to 180 degrees to complete the opening. Once the shell is pried apart, the oyster remains in one piece until the operator slides it off the blade and cuts the two small tendons with a knife. This cut does not release the meat by itself—a separate motion is used to dislodge the oyster for presentation as “oysters on the half shell.” While the EZ SHUCKER minimizes damage, some shell breakage may occur naturally due to variations in shell thickness, brittleness, or age—this is normal in oyster processing.

The EZ SHUCKER is designed for seafood restaurants, oyster houses, oyster shacks, markets, caterers, and retail operators who need a safer and more efficient way to open shellfish. Its compact design fits easily in kitchens or prep areas and can be operated by any trained team member without requiring a professional oyster shucker.

The EZ SHUCKER improves safety, speed, and consistency. The blade faces away from the operator’s hand and is protected by a clear safety shield. The handle’s fulcrum doubles applied force, allowing the blade to pry open the shell with control and minimal strain. Its simple lever motion and 180-degree handle rotation make it quick to learn and use, producing uniform results regardless of operator skill level. Some natural shell breakage may still occur with weaker oysters, but overall labor and effort are significantly reduced. The unit also accommodates clams, mussels, and similar shellfish.

The EZ SHUCKER is constructed from stainless steel and food-grade, commercial-grade plastic components for durability and corrosion resistance in wet seafood environments. The blade is made from 420 stainless steel, selected for its balance of hardness, corrosion resistance, and food safety.

All EZ SHUCKER orders are processed and shipped directly from Fort Worth, Texas.

The EZ SHUCKER Google Review link is listed separately on the EZShucker.com page. It is independent of the general Prawnto company review link found in the website footer. Customers can use this dedicated link to leave reviews or read feedback specific to the EZ SHUCKER product line.

Yes. The EZ SHUCKER website (accessible through EZShucker.com) can be viewed in English, Spanish, or French. Website pages and the Request a Quote form automatically adapt to your selected language. Some downloadable materials—such as manuals, flyers, and videos—remain in English only at this time.

Assembly is simple and requires only a wrench and a screwdriver. The stainless-steel upper frame bolts securely to the food-grade plastic baseboard using three bolts, washers, and lock nuts. The clear safety shield, return spring, and work pad are installed as shown in the setup guide. Once tightened and aligned, the unit is ready for operation with no electrical or plumbing connections required.

Place the oyster or shellfish on the black rubber work pad with the hinge or heel side facing upward. Align the shell’s seam directly under the blade. With one hand guiding the shell and the other on the handle, lower the blade into the seam while applying light, steady pressure. The fulcrum-based handle doubles the applied force, allowing the blade to pry open the shell smoothly without excessive effort. The handle can rotate up to 180 degrees to complete the separation. The work pad supports the oyster’s shell during the prying motion, absorbing the pressure as the blade enters the seam. The blade never contacts the pad itself, but over time the pad can show wear from repeated use. When this occurs, it should be replaced (Part #0040 – Work Pad).

Always keep the safety shield in place during operation, and make sure the unit is securely positioned on a stable, level surface. It is recommended to wear a protective glove when holding the shell. Never use excessive downward force—let the leverage of the handle do the work. Avoid contact with the blade tip and ensure the return spring and shield are properly installed before use. The machine should only be operated by trained personnel familiar with safe food-handling practices.

Yes. While designed primarily for oysters, the EZ SHUCKER can also be used to open clams, mussels, and other similar bivalves. The prying method remains the same—position the shell under the blade, lower the handle to enter the seam, and rotate slightly to separate the shell halves. Shell thickness and strength will vary by species, so the operator should adjust pressure and angle as needed for each type.

Position the shell squarely on the work pad with the hinge facing the blade. Apply slow, steady downward pressure and allow the blade to work its way into the seam rather than forcing it. Once the blade enters, rotate the handle gently to pry the shell open. Slide the oyster off the blade, then use a knife to cut the two tendons and dislodge the meat. Consistency comes from smooth motion, proper alignment, and avoiding excessive pressure that can crack weak shells.

Yes. The website features a short EZ SHUCKER demonstration video that visually shows the unit in operation. The presentation focuses entirely on motion and technique, allowing users to observe proper use without distraction. It’s designed as a visual reference rather than a narrated instructional video.

The EZ SHUCKER should be cleaned after each use to maintain food safety and performance. Remove surface debris with warm water and a mild, food-safe detergent. Avoid abrasive pads or harsh chemicals that could damage stainless steel or plastic components. Rinse thoroughly and allow the unit to air dry or wipe dry with a clean towel. Always ensure the blade area, work pad, and baseboard are free of shell fragments or buildup before storage or reuse.

Lubrication is rarely needed, but if the blade shaft or moving joints begin to feel stiff, apply a light coat of food-grade silicone spray. Do not use cooking oils, as they can become sticky and attract debris. Silicone spray should be applied sparingly and only on the metal shaft and hinge points—never on the work pad, baseboard, or blade tip.

Inspect the EZ SHUCKER regularly for cleanliness and wear. Before each use, confirm that the blade, return spring, and safety shield are properly secured. Over time, the work pad may show signs of wear from repeated shell pressure and should be replaced if it becomes deeply indented or cracked. The blade should be checked for chips or dullness and replaced as needed. Other than routine cleaning and part replacement, the unit requires minimal service.

Begin by reading the Blade Installation Instructions included with the replacement blade kit. The kit provides everything needed for proper installation, including a new blade, washer, Allen wrench, Loctite, and printed step-by-step instructions. To replace the blade, remove the return spring and safety shield, then loosen the set screw on the blade collar. Slide the collar and blade assembly off the lower shaft. If the old blade is bonded with Loctite, gentle heat may be applied to release it—use a wet rag to protect nearby plastic parts from heat damage. Clean the shaft and collar thoroughly, then apply the provided Loctite to the new blade and slot. Insert the blade, slide the collar into place, and tighten the set screw using the supplied Allen wrench. Allow the adhesive to cure for at least twelve hours before using the machine.

No additional tools or materials are required beyond what is supplied in the EZ SHUCKER Blade Kit. Each kit includes a new blade, washer, Allen wrench, Loctite, and printed installation instructions. The supplied Loctite should be used exactly as directed to secure the blade in position. After installation, reinstall the return spring and safety shield once the adhesive has fully cured.

Parts, service, and quote requests can be made directly through the Request a Quote or Contact pages at EZShucker.com, or by calling 1-800-426-7254. When ordering, please reference the part numbers listed on the colored flyer, which includes a complete illustrated index for accuracy. EZ SHUCKERS do not use serial numbers, so part identification is based on the visual and numbered index provided. Most replacement parts are stocked for immediate shipment.

A colored parts flyer with a full illustrated index of all replaceable components is available at EZShucker.com. This flyer shows each part by name and number for easy identification and ordering. The most common replacement items include the blade kit, work pad, safety shield, and return spring. The complete parts list includes: Base Board (#0010), Rubber Foot & Screw Set (#0020), Work Pad (#0040), Base Bolt/Nut/Washer Set (#0120), Safety Shield (#0180), Bolt & Nut Set (#0320), Spring (#0440), Blade Kit (#0530), Stop Collar (#0540), and Rubber Handle Grip (#0660). Replacement parts are built to original specifications and can be ordered individually or as complete kits.

Each EZ SHUCKER is backed by a one-year warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. This includes all major components such as the frame, baseboard, blade assembly, and safety shield. The warranty does not cover parts damaged by misuse, neglect, or improper cleaning. Replacement blades and work pads are considered wear items and may need periodic replacement based on usage.

Blade life will vary depending on shell type, frequency of use, and operator technique. Under normal operation, the 420 stainless-steel blade provides long service life with minimal maintenance. If the tip becomes dull or slightly chipped, it may be dressed with a fine file to restore shape, but replacement is recommended once the blade shows significant wear or reduced performance.

Each EZ SHUCKER includes a double-sided Quick Manual postcard inside the box. The EZ SHUCKER side features key product information and a QR code that links directly to online resources for setup, cleaning, and blade installation guidance. The reverse side highlights Prawnto information with its own QR code for related shrimp-processing equipment. Scanning either code provides instant access to product-specific support pages. All digital materials, including the manual, parts flyer, and demonstration video are also available at EZShucker.com.