diff --git a/doc/fixes35.0 b/doc/fixes35.0
index ebd664bd8..533a2f253 100644
--- a/doc/fixes35.0
+++ b/doc/fixes35.0
@@ -381,6 +381,7 @@ give alternate message for "<mon> turns to flee" when mon can't move
 all statues in a cockatrice nest were for giant ant if 'record' was empty
 when dying outside all shops on a level with multiple shopkeepers and one takes
 	hero's stuff, choose one who is owed money over first one on fmon list
+hero poly'd into a critter without hands could still open tins
 
 
 Platform- and/or Interface-Specific Fixes
diff --git a/src/eat.c b/src/eat.c
index fde283f03..6d01bf4ca 100644
--- a/src/eat.c
+++ b/src/eat.c
@@ -1439,7 +1439,7 @@ start_tin(otmp)		/* called when starting to open a tin */
 	if (metallivorous(youmonst.data)) {
 		mesg = "You bite right into the metal tin...";
 		tmp = 0;
-	} else if (nolimbs(youmonst.data)) {
+	} else if (cantwield(youmonst.data)) {	/* nohands || verysmall */
 		You("cannot handle the tin properly to open it.");
 		return;
 	} else if (otmp->blessed) {