Abstract: A plate to facilitate the application of leverage forces onto the upper portions of a top line seal on a cereal bag in a carton, for example, whereby separating the upper bag portions and rupturing the seal can be effected by persons of limited manipulative strength as well as by those who encounter difficulty in opening such seals, whereby use of sharp implements is avoided. The plate includes a narrower slot for receiving the bag upper portions communicating with a wider central aperture whereat separating forces are applied. The plate is of sufficient width to permit the knuckles and fingers of the hand to bear against the plate for leverage when tearing the seal.