This is what worked for me,
Once I had got a corner of the soldered strip peeled back by pulling on the ring with a screwdriver through it. I grabbed the 1/2" piece of strip with some linesmen pliers (vise-grip would work or what ever) and rolled the strip back like those old style fish tins.
There was literally no effort in opening the crate this way. To prove a point to myself I had my 110lbs girl friend try this technique and she was able to "roll" open a crate with little trouble.
I was very pleased with myself for figuring this technique out, however this was preceded by much tugging, swearing and ultimately one sore and swollen toe LOL!
Hope this helps
P.s. I think I have just found my home on the internet! Thank You CGN!!!