I have seen many welders doing welding without safety equipment. I just want to know why they don't use safety equipment.
How about just a simple lever.
I think if you do something with a bicycle tire pump and an inner tube you might be better off. You need to get something that will crush the can if it is raised, then put the inner tube under under neath and pump it up. (pneumatic) You need to find something that is constained enough to not come apart when you lift. You could also borrow a floor jack from someone and put the can on it then press the can against something heavy (hydraulic).