A method of and apparatus for manually closing foil containers of the type having a generally horizontally extending shoulder for supporting a closure lid and an upstanding closure flange which is foldable over onto a closure lid. A hand-held tool is employed in combination with a closure die member which holds the container in stable condition during the closing operation. The tool has a key means which is inserted into a mating track in the die member which surrounds the pocket means of the die member. The tool is advanced within the track and effectively plows the upstanding closure flange down onto the upper surface of the closure lid thereby effecting a closure.