A liquid dispensing applicator has a container body holding liquid, a longitudinal axis for rotation and an offset projection located to avoid traversing the longitudinal axis. The applicator also has a head component receiving an end of the container body and has a slot system for receiving the offset projection. The container body and the head component are rotatable with respect to each other to cause the offset projection and the slot system to engage and break the offset projection, allowing liquid release through the head for application. The applicator may have an axial locking system and a radial locking system for locking the container body and the head component together at various positions for improved stability, alignment or reliability.