How to Open a Difficult Jar?

Imagine trying to eat your favorite dry fruit, jam, or pickle… you grab your preferred jar, but despite how tightly you clutch it, you cannot pry it open. Or perhaps you're having trouble opening the tomato sauce jar for spaghetti dinner.

Try these methods for opening jars if applying force doesn't work. Time to put an end to your trouble with that annoying jar.

Method 1: Strengthen the Grip

Usually, all you need to do is to get a better grip on the jar top. The cap may be moist or slick and sliding, which might cause a weak grasp.

A dry cloth can be utilized to get a better grip. Lay the grip-assisting object over the container's cap and turn as you would normally do to change a slipping cap into an opening one. Wearing a pair of rubber or latex gloves or wrapping the lid with a substantial rubber band are other ways to strengthen your grasp. Without needing a bottle opener, you can still open cans and bottles using this rubber band technique!

Method 2: Unlock the Seal

Cautiously use a standard screwdriver, a bottle opener, or maybe a knife's blade as a piercing tool. Without a corkscrew, you can unlock a jar, can, or bottle using a screwdriver. The jar cap or can seal can be removed by sliding the tip of the desired object under the rim. But while working, make sure it is directed away from your face.

When you hear a slight snap, slide around the edge while placing the blade and using force. The seal cracking is audible as a popping sound. After this has occurred, you ought to be able to effortlessly screw the lid open.

Method 3: Apply Some Heat

Heat will cause the jar lid to gently expand, loosening it from its firm grip. The top can be heated by placing it under hot water, or the jar can be heated by submerging it in a bowl of boiling water for some time. Use a potholder or dry towel to open the hot lid to avoid injury once the heat has been applied.

A hairdryer can also be used to warm the lid. Adjust the dryer to a high temperature, and for 30 to 60 seconds, blow hot air directly over the top. Additionally, warming the cover will make it much simpler to open.

Method 4: The Water Hammer method

A technique frequently referred to as "the water hammer" is used to unlock the seal when attempting to open a jar. Begin by tilting the jar at a 45 degrees angle with the pot facing down while gripping it in your non-dominant hand.

Gently yet firmly tap the jar's base with the center of your palm. The technique works by increasing the pressure close to the cap to crack the seal. And when the seal breaks, you should hear a slight pop, and the jar can now be opened.

Method 5: Jar Opening Gadget

This technique is for you if you frequently struggle to open jar lids, regardless of how difficult they may be, or if you genuinely enjoy using kitchen tools.

There are many jar-opening tools in the market from big retailers that provide a crucial grip so you can easily remove that stubborn lid. And indeed, there are electronic jar openers, bottle openers, and can cutters.

Method 6: Unjam the Jar Lid

When working with more adhesive foodstuffs, like jam, jellies, or preserves, the food might adhere to the threads and possibly cause them to lock up the lid. A few taps, a spoon, or a knife's hilt over the lid's edge, just over the threads, can effectively loosen the threads.

Method 7: Silicon Trivet

Frequently, jars feature sleek metal lids (mostly anodized aluminum). All you require is a tool to improve your grasp. Find something made of rubber, vinyl, latex, or silicone to open the lid.

To increase friction, try placing a silicone trivet or a microfiber towel with roughness over the lid. You can even wrap a rubber or silicon band around the edges of the lid or use a silicone glove. Each of them will improve your hold on the lid and make it simpler for you to pull it off.

Method 8: Duct Tape or Adhesive Tape

Alternatively, you can increase your overall grip by making a duct tape grip as a temporary solution. Although it won't look good, it will effectively simplify taking off the lid.

First, cut a strip of duct tape about eight inches long. The sticky tape eventually has to be double-layered since a single layer cannot withstand the strain of tugging. Apply a few inches of the tape around the lid's perimeter and gently press it into position before wrapping it over the top of the lid.

To make a strap, twist the extra tape in half. Turn the container to ensure the tape is fastened to the cover and the strap forms a 90-degree angle. Then, while maintaining stability for the jar with your non-dominant hand, pull the improvised grip strap in your direction with your dominant hand.

The lid ought to come off as a result of this producing a rotating force. Just be aware that the top suddenly comes off and spills significantly.

A Little Caution…

Screw-on plastic caps are regular for plastic jars. Applying hot water to such lids may cause them to somewhat expand, which makes opening them easy. Try pouring lukewarm vinegar over the pot while hanging it upside-down to fill the area between the cap and mouth. This will lubricate the lid and make it expand, so that you can remove the lid easily.

If the jar has been in the refrigerator, be extremely cautious to prevent the hot water coming in contact with the cold glass. It might crack as a result of this. It should not be exposed to direct heat because of the same reason. To turn the cap, try using a wet cloth as a handle. Since most refrigerator jars have already been unsealed, dried foodstuff or seasonings between the lid and the container may have caused it to become stuck. To rehydrate the dry portions and make it simpler to twist the top, try pouring warm water rather than boiling it.