Are Opening Jars an Issue?

[easysurfer]

I bought that same Black and Decker jar opener about 15 years ago for my father. I needed it myself about 10 years ago when I started buying some brand of sauce that had such a tight lid that they were basically defects. I was pretty strong but I had major trouble with it. The jar opener stalled a couple of times but always eventually opened them. It's extremely powerful. I got a display model for a discount without a manual. I can't say it's completely obvious how to use it but I figured it out. I think you have to tighten it a little bit manually before you press the button...something like that.

From looking at the youtube videos, I think it looks pretty simple (if not a bit overkill) to use. Basically, the contraption simulates strong hands and wrists gripping and turning a jar. Good to know the jar opener is extremely powerful.

 

[samcat]

I use a spoon under the edhe of the lid to break the seal.

 

[Boho]

From looking at the youtube videos, I think it looks pretty simple (if not a bit overkill) to use. Basically, the contraption simulates strong hands and wrists gripping and turning a jar. Good to know the jar opener is extremely powerful.

I think it worked the intuitive way most of the time but I had to hand tighten it around the lid some of the time. This forum is exceptionally good about attachments. Maybe I'll upload my own video if I get a jar of something. I'd like to demonstrate the hiccups that could happen.

Ironically, I just started buying a lot of canned food to make can opener videos.

 

[Amethyst]

I bang the edges of the lid with a table knife handle, put on a pair of rubber gloves, and twist away!

For bottles, I use a wrench to grip the lid.

If all else fails, I find someone with larger, stronger hands.

 

[Tom52]

I have this type of jar opener mounted under cabinet. You can have any jar open within 5 seconds, way quicker than rummaging thru the kitchen drawers looking for any of the gadgets mentioned earlier. Also works good if you are one handed.

https://www.amazon.com/EZ-Off-Jar-Opener-Sizes/dp/B000X6K9J8

 

[6miths]

Has been said but hitting the jar lid with the handle portion of a butter knife at multiple spots works. If metal lid then running the lid under hot water works as the metal expands and the jar less so. I was buying kitchen stuff for the kids at the Salvation Army store and a bunch of stuff came in bags - there was a thing inside that I had never seen in the kitchen before but it turned out to be a jar opener - giant pliers with various size clamping rings. I remember when I was young we have a rubber cone that worked well too. If I am having trouble I usually put an wide elastic around the rim of the lid and give it a go - usually if I am having trouble it is because I can't get a good enough grip. The rubber gloves work too but can never find a pair!

 

[Ally]

I have the Lids Off machine and use it frequently. I've had it for 20 yrs after my husband bought it for my birthday. I wasn't happy at the time receiving it for my birthday, but I've found it very useful.

 

[ponyboy]

Just use a standard bottle opener to gently pry the edge of the lid and release the vacuum. Voila!

^this. I dont think many people know about this. Its the vacuum seal that makes it difficult...not the lid itself. Release that pressure and the lid comes off with ease. Every jar I now use a bottle opener to break the seal. Just slide the point under the lid and pop it out.

 

[Tadpole]

For the lid type in the olive picture above, I use the tip of an old fashion bottle opener (the part you would have used to make a hole in a beer can). I wedge it between the jar and the lid and lift up to release the vacuum. Sometimes it takes a couple of places on the lid to get the vacuum to release. For other lids I use a piece of non-slip drawer liner/mat for grip. Using these I can't remember the last lid I couldn't remove.

 

[bhoferp]

An old boss told me to turn the jar (or whatever) you are trying to open on it's side and then loosen the lid. That often works. If it doesn't work, I use the spoon under the edge of the lid.

 

[kcowan]

I take a chef's knife and jam a hole into the top of the lid. Of course, then you have to find some container for what's left in the jar, but at least I get sauerkraut on my dog!

Even a dent will do as it releases the vacuum. This is only after easier techniques have failed. And the jar still seals.

 

[easysurfer]

Got that used Lids Off jar opener today. That thing is powerful. Unscrewed the lids of a couple of jars in no time. Noise isn't as loud as seems from youtube videos. The one I got is used and I do see some wear on the rubber grips, but think the grips should still last awhile still and over price is lot cheaper than if I bought brand new.