Open a Jar

Ever met the jar that wouldn't open? I have. I named it the Impossible Jar. I won't bore you with the details but things got ugly. It fought hard, but in the end, I succumbed to handing it over to my husband, who insisted that I had inadvertently loosened the cap before giving it to him. Oh dear. He couldn't get it to budge either.

Here are few tips that I wish I knew before things got really, really ugly. These tried-and-true methods will keep both your sanity and your jar's contents intact. Unlike what happened to me when I met Impossible Jar.

Let's get started!

Step 1: Rubber Glove Method

For this method, you'll need a rubber glove, the kind used for cleaning.

Simply slip it onto your dominant hand, and use the amazing non-slip ability of the rubber to give you better leverage on the jar's cap.

Twist and enjoy!

Step 2: Rubber Band Method

For this method, you will need a couple of rubber bands.

Place your rubber bands around the sides of the lid, and much like the rubber gloves from the previous step, this will help you get a better hold on your jar.

Twist and enjoy!

Step 3: Tapping Method

For this method, you will need either a table edge or a metal utensil.

If using a table's edge, hold your jar at a 45' and lightly tap/hit the LID of the jar against the edge of the table. This could help loosen the lid's notches past the jar's. Be careful not to bang the glass of the jar against the table, it can shatter especially easy at the neck. (Impossible Jar's fate)

If using a metal utensil, hold your utensil at a 45' and lightly tap/hit the LID of the jar.

Twist and enjoy!

Step 4: Hot Bath Method

This method requires either water running from a hot faucet or a container that the jar can fit inside of.

Simply hold your jar under a hot faucet for a few seconds, or place your jar inside a container filled with hot water. This will allow the lid to dilate and make the slightest attempt from you open it right up.

Twist and enjoy!

Comments

[hoodsmom]

I haven't used it yet b/c I have always been able to open jars with a
combo of tapping hard with a butterknife handle and a rubber or silicone
glove/potholder/etc., but I put a strap wrench in my kitchen - I'm sure
that'd work.

[mlee89]

when the rubber glove can help you open the cap, that tell you one important thing: for those who ALWAYS fail, they concentrate more on TWISTING the cap father than GRABBING it. Ask one who can always open jars with their bare hands, they will tell you the same thing.

[Jobar007]

The method I use is to place the curved lip of a spoon under the edge of the cap and lever it open just enough to break the vacuum. It doesn't work on all lid designs though, but you don't need to find a glove or band and I feel it's safer than banging a glass object. Try it out and add it if you like.

[Orngrimm]

I do it all the time this way. Seems in Switzerland all liddesigns allow this.

[dburlew]

there things for puting holes in cans of good some have a round end that is for opening impossible cans

[mschelhas]

i have wrapped a wet rag around the lid and pulled on the corner to open a jar works good

[jmdushi]

beating the bottom of the pot and if nothing works just make a small hole in the lid with a knife or fork

[jmdushi]

how recognizable :) I will certainly try the rubber glove method. As tapping method you can als use your palm, just