Years ago i ran across a study (Norwegian, as I recall) that showed a jar lid only had to be tightened to 9 newtons (about 2 pounds) to be fully effective. I can’t find it at the moment, but we could use a similar study. Maybe companies would get some sense and stop tightening jar lids so tightly that they can’t be removed without explosives.
Hot water on new jar lids, and keeping the lids clean on older ones usually does the trick. Sometimes your hand just slips on a smooth lid before the seal can be broken.All that is needed is one of those grippy rubber round things.Other times, a bit more leverage is needed. I’ve got a kitchen tool, shaped in a ‘U’ with several lid opening sizes. You just drop it over the lid, squeeze the open end of tool together, and turn it like a wrench.
This comic and the comments remind me of a Marvel X-Factor comic book – I think it was in the early 1990’s. (Peter David/Larry Stroman) where the government super-hero team is discussing how to solve some major crisis, while in the background, a pickle jar is being passed around because nobody can open it.
Take a soup spoon or serving spoon and pry the lid just a little bit to let air into the jar and it will just open up. Or hold it under warm running water. Or a strap wrench. They have all worked for me.
Templo S.U.D. almost 8 years ago
go to YouTube and you’ll find a duct tape hack for that
Night-Gaunt49[Bozo is Boffo] almost 8 years ago
First tap around the rim, pop the lid then slowly twist off.
Farside99 almost 8 years ago
Years ago i ran across a study (Norwegian, as I recall) that showed a jar lid only had to be tightened to 9 newtons (about 2 pounds) to be fully effective. I can’t find it at the moment, but we could use a similar study. Maybe companies would get some sense and stop tightening jar lids so tightly that they can’t be removed without explosives.
david_42 almost 8 years ago
Just turn it upside down and tap the lid on the floor. That compresses the seal and makes it easy to open.
Peam Premium Member almost 8 years ago
Yup: can’t twist; can just shout.
miscreant almost 8 years ago
I keep a strap wrench in the kitchen just for such issues. The wrench has only ever been used in the kitchen.
ellisaana Premium Member almost 8 years ago
Hot water on new jar lids, and keeping the lids clean on older ones usually does the trick. Sometimes your hand just slips on a smooth lid before the seal can be broken.All that is needed is one of those grippy rubber round things.Other times, a bit more leverage is needed. I’ve got a kitchen tool, shaped in a ‘U’ with several lid opening sizes. You just drop it over the lid, squeeze the open end of tool together, and turn it like a wrench.
ellisaana Premium Member almost 8 years ago
This comic and the comments remind me of a Marvel X-Factor comic book – I think it was in the early 1990’s. (Peter David/Larry Stroman) where the government super-hero team is discussing how to solve some major crisis, while in the background, a pickle jar is being passed around because nobody can open it.
Manitobaman almost 8 years ago
Hold it upside down and give the lid a bump on the kitchen counter. Works every time.
dsidney49 almost 8 years ago
Careful when bumping or tapping lid edge… had glass splinters one time. Whoops…
Ladylagomorph1976 almost 8 years ago
That’s what handsome hubby’s are for!
hippogriff almost 8 years ago
Dogday88
I wouldn’t give a fig for those newtons. (That’s for all your bad puns.)
neverenoughgold almost 8 years ago
Well, if anyone still has trouble opening a jar of pickles after all the above suggestions, I feel for you!
Of course, just ‘cause I feel for you, doesn’t mean I’ll be able to remove your lid…
flipbook56 almost 8 years ago
A few years ago, I bought one of those handy jar/bottle helpers. Best investment I’ve made in ages!
Teto85 Premium Member almost 8 years ago
Take a soup spoon or serving spoon and pry the lid just a little bit to let air into the jar and it will just open up. Or hold it under warm running water. Or a strap wrench. They have all worked for me.
hippogriff almost 8 years ago
Jim Kerner
I doubt it, unless Nabisco couldn’t get apples and substituted figs. The unit of force, of course, was named for Sir Isaac.