Opening jars, with arthritic hands

Hi, I have a device called a Jar Key, it looks like a bottle opener. You put it against the edge of the jar and it releases the pressure which then makes it easier to open the jar. They seem universally available, eBay, Amazon etc.

I find that hot water is insufficient- it has to be boiling water and then of course I have to make sure I do not scald myself.

You could tap all around the edges of the lid with the back of a knife.

Or buy one of these:

Oh thank you I'm going to get one of those. I can't open anything now and if DH is not around I just have to wait until he is.

It's not your hands that's the problem, everything seems to be tightly screwed on. I have to hit the lid of a plastic pot of Waitrose vitamin D tablets with a heavy lump hammer on the back step to break it open. Not suggesting you do that with a glass jar of course. It's so frustrating. A bottle of bleach is defeating me at the moment. Talk about child friendly things....I want adult friendly.

I was house sitting at my daughters last week and she had a bottle of gherkins in the fridge. I really fancied one of those gherkins but could I get the top off the jar! I also have a problem with jars I’ve bought in the past that I’ve never been able to open. The just sit in the larder for years because I don’t know what to do with them! It’s usually something like sauerkraut…

Ive one of those but it nearly flew through the window last week after trying to'open a jar.,I put the jar in very hot water lid down, then it comes off. As for bleach, I get a knife, wearing protective clothing and over the sink, prize the top with a knife, unless my gd comes and she does it,

I put on my Marigolds it helps to get a grip.
MissOops has Erosive Arthritis in her hands and had a visit from a specialist nurse who (amongst other things) gave her a length of a silicone like material which she had cut to lengths to use to grip lids. The person who came went over her home and made suggestions of other items that she can buy or have fitted to make her life a bit easier.
However lids are sooooooo tight that even MrOops has difficulties.

I saw a lady leaving the supermarket recently. She stopped to chat to the security guard at the door. Then one by one handed him her marmalade, honey and a couple of other items. He cheerfully opened them and then replaced the lid for her.

wildswan16

I saw a lady leaving the supermarket recently. She stopped to chat to the security guard at the door. Then one by one handed him her marmalade, honey and a couple of other items. He cheerfully opened them and then replaced the lid for her.

Perfect! Everyone is happy including the security guard who feels useful for once.

Try what I did a couple of years ago, after everything else I could think of had failed to open the jar of sauce in my hand - I waited until I saw my male neighbour walking up our shared path towards his door, rushed out to meet him with a big smile on my face and joyfully declared "I'm so glad you are here - I really need a man.
For the few seconds it took for him to realize that I wasn't about to jump into his arms and ask him to marry me, his expression was priceless. 😁

Canalboatgranma

Hi, I have a device called a Jar Key, it looks like a bottle opener. You put it against the edge of the jar and it releases the pressure which then makes it easier to open the jar. They seem universally available, eBay, Amazon etc.

Second the jar key it is absolutely brilliant.

Jar key looks good Canalboatgranma, fits any jar, and only about a fiver to buy. I’m going to get one. Thanks for suggesting.

My Mum has a simple gadget from Lakeland, it looks like a small plastic doily (sp?) and it works brilliantly.

Ever since I got a jar key (and I now have three!) I haven't needed a man

I've ordered mine so it should come from Amazon today or tomorrow. Quite exciting I hate asking for help.

As I was reading this thread last night I was trying to open a tiny container of lubricating eye gel. I usually get the hospital staff to open it for me but I resorted to boiling water, simples.

It is minute and too small for all of the gadgets I possess.

I even have problems removing the cellophane a lot of jars come wrapped up in nowadays and that is before I reach the dreaded lid!

I am partially sighted so that is a great help.

I use a steak knife to lever lids off. Once I hear a pop I know I can twist it off. Boiling water does work well with bottles but DH has to pinch the bleach bottles to open them. They always defeat me.

I use the gadgets mentioned but for opening toilet cleaner or bleach I always use a pair of old fashioned nutcrackers. It always works.

Thank you all. I knew I could rely on Gransnetters.

I have ordered a jar key, which hopefully will work better than the other two gadgets I already have.

I really think the issue lies with me and my silly weak hands, although I have noticed my husband and my son have struggled to open jars when I hand them over, so it's likely a combination of over tightened lids as well as me not having the strength.

If my husband/son forget to leave the bleach bottle lid loose, I have had to resort to clamping the lid between my teeth to open it!

Oldnproud that gave me such a giggle. Thank you 😊

Arlme

Canalboatgranma

Hi, I have a device called a Jar Key, it looks like a bottle opener. You put it against the edge of the jar and it releases the pressure which then makes it easier to open the jar. They seem universally available, eBay, Amazon etc.

Second the jar key it is absolutely brilliant.

Another vote for the jar key, it is excellent for lids on jars but the bleach bottle tops still defeat me.

Callistemon21

You could tap all around the edges of the lid with the back of a knife.

Or buy one of these:

I've got one of those and they are brilliant for opening all kinds of things - jars, bottles, packets.

Jars with screw lids which are difficult to open need to be tapped sharply against something hard like a concrete step. You need to knock it hard till you hear the pressure release. I have never failed to open a jar with this method but it does need to be a hard knock against something solid.

I’m getting a jar key too though. Good advice thanks.