Opening jars, with arthritic hands

Old type nutcrackers are great for bleach bottles. On jars, round the rim is an indent put a spoon handle under this and push it releases the pressure.

Some of these lids defeat me. I use what I believe is called 'the old lady trick' (some strength is required, I'm afraid). Put a tea towel under the lid to prevent any damage, then wallop it down very heftily (upside down) onto a table or worktop to break the seal and dare I say, Bob's your uncle. Mostly it works.

The twist and push bleach bottles really annoy me. I haven't got a trick for those, beyond gritted teeth and bad language which may get it off my chest, but don't work.

I have things for opening jars and screw lids but its the push down and squeeze the sides (like bleach bottles) I get annoyed with.

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.

That’s just genius! Well done that lady - and we’ll done that security guard 👏👏👏

The issue is AIR PRESSURE. The lid is sealed ro preseve teh food stuff inside. To open I use a B ottle opener. I use it in the normal way and just apply enough force until I hear air entering - not escaping. The the lid easily opens with hardly any force. Old Tech works well.

Jar key small simple nothing to squeeze. Can’t manage many without mine.

Look for a robo twist opener, the best thing I have ever bought opens everything

If you knock the jar edge on the floor hard rather than the work top it is a harder knock, for me that works every time. I also have a jar key which I use and love

HurdyGurdy I feel for you. It’s so frustrating isn’t it. I have useless hands and wrists as well due to rheumatoid arthritis and find it impossible to open anything.

I have a Culinare One-Touch Jar Opener. It’s battery driven but I’ve had mine for quite a few years now and have yet to change the battery. It just needs to be balanced on top of the jar, no matter what size, and the button pressed. It then automatically grasps the jar with one set of grips whilst twisting the lid off with the second set of grips. You just have to stand and watch. Its a bit more expensive than a jar key (around £20) but has never failed me. Even works on jars that defeat my husband!

Hi I’ve arthritis in most places including my wrists and fingers I bought a set from argos which has 3 different things in it and one of them is for opening jars/bottles etc and it only cost me £10 only got last week and I’ve also got a electric tin opener

It's great that there are some gadgets around which can help with these things. However, I've come to the conclusion that almost everything in life is designed by and for a very fit 25 year old man if average height and build with perfect hearing and vision : lids, seatbelts, tools, soundtracks for film and TV, musical instruments, mobile phones, small print on items, packaging for medicines, ......🤷

There is a company called ‘Granny gets a grip’. They sell lots of mobility aids including stuff to get lids off.

If you tap one side of the lid on your worktop and then the other side of the lid, it should unscrew. If doesn’t work, tap both sides again. That should release the vacuum. Best of luck!

I like that idea, granma47. I think it probably works on the same principle as my wooden step.

I have a beer bottle top opener which works for me by lifting the lid pressure and it just goes pop.

My thumbs are useless! I have no strength in my hands because of it. But I have a simple solution.

Canalboatgramma may be close to what I was going to suggest - called a jar key. Don’t know what her bottle opener/jar key looks like but I use a bottle and can opener that’s probably similar.

It has to have a pointed triangular tip where we used it to open cans of soda to drink (before tabs). Wedge the tip under the edge of the lid, maneuver it till you hear a POP - that means you’ve released the pressure inside you jar. Just lift off the lid - couldn’t be easier.

I also use the fabulous IKEA round rubber gripper jar openers. That rubber they use really sticks and grips the jar lid -does not slide around.
USA Gundy

Jar key is definitely the answer, I don’t have the grip to uses the ones that go around the jar lid 🙄
They’re under £5 on Amazon.

Most kitchen sauces etc are sold in plastic bottles now. You can get horseradish sauce in plastic squeezy bottles.

A few years ago I had a real dilemma, couldn't open my new bottle of gin!!! DH tried too and couldn't manage it either. Was going to take it back to the shop and ask for a swap but before I had chance my son visited and opened it at the first attempt but this was around a week later.

Also there is a small circle in middle of lid: hit is with back of a spoon to release pressure. Then use rubber gloves. Or work spoon handle just under lid...then rubber gloves.

I have the jar key one as well and find it really good, also the non slip mat stuff that comes in a roll about 12 inch long , I use it under place mats but it makes a great gripper for anything to need to open or just grip firmly much better than a T. towel.

I usually smack the side if the lid hard with a wooden spoon. Works every time for me.

There is a vast range of devices that should make life easier for everyone with weak hands and wrists, but if you can only buy them online I understand it can be hard to get the right one.

I don't live in the UK, so my q uestion may sound stupid: Are there not shops catering for those of us who are in need of walking sticks, gadgets for opening jars, fittings for taps, etc. etc. etc. in your neck of the woods? There are here, for the few things that the home helps don't automatically supply if your GP puts in a requisition.

I've a feeling an american friend gave me a round plastic disc thing (which of course I've now lost!), called a Screwy Louie which was wonderful for helping you get a good grip on lids. Must see if they really do exist! Don't think I am having a major senior moment here! .

If the lid is deep enough I find that an elastic band wound tightly round it helps!
A tip that was given to me by an elderly work colleague over 45 years ago.
Mind you tops have got tighter nowadays but it still works!