Getting stuck tops off jars - any tips for what works?

I’ve got one of those devices but, great as it is for opening difficult to open jars ( huge thank you to whoever mentioned it on here, it’s really helped my poor arthritic hands) it still can’t shift those really old lids. I’ve got a jar of something that’s been floating round my kitchen for ages because I can’t open it and don’t know how to dispose of it. With my jar opener I just place it on the lid and press a button on the top. I do vacate the room and watch from a distance, though, as I’m always sure it’s going to explode!

I give jars a fairly sharp bang on the countertop, lids sideways, to release the seal on shop-bought jars. Sometimes you can hear the seal release. Wear something to protect your eyes and maybe rubber gloves just in case the jar shatters although it's never happened to me. Have you tried that already?

Are you keeping the contents or cleaning them out? If the latter price the lid, very carefully, this should break the seal.

Get an elastic band and figure-8 it around the lid. This will then give you an excellent grip. Works every time.

Wedge the handle of a strong teaspoon under the lid at the side ,and prise the lid away from the jar
This breaks the seal and the lid comes off

Always the sharp tap on the old granite worktop. Nervous types (like my OH) hate this violent approach and fiddle about for ages so I just take the jar off him and briskly tap.

I use the bottle top remover on a corkscrew tool ( usually one on an old fashioned can opener as well). This allows air in and the top becomes easy to open by hand.

I was forced to buy a gadget from Amazon recently, because Alas! As Ever! neither of us could get the top of our delicious Bonne Maman, jam. My wrists are beyond useless and OH has carpal tunnel syndrome so all in all jars can prove to be a nightmare. I always mean to line up any unopened jars in front of our sons as and when they visit with a "help!" but tend to forget.

I have no trouble with my Bonne Maman jam jars. A sharp tap that takes a nano-second and the seal pops.

I’ve found silicone jar grips are brilliant for even the most stubborn jars and bottle tops. Just flat thin pieces of silicone that you grasp the lids with as you turn the jar - don’t know why it works but it does.

Wearing marigolds help you grip

If it is home made, apple jelly, and it sounds as if it is, the problem may be that when you filled the jars some got on the top of the jar, that you did not notice, and that has dried out and stuck jar and lid together.

I suggest you turn the jar upside ddown and carefully dribble washing up liquid round the edge so that it goes down between lid and jar. Leave it for 24 hours, topping up now and again. With a bit of luck, that should sort the matter out.

I have a Chef Aid rubber jar grip, available on Amazon for under £3.50. Had it for many years and hasn't let me down once.

Jarkey jar opener. £5.99 buy online. Works wonders!

Insert screwdriver under lid until you hear a pop.

I've got a bottle/jar opener I got from Must Have Ideas, and it's worked when all other useful tips and tricks have failed.

Hold the jar in one hand a tap the edge if the lid with the handle of a knife , this will break the seal and allow you to twist the lid off. My Dad taught me this when I veas a teenager !

I use my back door jamb it never fails

'Jarkey' which I bought many years ago from Lakeland, never fails me.

Jarkey is an excellent piece of kit. Do a search. Never failed yet!

Thanks everybody! The boiling water plus a sharp tap has worked v well for most of them - I have a gadget coming so we shall see for the last few.

I do feel bad about ditching so much, esp. homemade presents, but there’s a limit to how many jars of sundry preserves you can use, even when they’re not 7 years old.

OTOH I’m pleased to say that a jar of M&S pears in white port (BBE Oct 2023) has finally been opened (I had tried before) and they are delicious!

I was about to throw out an old hot water bottle but instead I cut a piece into a jar lid shape. It's brilliant for opening jars as you get a really firm grip. Prior to that "invention" I always wrapped a thick rubber band round the lid which works too but can be a bit fiddly .

Throwing out of window is pleasing 😁

I know you've got the lid off now, Witzend but tapping all round the edge of the lid with the back of a knife works.

Otherwise - use one of these, other makes available 🙂