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

Shelflife

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 !

Same ! It always works.

P.S. your name matches the subject.

Allira

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 🙂

The best thing in the picture,easy to use, and not dangerous. Can't believe people slam a jar against a work top.

One of those chunky, chub screwdrivers levered under the lip of the lid but put your specs on, if you wear them, and cover the jar with a terry tea-towel just in case.

Side of your fist with a towel to muffle the noise on the counter top or allow very hot water to run over the jar then wack lid with end of a rolling pin!

Bellasnana

I swear by this silicone ‘flower’ which was given to me by a dear friend who is sadly no longer with us. I think of her every time I use it, it never fails for bottles as well as jars.

I have one of those, there was a pack of two but one seems to have disappeared. Very useful, Bellasnana.

Manjuvek01

I always use the curved spikey bit on the handle of a tradional can opener to lift the lid from the bottom and instantly it makes a soft popping sound , then just twist it open.

Yes- that’s the one!

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202504/medium-e2e79o-image.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202504/medium-czov8k-image.jpg

Release the vacuum by applying a bottle opener like this (blunt side) at intervals round the lid, it should twist off easily afterwards.
Wearing rubber gloves can also give more traction and for small caps/lids, I use a pair of nutcrackers.

I swear by this silicone ‘flower’ which was given to me by a dear friend who is sadly no longer with us. I think of her every time I use it, it never fails for bottles as well as jars.

Run it under hot water for a few seconds then give the top of the lid a good couple of knocks using the edge of a wooden spoon.

I have a 5 inch long plasticky tool with a blunt point that uses leverage force to depress a small part of the metal lid, enough to break the vacuum seal. It is used often enough to be at the front of my kitchen drawer.

We’ve tried many things over the years but have a version of this which works every time, it just releases the seal.

www.amazon.co.uk/Openers-Arthritis-Multifunctional-Kitchens-Camping/dp/B0CR3X2CPS/ref=sr_1_44?crid=5N3CA8DMMAAM&keywords=lid+opener+for+jars+and+bottles&sprefix=Lid+opene%2Caps%2C93&dib_tag=se&tag=gransnetforum-21&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.y3ovHIObXanYqaClKnz2HR484rPCH6cTcaimnYBvxkII_MoeLQW2QHprfvewvJpjFoOnjB8ZEYZi3pXAcda7EZoo_hVfon68kuicODU2vSh8uy3-vAZLzeyGo3xSYpG2t2jaRMSFuqdozeOP48iRKTugsrFQt1qQc-T1BtHZRsoWA_SvcsmR7RWivDRdFHGnRD8UXMACIMMMWLGtJZ-zQ1Z-jOT3S6-ZFvLCOrVd-2zlK4mu3URUV9FfLs9HX_YNAhXkRi5iyr_L7HJkx9GJZws7fz_ZcCPKFQCRmgv5OT0.U-ZN48b4Ble8JlQcOvTjNFQJ7cg4vmmBRvV36GVN4Gs&qid=1744618773&sr=8-44

Bang the rim of the lid with the handle of a spoon/knife about 4 times. A tip from my dear Mum- always works- think it gently releases the grip👍🏻.

My late dad's approach . ..with one hand hold the jar horizontal in the door frame, hinges side, then pull door towards you as the movement of the door is gently applying pressure on the rim of the lid. Make sure you apply pressure as door closes to edge of the lid not the glass collar below it. When firmly gripped ,then gently turn the jar.
Probably not for faint hearted as could result in a mess ! I also use this method for opening those awkward bottles which need pressure on 2 points success on the rim whilst turning . My latest was travel with size mouthwash.

I have one of these, can't remember where I got it, but it's been excellent once I got the hang of it. I do have a husband who can usually get lids off things, but it's not very convenient if he's out!

BlueBelle

I use my back door jamb it never fails

Thank you! I had completely forgotten about this method! My grandmother always used it for stuck lids! However, I'm not sure it would work with modern PVC doors, but I think it would be worth a try. Ever since I fell and broke my left wrist and strained my right one, stuck lids have been a major issue. There have been times when I have resorted to hammering a nail into the lid to break the seal - not the best idea....

Pour some almost boiling water over the rim. Works for me every time.

Ah I have found this great.... put a knife under the lid, just a little pressure, you will hear it click and then lid is off. This is the only way I can describe it.

I have a silicone jar opener that fits different sized lids like a hat. If that does not work, I use a screwdriver to between lid and jar to release the vacuum.

TerriBull

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 had a terrible time trying to open Bonne Maman jam yesterday. In the end my husband opened it with the help of a gadget. I don't know what I would do if he wasn't here.

I use rubber gloves seems to work well for me .

I always use the curved spikey bit on the handle of a tradional can opener to lift the lid from the bottom and instantly it makes a soft popping sound , then just twist it open.

silicone jar grips Other than that stab the lid with a knife
It will then undo easily 😃

I have a gadget which I got from Pampered Chef years ago, but I’m sure other brands are available, essentially it’s a Y shaped piece of plastic that has in the open V shape ‘teeth’ to wedge the jar/bottle lid into. It’s simple but effective

www.pamperedchef.com/shop/Kitchen+Tools/Food+Prep/Jar+Opener/2677

Rolling pin would do! It’s just a case of breaking the vacuum seal…

I bang the edges on the floor (don’t want to dent worktops). If it doesn’t work first time, I do it again. The seal should break and the top comes off easily.