Release that frustration (and the lid)! Learn how to open a jar the easy way—even the most stubborn ones.
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Ever find yourself craving pickles, but when you reach for your favorite jar of dills you can’t pry it open no matter how hard you grip? Or maybe you’re struggling to open a jar of marinara sauce for pasta night. Well, when brute force has failed you, give these ideas for how to open a jar a try.
The Easiest Ways to Open a Jar
Don’t hassle with that pesky jar any longer. We’ve got six fool-proof methods for opening a stubborn jar.
1. Add some grip
Alaina DiGiacomo/Taste of Home
Often all that is needed is to improve your grip on the jar lid. A loose grip could be caused by the lid being damp, or perhaps it’s simply shiny and slippery.
Items that can be used for greater grip include a dry dish towel, plastic wrap or a piece of silicone (often found in kitchens as a heat-resistant mat or shelf liner). Place the grip-assisting item over the lid of the jar and twist as you usually do to turn a slippery lid into an open one. You can also improve your grip by donning a pair of rubber gloves or placing a thick rubber band around the lid. This rubber band trick works for opening beer bottles without a bottle opener, too!
2. Tap the lid
Alaina DiGiacomo/Taste of Home
Take a wooden spoon or a butter knife with the handle facing the lid. Give the lid of the jar a couple of firm taps. This can have the effect of disrupting the seal. After tapping, try to open the jar again. You made need to repeat the tapping a few times to get that lid to budge.
3. Break the seal
Alaina DiGiacomo/Taste of Home
Go a step further and carefully use the tip of a butter knife, a bottle opener or even a flat-head screwdriver as a prying device. You can also use a screwdriver to open a wine bottle without a corkscrew.
Insert the tip of the chosen object under the rim of the jar lid and lever it out. (Keep it pointing away from your face while you work.) Move around the rim, inserting the tip and applying leverage, until you hear a small pop. The popping sound is the seal breaking. Once this has happened you should be able to twist the lid open with ease.
4. Try the water hammer
Alaina DiGiacomo/Taste of Home
Another way to break the seal when you’re trying to open a jar is to use a method that’s sometimes called “the water hammer.” Start by holding the jar in your non-dominant hand and tilt it 45 degrees with the lid facing down. With the center of your palm, slap the base of the jar firmly but not too hard. The effect of the water hammer is to raise the pressure near the lid in order to break the seal. You should hear a small pop indicating the seal has been broken and the jar can be opened.
5. Add some heat
Alaina DiGiacomo/Taste of Home
Applying heat to the lid will expand it slightly, releasing it from its tight grip. Methods of heating include running the lid under hot water or putting the jar, lid first, into a bowl of hot water for 30 seconds. You can also use a hairdryer. (Here are some other handy hints for removing tough stuff!) Opening the hot lid after heat has been applied is best done with a potholder or dry dishtowel.
6. Reach for a jar-opening gadget
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If you regularly have trouble opening jar lids, stubborn or otherwise, or if you simply love kitchen gadgets, this method is for you.
Major retailers sell a number of jar-opening devices that apply the necessary grip for you and make opening that stubborn lid a breeze. And yes, electric jar openers are a thing (perfect for the cook who has everything!).
Check out our favorite jar-opening gadgets
Once that jar is open and the contents are gone, remember you can use them to organize your kitchen or put them to use in one of these Mason jar gift ideas. Otherwise, come up with your own clever way to reuse glass jars!
If you’re wondering how to can your own food before you test those lid-levering skills, you’ll need a lesson in canning 101.
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How to Open a Jar the Easy Way
Opening a stubborn jar can be frustrating, but there are several methods you can try to make the task easier. Here are six fool-proof ways to open a jar:
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Add some grip: If you're having trouble with your grip on the jar lid, there are a few things you can do to improve it. You can use a dry dish towel, plastic wrap, or a piece of silicone as a grip-assisting item. Another option is to wear rubber gloves or place a thick rubber band around the lid for better traction.
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Tap the lid: Take a wooden spoon or a butter knife with the handle facing the lid and give the lid a couple of firm taps. This can help disrupt the seal and make it easier to open the jar. You may need to repeat the tapping a few times to loosen the lid.
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Break the seal: If tapping doesn't work, you can try using a prying device like the tip of a butter knife, a bottle opener, or a flat-head screwdriver. Insert the tip under the rim of the jar lid and lever it out, moving around the rim and applying leverage until you hear a small pop. The popping sound indicates that the seal has been broken, and you should be able to twist the lid open with ease.
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Try the water hammer: Another method to break the seal is called "the water hammer." Hold the jar in your non-dominant hand and tilt it 45 degrees with the lid facing down. With the center of your palm, slap the base of the jar firmly but not too hard. The pressure created by the water hammer can help break the seal, and you should hear a small pop. This indicates that the jar can be opened.
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Add some heat: Applying heat to the lid can expand it slightly, making it easier to open. You can run the lid under hot water, put the jar (lid first) into a bowl of hot water for 30 seconds, or use a hairdryer to heat the lid. Remember to use a potholder or a dry dishtowel to protect your hands when opening the hot lid.
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Use a jar-opening gadget: If you frequently struggle with opening jar lids or simply enjoy using kitchen gadgets, you can consider using a jar-opening device. There are various gadgets available, including under-cabinet jar openers, silicone jar openers, electric jar openers, and handheld jar openers. These devices provide the necessary grip and make opening stubborn lids much easier.
Remember, once you've successfully opened the jar, you can find creative ways to reuse glass jars or use them for organizing your kitchen.
