Don't let the hard-to-open cork cap piss you off! There are several types of corkscrews, and almost all of them are easy to use. The basic technique is to insert a metal spiral into the cork of the bottle and then pull it out. Wine keys and winged corkscrews are easiest to use, but regular or travel-type corkscrews can also be used in an emergency. Just make sure you work carefully, and the bottle will open easily!
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using Wine Key
Step 1. Open the wine key
This type of tool has several parts. You will see a long metal spiral known as a “worm” and a flat part that acts as a lever when opening a wine bottle. Depending on the model, your wine key may also have a short blade that you can use to cut the foil covering the cork, if you have one.
The spiral and lever parts will fold into the wine key handle. Open it, and the wine key is now ready to use
Step 2. Twist the worm onto the cork
Insert the sharp end of the worm slightly off the center of the cork. Gently twist clockwise until only one spiral is visible. Usually, you will need to twist up to 6 turns.
Use the worm tip blade to cut the cork first, if needed
Step 3. Rest the lever against the bottle
The flat levers on the wine key have two bends on the sides. Position the lever so that it fits against the lip of the bottle, next to the cork. This step will provide a pedestal to help you remove the cork.
Step 4. Shake and twist the cork to remove it
Gently rock the cork sideways while pulling the wine key handle. You can turn your hand on the portion of the wine key lever if you need more support when pulling. Remove the cork, and enjoy your drink!
- Use the other hand to hold the bottle still while the stopper is pulled out.
- Do not rush. If forced, the cork can be damaged before it can be removed.
- Don't forget to remove the cork from the worm, then fold the wine key until it's closed and save it when you're done.
Method 2 of 3: Using the Corkscrew
Step 1. Lower the corkscrew lever
This type of corkscrew has two long levers (“both wings”) on the sides of the center ring. Inside the ring, there will be a long metal spiral (called a “worm”), which is controlled by a kind of spigot at the top and can be twisted. Start by lowering the wings towards the center of the ring. The corkscrew worm must rise simultaneously.
Step 2. Place the center ring on the cork
The center ring will be slightly wider than a standard bottle mouth size so it should fit easily. The corkscrew wings should stay down.
If the mouth of the wine bottle is wrapped in foil, open it first
Step 3. Turn the center faucet clockwise
The sharp end of the worm will pierce the cork. When you rotate the label, the worm will continue to dig its way into the corkscrew. Keep turning gently until the wings are all the way up towards the faucet.
Step 4. Fold the lever back down
Grasp the lever with one or both hands and lower it slowly toward the side of the corkscrew and bottle. When pushed, the cork will start to come out like magic! If the cork doesn't come out completely, shake it and twist it gently until it's completely released. Enjoy your wine!
- Use your free hand to hold the bottle if you have to pull the cork.
- Don't forget to remove the corkscrew from the cork before storing the corkscrew.
Method 3 of 3: Using Simple Corkscrew
Step 1. Open the corkscrew, if needed
The simplest model of corkscrew is just a “T” shaped device with a handle attached to it. However, the portable corkscrew model has two parts: a worm with a plastic handle, which is closed with a rod that narrows to one end. These rods will be attracted or open to display the worm.
The simple corkscrew handle will fold on the worm. If your corkscrew looks like this, simply lift the handle up until the tool resembles a "T" shape
Step 2. Slide the corkscrew into the handle if you are using the carry-on type
The plastic handle on the worm should have a hole about the diameter of a corkscrew. Tuck the narrow end of the rod into this hole, and stop when it no longer fits easily. This corkscrew should now be in the shape of a “T”.
Step 3. Open the worm to the cork
Position the sharp end of the worm on the outer side of the center of the cork, and gently twist it clockwise. Keep twisting until only the last twist of the worm sticks out of the cork.
Step 4. Pull the cork out
Grasp the "T"-shaped handle, and gently pull up to release the cork. Gently pull, twist, and rock the cork until it's completely released. Enjoy your drink!
- Hold the bottle neck with your free hand while pulling the cork.
- Remove the cork from the worm after removing it from the bottle.
- Remove the rod from the hole, and return it to the worm when you are finished using the corkscrew.
Tips
- Flush the top of the wine bottle with hot water for 30 seconds to loosen the stuck cork.
- Most Swiss Army knives have a corkscrew. Get one to always use whenever needed.
