You must be very annoyed when you can't open a cookie jar even though your stomach is already hungry. Don't stress, though, if you can't open the lid of the jar (both pickles and peanut butter). You don't need to use a special tool to open jars as there are many ways to deal with difficult-to-open jars with common household items.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Unlocking the Jar Lid
Step 1. Tap around the lid of the jar with a wooden spoon to pry it open
Prepare a wooden spoon, preferably a heavy one. Tap the top of the jar lid around the edges to unlock it, then try turning it.
- You may have to do this a few times to loosen the lid.
- If you don't have a wooden spoon, you can use other kitchen utensils. Wooden utensils are perfect for this purpose, but you can use any tool.
Step 2. Use a butter knife or the tip of a metal spoon to pry open the lid of the jar
Slide the tip of a flat butter knife or other flat object into the bottom edge of the jar lid. Carefully pry the lid off the jar, moving it around the jar to unlatch it.
Tip:
Listen for a popping sound as you move the knife around the lid. This sound indicates that you have successfully removed the locked lid. Now you can open the lid of the jar by turning it.
Step 3. Use your palm to hit the bottom of the jar if you don't find any tools
Use your non-dominant hand to hold the jar at a downward 45-degree angle. Hit the bottom of the jar firmly with the palm of your dominant hand, and watch for a popping sound to indicate that the locked lid has been loosened.
This method is called a "water hammer" which works by increasing the pressure on the jar lid to loosen the lock
Step 4. Soak the lid of the jar in hot water for about 30 seconds to unlock it
Pour hot (but not boiling) water into the dish, then flip the jar over and dip the lid into it. Let the lid soak for about 30 seconds, then try opening it. Repeat this step if the lid of the jar can't be opened on the first try.
Tip:
You can also place the lids of the jars under a stream of hot water for about 2 minutes before trying to open the lids if you don't have a plate to soak in.
Step 5. Heat the lid of the jar with a hairdryer if the hot water method fails
Set the hairdryer on high heat and point it at the lid of the jar for about 30 seconds so that the lid expands and locks loose. Use a towel or other heat-resistant object to open the lid of the jar.
- This method can also melt jam or other sticky foods that might be holding the jar lids tightly.
- Be careful when using this method, so you don't burn your hands. The metal lids of the jars can get very hot.
Step 6. Use a lighter to heat the lid of the jar and unscrew it
Move the flame slowly and carefully around the edges of the lid to heat it up. Once heated, try opening the lid of the jar with gloves or a towel.
The longer it is heated, the larger the size of the lid of the jar because it expands. However, be careful that matches and jar lids can be very hot
Method 2 of 2: Gripping the Jar Lid Firmer
Step 1. Use a dry towel to twist the lid of the jar
Sometimes you just need a towel to get a good grip in order to turn the lid locked. Use your non-dominant hand to grip the jar, then place a towel over the lid, and turn the lid counterclockwise.
It's a good idea to open a jar that's locked on the counter or sink. This way, you can clean up spilled jars easily if the lid suddenly comes off quickly
Step 2. Wear rubber gloves for a firmer grip on your hands
Wear dry kitchen gloves that are used for washing or cleaning. Now, try to open the lid of the jar as usual.
You can only wear one glove (on your dominant hand) if you feel more comfortable holding the body of the jar with your bare (non-dominant) hand
Step 3. Place plastic wrap over the lid to strengthen the grip
Take the plastic wrap from the roll and cup it over the lid of the jar. Place the plastic wrap over the lid and press it down until it surrounds the edges and is firmly attached to the lid. Then turn the lid on the jar to open it.
Remember, the more sticky the plastic wrap is, the more likely this method will work
Step 4. Wrap a rubber band around the lid of the jar to strengthen the grip (if there is no plastic wrap)
Take a rubber band that can be firmly attached to the lid of the jar and wrap it around the edges. Grasp the rubber band with your dominant hand and try twisting the lid of the jar.
Tip:
A wide rubber band is perfect for this method because it has a large surface area to grip.
Step 5. Use a dryer sheet to strengthen the grip if you have one
Dryer sheets can be used to strengthen your hand grip on jar lids. Place a dryer sheet on the lid of the jar and twist the lid to open it.
This method can be combined with the rubber band method by wrapping the rubber band around the dryer sheet to get a stronger grip
Tips
You can combine several of the methods described to work with jars that are very difficult to open. Be patient and don't give up. In the end, you should be able to open almost any jar lid
Warning
- Check the threads of the jar (after removing the lid) for any broken glass when you try to open it (it's possible that the glass shards got into the food too).
- Be careful when opening the jar with a butter knife. This knife may look dull, but if it slips when pressed, you can seriously injure yourself.
- Do not use a hairdryer if there are plastic parts on the jar lids. This plastic material can melt if you do this.
- Be careful not to scald yourself when heating the lid of the jar with a lighter.
