Why are jars so freaking hard to open? It seems like with the technology we have, this shouldn't still be such a problem.
Last summer, I was trying to open a jar of pickles. I couldn't. I brought it to the local pool and asked the lifeguard to open it. He couldn't. We were passing the jar around to everyone at the pool, and I think we finally got it open.
It's ridiculous. I mean, what do old, weak people do?
If it was a new, never-before-opened jar, then it may have been due to the vacuum. This relates to all of those notices about how the jar might have been tampered with if the "button at the top" (the center of the lid) isn't popped up.
ReplyDeleteGet a sturdy tool (I usually use a thin yet strong screwdriver) and pry it between the jar and the lid, attempting to force the lid away from the jar. If you're at a good segment and if you're high enough on the lid, you should see the top of the lid decompress (the "button" at the top goes down) and you might hear the movement of some air. Your lid should now come off easily.
On the other hand, if the jar was already opened then this trick won't work, and someone just screwed it on too tight. I've seen some rubber grippers to help provide traction; if you have this problem often, you might want to look into getting one.
Hope it helps.
You get a jar opener like this
ReplyDeletehttp://www.kitchenstuffplus.com/8146-Danesco-Jarkey-Jar-Opener-Assorted.aspx#
It is very easy to use and all it does is very slightly pull the lid away from the jar. That breaks the vacuum seal and the lid comes off easily.
I highly recommend it!
Hey, some of us weak people are young, ya know. I'm 38 and with severe arthritis. Jars are definitely a problem for me.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.amazon.com/OXO-Good-Grips-Jar-Opener/dp/B002DWA6KM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1385213014&sr=8-1&keywords=jar+opener
ReplyDeleteIn the absence of a device, running very hot water over the top of the lid (avoiding the glass) will sometimes expand it enough to make it that bit easier to open. If you are using all the contents and don't need to close it again - simply piercing a hole in the lid will release the vacuum.
ReplyDeleteGet one of those jar openers. Or, bang the side of the lid against something hard, like a counter top. The latter rarely fails me.
ReplyDeleteI tap the side of the lid on a counter top & it works 99% of the time. In your case, you can tap the lid then try a rubber glove to get a good grip on it. This works for me as well. I'm pretty strong, but my hands are really small, so the rubber glove is really handy for getting a good grip on larger jars.
ReplyDeleteI have a jar opener (small pointy part) on my manual can-opener. I think most can-openers have this feature but most people aren't aware of its purpose. It releases the vacuum as Ledgem explained above. Just put the pointy part between the lid and the jar and rotate downward (clockwise) to release the vacuum. Works every time for me and doesn't cause excessive lid damage. FYI I am weak as a kitten.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.amazon.com/Brix-Jar-Key-Colors-may-vary/dp/B00634DSMY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1385254099&sr=8-1&keywords=jar+vacuum+release
ReplyDeleteI am not kidding. You wedge this device under the lid and with very little effort it pops the jar seal, making it easy to open. I use this on EVERYTHING.
What do you think of condom wrappers? Those are hard to open!
ReplyDeleteWe love ours, but it must be under some kind of patent dispute or something because I can't find a link to it. Very sad. It looks kind of like this but is simpler: http://www.amazon.com/MIU-Stainless-Steel-Jar-Opener/dp/B002LHKWGW/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1385259174&sr=8-13&keywords=jar+opener
ReplyDeleteHere's consumer search's recommendations: http://www.consumersearch.com/can-openers/best-jar-openers
Just use a teaspoon to lever out the side of the lid to release the vacuum. No additional gadget necessary.
ReplyDeleteNot eat any pickles :(
ReplyDeletePutting a rubber band around the outside of the lid to create friction will help opening them. No tools necessary, unless you don't have a rubber band handy!
ReplyDeletePS: loved the book!
Pierce the lid. It lets air into the vacuum inside. At home I've used a kitchen knife, stabbing it Psycho-style, or away from a kitchen, my keys. Sure, the jar's no longer watertight, but most jars of stuff get eaten quickly anyway.
ReplyDeleteI like all the suggestions. I prefer to just muscle it open. Remind your muscles what they can really do. One day when I'm older I guess I'll buy one of the opening aides.
ReplyDelete