How to Use a Waiter's Corkscrew

Corkscrews come in various forms: winged, air pump, two-pronged, lever, twisting and waiter's. The easiest to use is the waiter's corkscrew. It is one thin piece about four inches long and has a worm, a lever and a foil cutter. Opening a bottle of wine using a waiter's corkscrew takes a little practice. Once you master it, every wine bottle you open will be done with grace and ease.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Position the bottle properly on a smooth, non-slip surface.

2. Cut the foil. Waiter's corkscrews have two types of foil cutters. One type has two small metal wheels and the other has a small knife, either serrated or not, that is run along the top lip of the wine bottle to cut the foil.

3. Insert the worm (the metal spiral) into the cork in the center or slightly off center. Keep twisting the corkscrew until the worm is completely inserted into the cork.

4. Place the lever on the lip of the wine bottle.

5. Pull the corkscrew straight up. The body of the corkscrew will be at an angle once the worm is inserted into the cork. Using the palm of your hand pull the corkscrew straight up toward the ceiling.

6. Stop pulling. Once you notice the corkscrew beginning to bend stop lifting. Some of the cork will still be in the bottle.

7. Remove the remaining cork manually. Wrap your hand around the cork and wiggle it out.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't worry about synthetic corks. These types of corks rarely break, so you can pull them out completely with a waiter's corkscrew even if they begin to bend.
• If the cork breaks, remove the broken cork from the worm and gently insert it back into the broken cork.
• Be careful not to push down on a broken cork. This will result in the cork falling into the wine bottle.
• Make sure the worm is inserted properly. If it is too far to either side the cork will more than likely break.
• If you do not cut the foil completely, remove the remaining foil by hand carefully. The foil will cut your fingers if you are careless.

Resources

• Learn more about corkscrews at Winecountrygetaways.
• Learn more about corkscrews at Haneswinereview.

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[Peacemaker45]

on 11/30/2007 Also, please check the edges of the "feet" of the lever prior to use. Rought or sharp edges may also cause the bottle to break.

[Peacemaker45]

on 11/30/2007 Centering the worm in the cork will ensure good purchase and prevent metal to glass contact which may cause the bottle to break.