How to Open a Stubborn Hard to Open Jar or Bottle

Have you ever tried to open a jar or bottle and it seemed to be almost impossible? Here are some tips that may help.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A hard to open jar
• Hot water
• A rubber man or rubber jar gripper
• Strength

1. 
   Try to open the jar

   Try to open the jar or bottle. If it seems to be impossible, you will need to try something different, especially if trying to open the jar or bottle is hurting your hands.

2. 
   Hot water

   Try running hot water over the jar or bottle lid. The hot water will cause the metal lid to expand, making it looser.

3. 
   Dry quickly

   With a clean towel, dry the entire jar or bottle quickly. You will want to make sure that the lid does not cool off too much and contract back to being too tight.

4. 
   Still too tight?

   This should have made the jar or bottle easy to open. But if you happen to have an extra stubborn hard to open jar or bottle, you will have to try the next step.

5. 
   Use the rubber man

   With the jar or bottle in one hand and the rubber man in the other, put the rubber man over the lid and this should open any jar or bottle.

6. 
   Opened jar

   These tips should help you open any hard to open jar or bottle.

Tips & Warnings

• You can buy a rubber man, or equivalent rubber gripper, at most department stores.
• You can also purchase a rubber jar gripper online. A link is below in my resources.

Resources

• Always Brilliant.com

[schmammel]

on 11/17/2009 Great article on hot to open a stubborn jar or bottle!!

[alltrails]

on 10/30/2009 Good tip on how to open a stubborn lid. I will definitely use this next time I run across a tough lid. 5 stars - thanks!

[askanna]

on 10/29/2009 Great tips-- a problem I encounter at least once a week. Thanks for telling me how to open those stubborn jars!

[barroz]

on 10/20/2009 Your pics were great. I used to be the one that oppened the jars, now it is me trying to find someone to open the jars. Thanks.

[sbarry77]

on 10/18/2009 Great tips on opening jars! 5*