How to Use a Corkscrew Opener
Open cork-sealed bottles without damaging the contents or injuring yourself by properly using a corkscrew. Corkscrews are available with a wide variety of features, although they retrieve the cork with basically the same technique. A rigid piece of twisted metal called a worm is driven into the cork as it turns. The corkscrew is then pulled up without twisting to remove the cork. Using proper technique and a little practice, this procedure can be done without breaking the cork or the bottle. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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1
Peel the foil and wax away from the top of the bottle. Use a small knife to lift a corner if the foil will not tear when scratched with a fingernail.
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2
Wipe the top of the bottle and cork clean with a damp kitchen towel.
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3
Hold the corkscrew at a 45-degree angle so that the bent metal at the tip is pointing straight down into the center of the cork.
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4
Twist the corkscrew in a clockwise direction to drive the tip into the cork approximately a quarter inch.
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5
Lift the corkscrew to the fully upright position slowly to avoid pulling out the tip.
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6
Hold the bottle firmly as you continue twisting in a clockwise direction until the metal worm is approximately three quarters of the way into the cork. Continuing to twist beyond this point will drive pieces of cork into the contained beverage.
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7
Hold the bottle down as you pull up on the corkscrew without twisting. Some corkscrews have a lever arm that rests on the lip of the bottle to pry out the cork once the worm is fully inserted. Automatic corkscrews will retract the worm and pull out the cork without additional effort.
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8
Twist the cork off the corkscrew carefully and examine it for damage before returning it to the bottle.
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Tips & Warnings
Replace damaged or broken corks with a universal rubber wine stopper to avoid adding cork pieces to a beverage.
References
- Photo Credit corkscrew image by jimcox40 from Fotolia.com
