How to Disassemble a Jar

Jar lids can be difficult and frustrating to remove.

Opening a tightly shut jar has long been an issue for anyone trying to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or retrieve pickles that have been in the refrigerator for awhile. Upscale kitchen stores offer manual and electric jar openers that grip the lid of a jar much tighter than any human hand for twisting and lid removal. If you prefer a more thrifty solution, there are several items already in your home that can help you to open a jar and enjoy its contents.

Instructions

1. Take the sharp end of a butter knife and lightly tap the perimeter of the lid. This will loosen the lid's grip on the jar. Lightly knock the jar's lid on the corner of your counter or turn the jar upside down and smack the lid with the palm of your hand. Open the jar.

2. Run the jar's lid under hot water for several minutes. A jar lid expands when heated, thus loosing its grip. Open the jar.

3. Wrap a kitchen towel around the top of the lid. With this improved grip, twist the lid off in a counter-clockwise motion. If you need an even better grip, try wearing a rubber oven mitt. Twist the lid off.

4. Remove the center round metal piece if you are opening a mason jar. Secure the base of the jar with your hand. Use the tip of the butter knife to remove the metal seal.

Tips & Warnings

• The center metal piece of the mason jar lid may have an extremely sharp edge. Use a kitchen towel to pick it up.

References

• Homefurnish.com; Jar Opener
• Good Life Eats; Kitchen Tip: How to Open a Jar with a Tight Lid