Enfeeblement

[UncleEbenezer]

For something around half a century, I was the strong and enthusiastic boy, and then the adult in the room. The one who could open a recalcitrant jar that defeated other people. By the time I hit my teens, it would be pretty effortless, and so it remained.

Today I struggled horribly to open a new jar of gherkins. Managed eventually, but it was an epic and undignified struggle. And I've struggled with other jars in recent times. I really need to pass the strong-man baton to the next generation, only I don't have them in the house

Is there such a thing as a mechanical aid to opening a jar, short of piercing the lid to release the vacuum - with consequent loss of seal?

[mc2fool]

I've had one of these type of tools for, well, some decades. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B089B58XKL/ ... k_detail_1

[Imbiber]

I am in a similar situation and have one of these. It works well, amazing power from such a small device.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/F-SHOW-Electri ... B089NWVSGZ

[UncleEbenezer]

I've had one of these type of tools for, well, some decades. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B089B58XKL/ ... k_detail_1

Oooh, thanks. Yes, now you mention it, I've seen those in other peoples' kitchens. Never gave them a thought, but that's precisely what I now need.

And I'll take the simple-and-obvious mechanical leverage device over an electric gadget any day (but thanks anyway for the suggestion, Imbiber)!

[GrahamPlatt]

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=silicone+rubb ... &ia=images
Although the one I was looking for, which I bought many years ago (on a market stall as I recall) isn’t there. It’s a solid grip with a silicone rubber band which slings around the lid & fits back into the handle, the handle having a lever-edge for then prising off the incalcitrant cap. Magic.

[CryptoPlankton]

These are amazing:

https://www.lakeland.co.uk/7706/Jarkey- ... Jar-Opener

Absolutely effortless. All you have to do is position it correctly and with the slightest movement the vacuum is broken, making unscrewing the lid a doddle. I didn't believe it until I used it, but I've never found a better or simpler and more compact gadget for the job.

No affiliation, just a fan - read the reviews!
(Also available on Amazon)

[rabbit]

Look for a gadget called a strap wrench or loop wrench. I have one, inherited from my late mum who had very arthritic hands, and it works a treat for opening really stiff jars.

[JohnB]

Pour water from kettle over lid

[GrahamPlatt]

Or you could get a proper man’s tool : https://duckduckgo.com/?q=oil+filter+ch ... &ia=images

[servodude]

Look for a gadget called a strap wrench or loop wrench. I have one, inherited from my late mum who had very arthritic hands, and it works a treat for opening really stiff jars.

yup a strap wrench is the thing
- like these: https://uk.farnell.com/duratool/d00070/ ... dp/2444459
- loosen and tightens and doesn't damage stuff

- sd

[kiloran]

Pour water from kettle over lid

But make sure you boil the water first

--kiloran

[GrahamPlatt]

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=silicone+rubber+can-lid+twist+grip+opener&t=fpas&iax=images&ia=images
Although the one I was looking for, which I bought many years ago (on a market stall as I recall) isn’t there. It’s a solid grip with a silicone rubber band which slings around the lid & fits back into the handle, the handle having a lever-edge for then prising off the recalcitrant cap. Magic.

Oh, yes it is there. Didn’t look hard enough.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Baby-Boa-Con ... 1411340712

[sg31]

I have the same problem open jars, I too looked around for something that would help with the problem and then I found I'd already got one. It's called 'a wife.'

[Nimrod103]

Pour water from kettle over lid

But make sure you boil the water first

--kiloran

Never fails for me.

I did get a couple of strap wrenches, but the rubber strap just slips off the lid, and can never get a good grip.

[marronier]

A rubber band around the lid always works for me.

[bungeejumper]

Chain wrench. Does it for me. https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/wrenches ... K-PLA-DS3A . Oh sure, there may be a bit of debris, but it's all good fibre.

BJ

[kempiejon]

A rubber band around the lid always works for me.

On that note my old mum used to use her rubber washing up gloves to improve purchase on jar and lid.

[88V8]

Nah.
Forget all that prehistoric stuff.

This https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CULINARE-ONE ... SwWMhfeLJT battery-powered gadget, whose forerunner we have used over ten years, removes any jar lid, without mangling the lid, and it's quite hilarious to watch it in operation.

Don't be put off by the peanuts price or the bag-of-bolts noises its gearbox makes.

Here we are https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEwtZP-BMKE Never ceases to amaze me, the things folks upload to Youtube.

And the batteries - rechargeables if you like - last a long time.

V8

[raybarrow]

Hi,

I have had one of those 'strap wrenches' for years. The only problem (and not the wrenches fault) is that some manufacturers insist on making the jar lid slightly tapered to the top of the lid. Another victory of 'looking aesthetically pleasing' over 'practical, sensible and mechanically sound'. (Don't get me started).This tapered design also renders the 'multi-function pliers' type devices useless. In which sticking a table knife (non-sharp) under the side of the lid and gently prising it out to break the seal works well.

The challenges of being too weak as a child return at the other end of the age spectrum. Hey Ho.

Ray.

[gadjet]

If you Google this you can see several . There are also bottle -sized ones all very effective. Also works for bathroom fittings .

Dycem jar opener