Getting older brings lots of challenges. One of them is opening jars. My wrists are not very strong and I can hardly open any jars these days. I’ve bought several different aids, and have not been terribly impressed with any of them. I have to get Vince to open almost every jar.
I started thinking . . what am I going to do in MO? The police station is across the street. Maybe I’d walk over there with my jar and get a policeman to open it for me. But, if Addie is with me, would I have to take her with me to the police station. That wasn’t a good option.
Then I thought . . I’ll just save out all the jars I need opened for a few days and get Chad to come by and open them. Probably not a good option with the hours he’s working.
I started looking and found this set at Amazon.
I don’t remember half the things this set is supposed to do but recently I had olives, pickle relish and something else to open. Vince was fixing to go outside and I said “Wait til I see if I can open these jars!” Then I squealed “YES!” It has been so long since I was able to open my own jars. That center thing opens jars so easily.
This is the set I ordered. Last time I looked, it was out of stock til some time in January. Definitely worth the money in my opinion.
danielle says
I have something like the one on the right that I use for a lot of different jars. The worst things are plastic bottles (like water or soda bottles) especially since they went to those really skinny lids on the water bottles. I also bought something at a craft store – which is a square of fabric backed by that rubbery shelving liner. That will go in the trailer (because camping there should be someone around 99% of the time AND this is nice and lightweight and doesn’t take up space!)
Kathleen says
Judy, one thing to remember… sometimes it is the pressure that is holding the jar top on. If you get desperate, you can just jab a hole in the top of the jar with an ice pick or similar tool, and the pressure is relieved, and then the top opens right up. Now, you can only do that when you are going to use the whole jar, because the top becomes non-functional. But, I do it often with spaghetti sauce, which seems particularly difficult to open. Not a perfect solution, but when you’re really desperate, it’s a possibility.
Sara Fridley says
I have the same problem with opening jars and I have the center tool. It works great on some size jars but not on others. Then I pull out the other 2 tools to try, and last I ask my husband to try opening the jar. This has to be one of the most frustrating things for a LOT of us!
Liz says
I have a stainless steel v-shaped tool that has ridges on one side. The v-shape lets me use it on different sizes but the most used part is a little curved tab that lets me break the vacuum on the seal. Then, it is easy to open. The closest thing I’ve found is the Oxo good grips jar opener which has a handle. I’ll get that one if I ever need more leverage.
I looked on ebay at the antique jar openers and saw a few tools that were in my mom’s and grandmother’s kitchen. A lot of them also worked on the idea of releasing the vacuum. When I was cleaning out the home, I kept a few of the old tools for fun. I’m still trying to figure out some of them.
Wendy P says
I find wearing a rubber glove helps with the grip.
Kathleen says
I hate not being able to do things myself. Hubby hates it when I bang the jar on the counter to loosen the seal. Hot water sometimes helps. I also have trouble with ordinary can openers. And I hate those top tab opening cans.
Sheryl Till says
A sister-in-law gave me a Pampered Chef jar opener years ago and I love it. I use it on water bottles up to larger jars.
Ruth says
I turn the jar upside down and hit it on the floor three times. This breaks the vacuum and I can twist the lid off fairly easily.
Susan Nixon says
Well, fun! That looks like a set I will have to investigate. I do what Ruth does, because my sister showed me that years ago, only on the counter, or use a spoon to break the seal (pry under the edge) and then it opens easily. I hear you on the wrists. Sometimes I feel like they are going to break if I lean back on them, so I’ve stopped doing that!
Judy in MO says
I have one of the middle tools, but not the whole set. It seldom fails. Love it!
Carolyn says
I just looked bc I too need something. and it is IN stock. for under 14!!!
Ranch Wife says
I would think you’d have wrists of steel with all the knitting you do! Glad you found the tool for the job though!
Nelle Coursey says
Those look great! I am still using the Craftsman ones with the rubber on them and they have worked well for me so far. I noticed the other day the rubber is getting old. I guess it is time, I think they are at least 20 years old or older!
Christi says
Take a 6 in square of shelf liner, the grippy kind. Sew all around, I serge it, leave opening. Turn right side out. Close opening. Put a 1/4 in seam all around. You now have the best jar opener out there.
Karen says
This is the one I got – I tried several other types and didn’t like any of them. This one works like a charm on all size jars.
Hamilton Beach Open Ease Automatic Jar Opener, Model 76800
Teri says
I have had one of these Brix Original Easy Jar Key Opener for about 5 years and I have never had a problem Getting a jar open since my friend gave me one of these…..
patti says
breaking that pressure seal is key. I use a bottle opener (the rounded end) snugged uo under the lip of the jar and leverage it to break the seal. sure helps when i’m alone, hand strength has diminished over the years.