Recalcitrant jar lids

[Theo]

Just use a blunt table knife/screwdriver to lever the edge of the lid slightly: lets air in to break the suction. No need for angle grinders or complicated other solutions.

Theo

[Robin]

+1 (if all the opening aids fail)

[charles]

but, when the glass doesn't give anything to press the blade against?

[Robin]

twist

[Chris Hogg]

For jars or bottles with metal screw-top lids, I use one of these

[Theo]

Indeed, you aren't levering the lid off, you're just breaking the seal. You insert the blade flat (in one of the gaps between the threads) and twist. You're levering between the glass and the lid rim. You need maybe 3mm of travel before the seal is broken. Then remove the blade and undo the lid as normal.

It's a lot easier than any tools which are designed to fight against the suction: just let the air in and then there's no suction to fight against.

Theo

[Mike Clarke]

Despite looking very improbable the 'JarKey' is very effective at releasing the vacuum without damaging the lid.

[Jonathan]

Surpringly use your left hand, the muscles work better that way,

Jonathan

[John J]

That's what I use my large stilsons for nowadays wrap the glass in an old inner tube for grip then two sets of stilsons. Not much resists.

[Colin Bignell]

Usually, I could do the jars by hand, unless Barbara had chewed the lids up with the tool. I did find that holding the lid still and rotating the jar, which was in my left hand, often worked best.

[Tim Streater]

You had boiled pickled gherkins?

[The Natural Philosopher]

That's how they come. But not boiled,no - they were clearly packed at a higher temp than I got them to as there was still some vacuum . The bottom oven on an Aga seldom get stuff much above 60°C...

[wasbit]

+1 Bought a couple of these for elderly relatives with severe arthritis & both said they were ideal.

[wasbit]

Probably wouldn't work for those with severe arthritis as they can't grip the jar securely even with 2 hands. May work if they wear Marigolds though.

[Dave W]

I have an ancient tin opener without a turning handle - just a hook under the end. Put the hook under the lid and lift up enough to distort the lid and let the air in.

[Rod Speed]