Q&A for How to Open a Difficult Jar

Return to Full Article

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    What’s the best way to open a tight plastic jar?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Plastic jars usually have plastic screw-on caps. You can sometimes loosen these caps by running warm water over them, which can cause them to expand slightly. You can also try holding the jar upside down and pouring warm vinegar over it so it gets into the space between the lid and the top of the jar. This may help expand and lubricate the lid so it’s easier to get off.
  • Question
    How do you open a mason jar lid?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    First you’ll need to remove the screw band, the ring around the lid of the jar. You may be able to do this with a rubber jar grip, or tap the seal loose as you would with a regular vacuum sealed metal jar lid. Once the screw band is off, use the flat edge of a butter knife to pry up the flat cap on top of the jar.
  • Question
    What if the item I am trying to get the lid off of is refrigerated? Can I still use heat to get the lid off?
    Michele
    Top Answerer
    If it's glass, you should be very, very careful not to let the hot water touch the cold glass. This could cause it to shatter. Avoid using direct heat on it for the same reason. Try a damp towel to grip the lid and turn. Most refrigerated jars have been opened already, and may be stuck because of dried food or condiments between the lid and the jar. Try using warm water, instead of hot to try to rehydrate the dried bits and make it easier to twist the lid.
  • Question
    How do I open a plastic bottle that has been refrigerated?
    Community Answer
    Using a wet towel on the cap, hold the bottle from the bottom and twist open the lid.
  • Question
    How can I break the seal that holds all the pressure in the jar?
    Community Answer
    You could use a special seal breaking tool, or drive a butter knife under the lid to break the seal. When using a knife, you should be very careful.
  • Question
    What if I still can't get the jar open after trying the things in the article?
    Community Answer
    Try a universal oil filter wrench. It works quite well.
  • Question
    Is it okay if I open the jar with my bare hands?
    Community Answer
    It shouldn’t have any negative effects, if you can get it open. If you can’t, try one of the methods on the article.
  • Question
    How do I open big pickle jars, like the Great Value ones with the whole pickles?
    Community Answer
    They shouldn’t be too much more difficult to open than regular jars. Just try one of the methods in the article.
  • Question
    How do I open a big jelly jar if I don’t have anything that would work?
    Community Answer
    If you can't use any of the methods in the article above, try tapping all the way around the edge of the lid against a hard surface. Do it gently if the jar is glass.
  • Question
    My jar is stuck because it has glue. What do I do?
    Community Answer
    Run the lid under hot water to soften the glue!
  • Question
    Why did the jar explode after I lit it on fire?
    Tyler
    Community Answer
    Jars can be difficult. So it may be tempting to send a nuclear bomb enroute to the jar. It exploded because of the pressure of the jar was too high, and the atoms reacted manically due to the heat causing it to explode.
  • Question
    I have a lid for a pasta sauce jar that turns (I can keep turning it), but it won't open. The seal is not broken. What do I do?
    Tyler
    Community Answer
    Try twisting then jolting your hand straight up. If that does not work, bang the bottom and try again.
Ask a Question

      Return to Full Article