Q&A for How to Open a Tight Jar

Running hot water over the lid may help loosen it. If possible, use a rubber jar grip or dishwashing glove to help create more friction when you twist the cap off. If that doesn’t work, you might be able to get the lid off using a wrench or slip joint pliers.

If you’re opening a jar with a two-piece vacuum sealed lid, such as a Mason jar, you’ll have to take the ring band off first. Ideally, the ring band should have been removed immediately after the jar was sealed. If not, you might need to use a rubber grip or manual jar opener to get it off. Next, use the edge of a spoon or the blade of a butter knife to lever off the flat lid. If that doesn’t work, try a church key or bottle cap remover, but take care not to chip the glass.

Running the lid under hot water may help the metal lid expand and make it easier to take it off. Depending on whether the lid screws on or has some other type of seal, you might also be able to break the seal by sliding a flat metal object, such as a butter knife blade, between the lid and the body of the container and prying the lid loose.

Pour cold water over the jar, then pour warm water on the lid. This will make the lid expand slightly, enough to release it so you can turn it.

Open it slowly or use a pair of scissors to cut just beneath the seal line.

Try using some of the steps in the guide. All of them would work for a mayo jar.

A tin jar can be more difficult to open. Try using some of the methods to get a grip. Alternatively, if there's enough space underneath the lid, trying using a bottle opener to pry it open.

A tin jar can be more difficult to open. Try using some of the methods to get a grip. Alternatively, if there's enough space underneath the lid, trying using a bottle opener to pry it open.

Yes, this process should work on bottles too.

You could wrap a rubber band around the lid, hold it tightly and twist with your hand. You could also use a damp towel.

This depends on whether the cap is screwed on or if it's stuck on like a cap on a bottle of soda. If it's a screwing lid, try using some of the methods above like the elastic band or rag method to get a grip on the handle. If it's a cap, the best advice is to try and use a bottle opener to pry it off.