A jar of pickles, jam, or tomato sauce that just won't open is one of those annoying little kitchen annoyances. The lid won't budge an inch, your hands slide across the smooth metal, and you try harder and harder - to no avail.
The familiar experiments usually follow: knocking on the lid with a spoon, holding the jar under hot water, finding a special opener, or calling someone with stronger hands.
There is a much simpler solution – usually elastic.
Why can't the jar be opened?
The problem is usually not in your power, but in vacuum. When a jar is closed during filling or preserving, the contents heat up. When it cools, the air inside contracts, creating a negative pressure under the lid.
This acts as a strong suction cup, so the lid grips the jar much more solid than you would expect. The problem is compounded by the smooth metal surface of the lid. Your hand doesn't have enough grip on it, so the lid is harder to turn and your hands slip quickly.
Therefore, it often does not help to use more force. Better grip helps.
Rubber band trick: simple and quick
Take a thicker one elastic and wrap it around the outer edge of the lid. If the elastic is thinner, wrap it twice to ensure a good grip on the metal.
Then hold the lid so that your palm over elastic, and twist it as usual. The difference will be immediately noticeable. Elastic prevent slipping, increases grip and allows the strength of the hand to actually work on the lid instead of being lost on the smooth surface.
For most jars, the lid will be already gave in with one Just twist. No hitting, no hot water, no special tools and no asking for help.
Why does an elastic band work better than a bare hand?
The metal is smooth, but the skin can slip easily on it, especially if your hands are wet, oily, or tired from previous attempts. The rubber has a much better grip, so it “grips” the metal cover better.
When you wrap the elastic around the lid, create an extra layer of friction between your hand and the metal. This means you can turn the lid with less effort because your palm no longer slides on the surface.
What if the jar still doesn't open?
For very stubborn jars, the vacuum may be stronger or the lid may be slightly deformed. In this case, combine the elastic with another simple trick.
Gently press the edge of the spoon under the edge of the lid. and lift it up very slightly. When you hear a short “pop”, it means the vacuum has been released. Then use the elastic again and the lid should open with almost no effort.
Be careful with this. Do not use too much force and do not push a sharp knife deep under the lid, as you may injure yourself or break the glass.
The next time you find yourself in front of a jar that just won't open, don't lose your nerve. Take a rubber band, wrap it around the lid, and try again. Sometimes the solution isn't more strength, just a better grip.
