Our jar opener
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (389046)
Rockingham, Australia
August 11, 2026 4:14am CST
Probably most households have a gadget of some sort designed to remove lids from jars. We’ve had various types over the years but the one in the photo has proved the best of all of them. I wondered if others have similar ones.
You can move the ‘jaws’ to fit large or small lids. Adjust the jaws, squeeze to hold the jaws in position and twist the long handle. It requires very little effort and the lids come off so easily, it still surprises me.
The photo is mine.
14 people like this
14 responses
@teamfreak16 (47433)
• Denver, Colorado
11 Aug
Whoa. I've never seen anything like that! I have nothing to help me with jars. Just what little strength I have. 
5 people like this
@teamfreak16 (47433)
• Denver, Colorado
11 Aug
@JudyEv - It looks like it. If I ever see one I need to get one.
4 people like this
@JudyEv (389046)
• Rockingham, Australia
12 Aug
@teamfreak16 Probably multi-grip pliers would work just as well but this is easily adjustable with a wide range.
3 people like this
@RasmaSandra (101284)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
11 Aug
I don't have one now but I usually manage by wrapping around a rough towel and turning the lid,
2 people like this
@Fleura (36118)
• United Kingdom
11 Aug
That looks like a handy gadget.
We have a couple, one is kind of like a pair of pliers but with rounded jaws of different sizes, depending on which way up you hold it. It's pretty effective but it does have little 'teeth' to grip the lid so often the lid won't seal perfectly afterwards. It's fine to close whatever you just opened but can't be used for preserving again - and I generally save my jars to re-use.
The other is the same thing as is also sold as a 'strap wrench' for pipes and things. It has a rubber strap you wrap around whatever and then thread through a slot in the handle. It's good because it will fit any size but it can be tricky to hold in position on a narrow lid.
2 people like this
@DaddyEvil (178970)
• United States
11 Aug
That looks like the thingie that mechanics use here to remove an oil filter off a car. I have one but never thought to use it for that. It's out in our garage. I have one of those pads that grip the lid to give more leverage when you can't get a lid off easily.
Image from Walmart.com.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (389046)
• Rockingham, Australia
12 Aug
Someone else mentioned these pads.
Multigrip pliers are what we call that tool you mention. They'd work too I'm sure.
@JudyEv (389046)
• Rockingham, Australia
13 Aug
Usually Vince uses it but when I actually did it myself Ii was surprised how good it was. It took no effort at all.
@JESSY3236 (22569)
• United States
11 Aug
I have seen something similar, but I don't have anything like that.
1 person likes this
