How To Open A Difficult Jar: 11 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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12 Tricks to Open a Jar That Won’t Open Download Article Pop the lid off a stuck jar with these helpful hacks Explore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 Tap the lid with a wooden spoon. 2 Slap the base of the jar with your palm. 3 Submerge the lid in hot water for 30 seconds. 4 Twist off the lid with a dish towel. 5 Use rubber gloves to twist off the lid. 6 Heat up the lid with a hair dryer. 7 Place plastic wrap over the lid for a better grip. 8 Use a rubber band to grip the lid. 9 Grip onto the lid with a dryer sheet. 10 Use a lighter to heat the rim. 11 Pop the lid open with a butter knife. 12 Invest in a jar gripper. + Show 9 more... - Show less... Other Sections Questions & Answers Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Aly Rusciano Reviewed by Chef Jeff Woodward

Last Updated: September 12, 2025 Fact Checked

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This article was reviewed by Chef Jeff Woodward and by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano. Jeff Woodward is a Private Chef and the Owner of The Rogue Chef based in Branson, Missouri. With over 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry, he has cooked for esteemed clients including The Harlem Globetrotters, Peyton Manning, Mark Wahlberg, and Justin Timberlake. Chef Jeff won the Branson Tri-Lakes News Reader's Choice Award 2023 for Best Catering. He has been the Featured Chef Demonstrator for 2 years in a row for The Women's Show in Springfield, MO. The Rogue Chef has been the Hollister Chamber of Commerce Spotlight Chef, an award published in Tri-Lakes News. Chef Jeff's food has been featured on KY3 Television. He publishes a recipe weekly in the Branson Globe newspaper and monthly in Lost on the Lake Magazine. He published a feature article for Chef Talks in Discover Home and Style Magazine. He has an associate’s degree from Southwestern Illinois College and a Culinary Arts degree with a Certification in Baking from Ozark Technical College. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 2,738,676 times.

It’s super frustrating when you can’t open a jar and get to what’s inside, and we’ve all been there. Whether the lid is stuck on your pickles or you can’t get into the peanut butter, we’re here to help. With help from private chef Jeff Woodward, we’ve compiled a list of the best hacks and tips to help you open tight and stubborn jars. All you need is a little leverage and simple supplies you can find in your kitchen.

How do you open a stuck jar?

Private chef Jeff Woodward says there are several easy ways to open a tight or stuck jar by yourself. He suggests trying the following methods:

• Tap on the lid with a wooden spoon.
• Pry the lid open with a butter knife.
• Smack the bottom of the jar with your palm.
• Run the lid under hot water for 30 seconds.

Steps

1

Tap the lid with a wooden spoon.

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1. Grab a wooden kitchen spoon; the heavier the better. Tap the lid of the jar on top a couple of times around the edge to break and pop the seal, then try to twist off the lid.[1]
   • You might need to repeat this a few times to loosen the lid.
   • Try using other kitchen utensils if you don't have a kitchen spoon. Wood utensils work best, but anything heavy could work.
   • As an alternative, Woodward suggests gently tapping the lid on your counter. Just be extra careful, especially if the jar is glass.[2]

   Meet the wikiHow Expert

   Jeff Woodward is a private chef and owner of The Rogue Chef with over 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry.

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2

Slap the base of the jar with your palm.

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1. Hold the jar at a 45-degree downward angle with your non-dominant hand. Then, firmly slap the bottom of the jar with the center of the palm of your dominant hand and listen for a pop to tell you you have broken the seal.[3]
   • This method is called the “water hammer.” It functions by raising the pressure against the lid to pop the seal.

3

Submerge the lid in hot water for 30 seconds.

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1. Fill a dish with hot (but not boiling) water and flip the jar upside down in it. Leave the jar for 30 to 60 seconds, says Woodward, then dry it off and try to open it.[4] Repeat this process if the lid doesn’t twist off the first time.[5]
   • Don’t want to dirty a dish? Woodward suggests running hot water over the rim of the lid for 30 to 60 seconds, instead.[6]
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4

Twist off the lid with a dish towel.

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1. Sometimes, a towel is all you need to give you the extra grip to twist off a stubborn lid. Woodward says to simply hold the jar in your non-dominant hand, place the towel over the lid, and then twist it counterclockwise.[7]
   • Try opening the jar over the sink, just in case the lid comes off suddenly and contents spill out.

5

Use rubber gloves to twist off the lid.

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1. A pair of rubber kitchen gloves might give you enough traction to pop the lid. Put on a dry pair of kitchen gloves that you would normally use to wash dishes or clean. Try to twist off the lid of the jar as normal.[8]
   • Use a single glove if you feel like you have a better grip on the body of the jar with your naked hand.
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6

Heat up the lid with a hair dryer.

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1. Turn the hair dryer on high and aim it at the lid for 30 seconds to expand the lid and loosen the seal. Use a towel or other heat barrier to try to twist off the lid once the 30 seconds are up.
   • This method also helps to melt jam or other sticky foods that may have glued the lid shut in the first place.
   • Be careful with this method. The metal lid can get very hot!
   • Don’t use this method on lids that have plastic components, as it could melt the plastic.

7

Place plastic wrap over the lid for a better grip.

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1. Grab enough plastic wrap to cover the lid of the jar. Then, place it over the top of the jar and press it down around the rim until it clings to the lid. Grip onto the plastic wrap and lid and twist.[9]
   • The more clingy the plastic wrap, the more likely this method will work.
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8

Use a rubber band to grip the lid.

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1. Get a rubber band that can fit tightly around the lid of the jar and stretch it around the rim. Use your dominant hand to grip the rubber band and try to twist the lid off. The texture of the band may help you get a better grip on the lid, making it easier to open.[10]
   • Wider rubber bands work best for this method, so that there is more surface area to grip onto.

9

Grip onto the lid with a dryer sheet.

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1. Create traction for your hands using a dryer sheet. Simply place the dryer sheet over the lid and try to twist the lid off.[11]
   • Try combining this method with the rubber band method by placing a rubber band over the dryer sheet to hold it more securely in place.
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10

Use a lighter to heat the rim.

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1. Light a lighter, and move the flame slowly around the rim of the jar's lid to heat it up. Use a towel or gloves to carefully twist off the lid. This helps expand the lid and pop the seal.
   • The hotter the lid gets, the more it will expand, but be careful, as both the lighter and the lid of the jar will get very hot.

11

Pop the lid open with a butter knife.

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1. Insert the flat tip of a butter knife or the tip of another flat metal utensil that fits under the edge of the lid’s rim. Carefully pry the lid away from the jar, working your way around the rim, to break the seal.[12]
   • Listen for a popping sound as you work your way around the lid with the utensil. This sound means you have broken the seal, and the lid will be easier to twist off.
   • Be careful when using butter knives to open a jar. They may not seem sharp, but if one slips while you are applying force to it, you could still get a cut.
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12

Invest in a jar gripper.

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1. If you have trouble opening jars often, it may be time to invest in a jar opener or gripper. There are plenty of products on the market designed to help you open jars. From jar gripper pads to non-slip gloves to jar-opening handles, there’s something for everyone!
   • These tools and products are ideal for all ages, especially those with weaker hands or arthritis.

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question

• 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. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 9 Helpful 17
• 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. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 11 Helpful 19
• 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. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 13 Helpful 29

See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

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Reader Videos

Tips

• Try different methods in tandem with each other for particularly difficult jars to try and loosen the lid multiple ways. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

• Use the rounded side of a bottle cap opener. It works immediately!

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

• Check the rim after removing the lid for chips of glass that may have broken off during your efforts to loosen it (they could be in the food). Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 1

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References

1. ↑ https://www.flavournetwork.ca/article/6-simple-ways-to-open-a-stubborn-stuck-jar-lid
2. ↑ Chef Jeff Woodward. Private Chef. Expert Interview
3. ↑ https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/cooking-tips-tutorials/a60500335/how-to-open-stuck-jar/
4. ↑ Chef Jeff Woodward. Private Chef. Expert Interview
5. ↑ https://www.simplyrecipes.com/my-easy-trick-for-opening-stubborn-jar-lids-11715511
6. ↑ Chef Jeff Woodward. Private Chef. Expert Interview
7. ↑ Chef Jeff Woodward. Private Chef. Expert Interview
8. ↑ https://food52.com/story/19019-how-to-open-the-stuck-jar-lid-that-s-actively-taunting-you
9. ↑ https://www.flavournetwork.ca/article/6-simple-ways-to-open-a-stubborn-stuck-jar-lid

More References (3)

10. ↑ https://www.simplyrecipes.com/my-easy-trick-for-opening-stubborn-jar-lids-11715511
11. ↑ https://spoonuniversity.com/how-to/how-to-open-a-stuck-jar-5-ways
12. ↑ https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/cooking-tips-tutorials/a60500335/how-to-open-stuck-jar/

About This Article

Reviewed by: Chef Jeff Woodward Private Chef This article was reviewed by Chef Jeff Woodward and by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano. Jeff Woodward is a Private Chef and the Owner of The Rogue Chef based in Branson, Missouri. With over 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry, he has cooked for esteemed clients including The Harlem Globetrotters, Peyton Manning, Mark Wahlberg, and Justin Timberlake. Chef Jeff won the Branson Tri-Lakes News Reader's Choice Award 2023 for Best Catering. He has been the Featured Chef Demonstrator for 2 years in a row for The Women's Show in Springfield, MO. The Rogue Chef has been the Hollister Chamber of Commerce Spotlight Chef, an award published in Tri-Lakes News. Chef Jeff's food has been featured on KY3 Television. He publishes a recipe weekly in the Branson Globe newspaper and monthly in Lost on the Lake Magazine. He published a feature article for Chef Talks in Discover Home and Style Magazine. He has an associate’s degree from Southwestern Illinois College and a Culinary Arts degree with a Certification in Baking from Ozark Technical College. This article has been viewed 2,738,676 times. 2 votes - 50% Co-authors: 76 Updated: September 12, 2025 Views: 2,738,676 Categories: Featured Articles | Food and Entertaining Article SummaryX

If you’re having trouble opening a jar, try using a rubber glove or a wide rubber band to help you get a better grip on the lid. If that doesn’t work, hold the jar tightly in your non-dominant hand and tilt it at a 45-degree angle so you can see the bottom. Then, slap the bottom of the jar with your dominant hand firmly, but not so hard that you hurt your hand or break the jar! If it works, you should hear a pop, and the lid should come off easily. For tips on using heat to loosen a lid, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

• 

  Koustuv Garai

  Jul 14, 2016

  "I struggled for a day to open a new jam jar. At last, I got dejected and searched in internet. The innovative..." more

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Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Reviewed by: Chef Jeff Woodward Private Chef 2 votes - 50% Click a star to vote 50% of people told us that this article helped them. Co-authors: 76 Updated: September 12, 2025 Views: 2,738,676

Koustuv Garai

Jul 14, 2016

"I struggled for a day to open a new jam jar. At last, I got dejected and searched in internet. The innovative..." more

Deirdre Murchadha

Dec 12, 2017

"I couldn't believe that wearing a rubber glove and twisting would work. This was after I tried someone with..." more

Norman Babcock

Jul 9, 2016

"My drawer liner isn't even particularly "grippy" and it still worked super easy and fast! I was..." more

Brenda Lowe

Jan 20, 2019

"I managed to open the lid by using the end of a teaspoon. I can't believe how easy to gently release the lid..." more

Margo Barron

Oct 28, 2017

"In the end, it was using a spoon as a lever to break the seal. Previously I tried the hot water and utensil strike..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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