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Grasswire2

(13,842 posts) Thu Jun 5, 2025, 02:17 AM Jun 5

A cautionary tale re: trying TOO HARD to open a jar. [View all]

In October, I sprained my hand and wrist on a 40 ounce new jar of JIF peanut butter. Plastic.
I was DETERMINED to open it, and tried really really hard.
I sprained my wrist and hand in the effort.
Six months later, this is the status:
Can't make a fist.
Thumb is now frozen.
Painful to rotate hand.
Painful to pick things up.
My dominant hand.
Tomorrow I will see a "hand specialist" in orthopedic dept.
There's nothing wrong with the bones; the problem is with the ligaments or tendons or whatever.
I should have had an MRI early on, but I was told (wrongly) that I could not have an MI because I have a pacemaker.

So BE CAREFUL trying to open a difficult jar.

34 replies

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Highlight:

A cautionary tale re: trying TOO HARD to open a jar. [View all] Grasswire2 Jun 5 OP

Hope you regain full function of your hand and wrist. brush Jun 5 #1

that works on a metal lid on a glass jar, as in pickles. Grasswire2 Jun 5 #18

Has for me. What it does is break the hold of stuck cap. brush Jun 6 #25

I use that method all the time for jars that are vacuum packed. Grasswire2 Jun 6 #32

That is awful... Alephy Jun 5 #2

I slip a butter knife under the lid and lever it up to break the vacuum first. tblue37 Jun 5 #4

i use a spoon. mopinko Jun 5 #10

not a vacuum issue when the jar and lid are both plastic. Grasswire2 Jun 5 #19

Did you actually try it or just immediately disregard it because of a presupposition? littlemissmartypants Jun 6 #30

Good luck with the specialist nuxvomica Jun 5 #3

My tool drawer in the kitchen Zackzzzz Jun 5 #5

I have injured myself trying to open jars Skittles Jun 5 #6

Another suggestion: after running hot water over the lid for a while, as has been suggested, then put on rubber gloves raccoon Jun 5 #7

I feel your pain synni Jun 5 #8

there is a tool you can buy on amazon... druidity33 Jun 5 #9

I second this.... IcyPeas Jun 6 #22

i cant remember who used to give them away, but mopinko Jun 5 #11

I've got one that I hang onto Marthe48 Jun 5 #14

I got something I like from Amazon GopherGal Jun 6 #27

A cautionary tale: DON'T GET OLD!!!!! Nittersing Jun 5 #12

Hope your hand improves Marthe48 Jun 5 #13

I suspect some seals/lids/caps are being put on with automated machinery Niagara Jun 5 #15

Go to Harbor Freight beemerphill Jun 5 #16

Rubber strap wrench LogDog75 Jun 5 #21

This simple design always works. justaprogressive Jun 5 #17

plastic lid on plastic jar is not the same issue as metal lid on glass jar. Grasswire2 Jun 5 #20

Yeah jars are getting to be a pain Figarosmom Jun 6 #23

My wife taught me how to open a jar with a spoon. Emile Jun 6 #24

I am so sorry you're experiencing hand pain. It sucks! Clouds Passing Jun 6 #26

Be careful if it's glass nitpicked Jun 6 #29

Definitely careful. Light tapping with glass or get a gizmo others have posted. Clouds Passing Jun 6 #33

Isn't that what visitors are for? nitpicked Jun 6 #28

and neighbors who are young strong men. Grasswire2 Jun 6 #31

Another way to open a jar with just your hands LogDog75 Jun 6 #34