Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

The DU Lounge

Clouds Passing

(5,396 posts)

26. I am so sorry you're experiencing hand pain. It sucks!

Reply to Grasswire2 (Original post)

Fri Jun 6, 2025, 11:32 AM

Jun 6

I put a towel on the edge of the counter and tap the lid until it finally loosens up. Sometimes it takes a few tries to loosen the bond. Be easy if it’s a glass jar.

The manufacturers have made it difficult to open jars, boxes, packaging, anything. It’s almost like they’ve created an exercise in intentionally causing frustration, stress, and physical harm in your case.

Edit history

Please sign in to view edit histories.

Recommendations

2 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

nitpicked Zackzzzz

34 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

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