Comments on: I Know The Science Behind Opening Jars

By: Robbie

Robbie — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

Another jar opening tip: Poke a hole in the lid with a knife. It pops the seal. But that should be a last resort option since you will then need to store the remaining item in another container or place Saran Wrap under the lid.

By: DebW

DebW — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

you can also open a jar by taking the pointy tip of a can/bottle opener and pry it under the rim of the lid to loosen the vacuum seal.

By: Rory

Rory — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

This only works if the glass jar contracts to a further degree than the metal? lid. If they both “contract” the same amount, or if the lid contracts more than the jar, then you have accomplished nothing. I think this may be the placebo effect in action. It’s really just a matter of getting a good grip on it and twisting. All though, banging the top gently against a countertop seems to work well for me. / aw hell.

By: james

james — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

The coefficient of linear expansion for glass is 5.9 m/mKx10^6, while aluminum’s is 22.2, and steel is 13.0. In other words, if the lid is made of aluminum, it’s contracting nearly 4 times as much as the glass, tightening its grip. A steel lid is also contracting twice as much as the glass jar.

In my experience, hot water is better, for both expanding the metal lid, and loosening any gumminess.

By: Pauly D

Pauly D — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

Yeah, I didn’t take the coefficient of linear expansion into account.

Damn me.

By: lucy

lucy — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

One of my ex-roommates taught me this - you put a rubber band around the lid to get a grip. The thick rubber bands work the best.

It always works, even for a girlie girl like me :).

By: Andrea

Andrea — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

Your writing is excellent!! Kudos…and the jar trick…well, roll up your sleeves, kiddo. I think it’s the bulging biceps.

By: Gary Miller

Gary Miller — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

I usually use a fork to get in between the lid and the jar to break the seal.

Usually I end up bending the fork from doing thios.

By: Dawggpie

Dawggpie — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

how about this, if u’re lacking buldging biceps, put the jar in the fridge for a bit so that it’s cold, then dunk the metal lid in hot water for a couple seconds, twist, and eat. This way hopefully u get the benefits of both contract and expanding all in the right places. I bet that bald kid in the Matrix could do one better and open it w/o touching it :p