Democratic Underground Latest Greatest Lobby Journals Search Options Help Login
Google

Any tips on get a lid off a jar of pasta sauce?

Printer-friendly format Printer-friendly format
Printer-friendly format Email this thread to a friend
Printer-friendly format Bookmark this thread		 This topic is archived.
Home » Discuss » The DU Lounge Donate to DU
 
baby_bear Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Dec-26-06 02:40 PM
Original message
Any tips on get a lid off a jar of pasta sauce?
I am fixing a pasta dish and have everything ready to bake, but I can't get the lid off the jar of marinara sauce.
Damn! This is frustrating! I'm by myself and don't have any strong male type around to give a hand.

Are there any tricks? I tried tapping the lid on a hard surface.



Thanks!
baby_bear
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
malta blue Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Dec-26-06 02:41 PM
Response to Original message
1. bang to bottom with your hand, then give it a twist
you should hear it pop
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
HEyHEY Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Dec-26-06 02:42 PM
Response to Original message
2. Break the jar and pick the glass outta the sauce
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
JVS Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Dec-26-06 04:17 PM
Response to Reply #2
28. Use a sabre to cut the top off the jar, just like you see people do with...
champagne in the movies.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Richardo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Dec-26-06 02:42 PM
Response to Original message
3. Take the handle of a table knife and rap the corner of the lid...
...not hard enough to break the glass, but enough to break the vacuum which is holding the lid.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
LostinVA Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Dec-26-06 02:43 PM
Response to Reply #3
4. Bingo -- this has never failed for me n/t
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Rosemary2205 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Dec-26-06 02:44 PM
Response to Reply #3
8. I do that except with a bottle opener.
use it as a lever to pull the lid away from the jar until the vacuum seal breaks but the jar doesn't.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
NMDemDist2 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Dec-26-06 02:52 PM
Response to Reply #8
12. righto! n/t
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
baby_bear Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Dec-26-06 03:37 PM
Response to Reply #3
23. I tried numerous variations on this theme
None worked. At one point I thought the glass had broken.

b_b
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
FedUpWithIt All Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Dec-26-06 02:43 PM
Response to Original message
5. I usually hit the bottom of the jar with the palm of my hand then twist...
as a last resort you can take a fork or butterknife and pry up an edge of the lid a bit until some air gets into the jar. You can hear it. This should make it easy to twist off. Single mom tricks ;)

:hi:

Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Lydia Leftcoast Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Dec-26-06 02:43 PM
Response to Original message
6. Step 1: Run hot water over the lid area
Some of the pasta sauce may be acting as a glue between the jar and the lid.

Step 2: Dry the lid. Put on some rubber gloves (for traction) and try again. And again. And again.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
baby_bear Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Dec-26-06 03:29 PM
Response to Reply #6
18. This did it!
The hot water made the lid expand and I FINALLY was able to open it.

Thanks!

b_b
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
NMDemDist2 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Dec-26-06 02:44 PM
Response to Original message
7. take an old fashioned can/bottle opener and release the vacuum
seal, it will then twist right off
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Oeditpus Rex Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Dec-26-06 02:45 PM
Response to Original message
9. ...


Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
baby_bear Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Dec-26-06 03:36 PM
Response to Reply #9
22. I tried that....
It wasn't big enough to get a grip on the lid.

thanks, though.

b_b
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Lex Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Dec-26-06 02:50 PM
Response to Original message
10. Turn jar upside down, whack it straight down on the countertop, lid side down.
That usually does the trick.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Call Me Wesley Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Dec-26-06 02:51 PM
Response to Original message
11. All is said before:
Edited on Tue Dec-26-06 02:52 PM by Call Me Wesley
Run hot water over it and wait for it to slightly pop, breaking the strong vacuum. Or - quicker - use a bottle opener and pull the lid until you hear the pop sound again. :hi:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Rabrrrrrr Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Dec-26-06 02:55 PM
Response to Original message
13. Microwave for twelve minutes on HIGH
You'll hear a bunch of noises like glass shattering and metal flying around and electrical buzzing - but let it get to you. You gotta go the whole 12 minutes. Those sounds are being made by the jar to fool you into opening the microwave and stopping the process, which it hates, because it hates to give up its lid. Those sounds are all artificial. It's just the jar crying wolf.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Twillig Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Dec-26-06 03:13 PM
Response to Reply #13
15. I disagree.
I think it would be easier to toss it into the turkey deep fryer.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
baby_bear Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Dec-26-06 03:32 PM
Response to Reply #15
20. You guys are a riot
Thanks for the laughs!

b_b
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Rabrrrrrr Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Dec-26-06 03:47 PM
Response to Reply #15
25. It doesn't have a plastic lid, idiot. It has a metal one.
:eyes:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Redstone Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Dec-26-06 03:09 PM
Response to Original message
14. 1) Tap the lid on the counter EXACTLY three times. Really.
2) Use your left hand on the lid, and your right hand on the jar when opening it and hold the jar very close to you.

No idea why the first always works for me; the second has to do with physic and leverage.

Redstone
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
BrotherBuzz Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Dec-26-06 03:20 PM
Response to Original message
16. Grasp the lid tightly and turn the jar
I have no idea why, but an iron clasp isometric grip of the lid (dishcloth helps with friction grip) doesn't allow movement but is very strong. So while holding the lid in a vice grip, rotate the jar with the other hand. Always works for me.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
baby_bear Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Dec-26-06 03:34 PM
Response to Reply #16
21. My grip wasn't strong enough for this, I think.
I tried, but I have tendinitis in my left elbow right now, so I couldn't get
the grip as tight as I normally would be able to. It's an interesting concept,
though. I'll keep it in mind for next time this happens (and by elbow is better!).

thanks

b_b
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
elehhhhna Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Dec-26-06 06:44 PM
Response to Reply #21
32. keep a rubber glove in the kitchen--it makes the job very easy,
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
baby_bear Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Dec-26-06 08:42 PM
Response to Reply #32
33. Hah! Just one rubber glove?
Seriously, it's a good tip, and in fact I have lots of them but didn't think to use them for this task.
Thanks!

b_b
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
bertha katzenengel Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Dec-26-06 03:29 PM
Response to Original message
17. Fold over a piece of plastic wrap several times, hold it over the lid, and twist. Although
you've probably got it open by now.

:hi:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
baby_bear Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Dec-26-06 03:30 PM
Response to Reply #17
19. What an interesting tip
You're right, I did get it open before seeing this, but I will definitely keep it in mind for next time.


thanks
b_b
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
texas1928 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Dec-26-06 03:43 PM
Response to Original message
24. Put on a Nice clean white shirt...
Then try and open it. Works everytime, red sauce just rushes out to get all over that nice white shirt.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
carly denise pt deux Donating Member (855 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Dec-26-06 04:15 PM
Response to Original message
26. here's mine
run the jar under warm water
dry the jar, tap it all the way around the top of the lid
turn it with all your might, it should work, if not, repeat
Carly
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
carly denise pt deux Donating Member (855 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Dec-26-06 04:15 PM
Response to Original message
27. here's mine
run the jar under warm water
dry the jar, tap it all the way around the top of the lid
turn it with all your might, it should work, if not, repeat
Carly
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
KatyaR Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Dec-26-06 04:55 PM
Response to Original message
29. A couple of thick rubber bands around the lid help a lot.
I have horrible grip strength in my hands, and this really helps.

Tapping around the edges is good, too. And sometimes you can hit the bottom of the jar with the heel of your hand and that will pop the lid up as well.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
ironflange Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Dec-26-06 06:13 PM
Response to Reply #29
30. Don't bother with rubber bands
Go under the sink, grab a rubber glove, and wrap it around the lid. Turn. Bingo! The main problem is usually lack of grip.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
caty Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Dec-26-06 06:23 PM
Response to Reply #30
31. Ditto
I keep a rubber glove in a deco cup next to the frig for just such an occasion.:thumbsup:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
ironflange Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Dec-26-06 08:51 PM
Response to Reply #31
34. Right on!
The ol' rubber glove sure works better than those round rubber things you buy.

I thought of something else. I've never actually tried it, but an oil filter wrench would probably make short work of the stuckest jar lids.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
uppityperson Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Dec-26-06 09:02 PM
Response to Original message
35. put the rubber glove over the lid, then put it between a cupboard door and cupboard
lean on door, pinching jar between door and cupboard, while rubber glove keeps it from slipping. Wipe floor.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Kali Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Dec-26-06 09:43 PM
Response to Original message
36. Hot water on metal lid, tapping with knife COUNTERCLOCKWISE, or the "Easy Twist"
by Foley. patent number 2931256 (this was my Grandmother's and judging by the groovy turquoise color, I would say late 50's early 60's?)








(please excuse dirty thumbnail! eeewwww)
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Ms_Dem_Meanor Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Dec-26-06 09:46 PM
Response to Original message
37. Try using a spoon to pop the seal.
Use a table spoon to put between the lid and the lip of the jar and pivot it. This should work.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
DeposeTheBoyKing Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Dec-26-06 09:53 PM
Response to Original message
38. Use the handle end of a knife and tap all around the lid
Or you could do what I do and pretend it's Bush's head - any stubborn lid comes right off if you're angry enough!
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
DU AdBot (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Thu May 02nd 2024, 06:27 AM
Response to Original message
Advertisements [?]
 Top

Home » Discuss » The DU Lounge Donate to DU

Powered by DCForum+ Version 1.1 Copyright 1997-2002 DCScripts.com
Software has been extensively modified by the DU administrators

Important Notices: By participating on this discussion board, visitors agree to abide by the rules outlined on our Rules page. Messages posted on the Democratic Underground Discussion Forums are the opinions of the individuals who post them, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Democratic Underground, LLC.

Home  |  Discussion Forums  |  Journals |  Store  |  Donate

About DU  |  Contact Us  |  Privacy Policy

Got a message for Democratic Underground? Click here to send us a message.

© 2001 - 2011 Democratic Underground, LLC