When trying to open a jar, one tries a succession of methods. From putting it under hot running water, to banging the edge of the lid on the ground and even hitting the jar on the bottom with your palm. Often times these methods don’t work or they do but after many trials. Today, there are many gadgets and even machines that make the job of opening a jar a lot easier and quicker.

Here are four that we have tested and each Under $10: OXO Softworks jar opener, Fox Run Craftsmen Jar Vise, Progressive Jar Grip, and the Progressive Easy Twist jar opener.

The Facts

OXO Softworks jar opener - $6.99

A hand-held device with an easy-to-grip soft handle that fits in your hand. Dishwasher safe.

Fox Run Craftsmen Jar Vise - $4.50

Progressive Jar Grip - $3.50

A cone-like device that is about two-inches tall and fits on top of jars, very flexible to fit most jars and it comes with two rubber mats that can be placed under jars to eliminate sliding or can be used as jar openers as well.

Progressive Easy Twist - $1.99

How They Work

OXO Softworks jar opener & Fox Run Craftsmen Jar Vise

Besides one being hand-held and the other attached with an adhesive under table surfaces, they both work and have the same structures. Both have a flat, V-shaped face that allows for different sized lids. The sides of the face are folded underneath to hold the stainless-steel blades. The blades help to hold and twist the lid open (one side smooth, the other jagged). So, by placing the jar opener on top of the lid with the blades fitting snug around the lid, simply twist and turn your hand.

The other difference is in how you use them. When using the Softworks hand-held, you are holding the jar in one hand, while the other is using the jar opener. The Jar Vise on the other hand, requires you not to hold the device but simply place the jar under it and twist.

Progressive Jar Grip & Progressive Easy Twist

The Jar Grip and the Easy Twist are similar in many ways. Both are made from rubber, very flexible and are shaped accordingly to open different sized lids.

The main difference is in the appearance. The Jar Grip, with its cone-like shape and pre- molded, allows for lids of different sizes, but the Easy Twist is flat and is molded to the jar when in use. Also, the Easy Twist is slightly bigger, so it will fit larger jar lids.

Recommendation

Progressive Jar Grip & Progressive Easy Twist  

Simple and very easy to use. It works very well. People who have difficulties with fine motor skills or simply have trouble opening jars should give it a try.

OXO Softworks jar opener & Fox Run Craftsmen Jar Vise   

There are two reasons why I do not recommend these jar openers. First, it does not work! The lips of the devices are not deep enough to catch under the lip of the jar. You will spend more time trying to make the jar opener fit on the jar than getting the jar opened.

Second, the Jar Vise is placed under table surfaces, cabinets and shelves with adhesive. Great concept but realistically it does not work.  The problem with this is that more than likely the force that you use when twisting the jar will cause the device to come off, and if it happens you cannot re-stick it back on – this device does not come with an extra adhesive. Also, most tables are not mounted to the floor, and most people would not want to stick an adhesive to the under side of their table or cabinets.

Tip:

Another idea as to where it could be placed would be in a cupboard that is floor-level, and instead of using adhesive, try screws. This idea would work for some wheelchair users.

Note:  For the Jar Vise test, the device was not attached to any surface.

© 2005 J Carlton Media LLC