Shop Lee Valley Jar Opener

We have all developed techniques for opening jar lids, perhaps even buying special wrenches to provide greater leverage when twisting off a lid. However, the reason jar lids are so tight is that the contents are under a partial vacuum, sucking the rubber-lined lid down tightly on the jar. If you release the vacuum, the jar lid unscrews easily.

That’s exactly what our jar opener does. It’s as simple as hooking one of the ends over the lid, pressing the contoured handle down until you hear the telltale “swoosh” of the invading air. The lid can then be unscrewed effortlessly.

The small hook end is for the most common lid size, while the larger end is for the deeper lids, usually found on jars of salsa or spaghetti sauce. Whichever way it is used, the handle is always situated over the jar preventing it from tipping. The only lids it won’t work on are two-piece canning jar lids, which are not normally a problem because you just unscrew the ring and, yes, lift the lid slightly to break the vacuum.

The combination of effectiveness, simplicity and utility truly makes it one of those “why didn’t I think of that” kinds of tools.

Nickel-plated steel. Weighs only 2 oz and is about 3 1/2″ × 2″ wide.

Patented.

Made in Canada.