Everyone’s had to deal with a tight jar in their lives. Sometimes it can feel as if the lid is glued on. There are lots of methods for opening a jar, whether you have helpful tools nearby or not. Although it’s tempting, brute force will rarely produce the desired results with stubborn jars.

StepsMethod 1Method 1 of 2:Getting a Grip on the Jar1Wrap a rag around the lid and twist before trying anything else. Jars are usually pretty easy to open once you can get a good grip on it. Wrap a thin rag around the top of the jar. Then, wrap your stronger hand around the lid and twist anti-clockwise as hard as you can. The increased grip from the rag should make twisting the lid off much easier.[1]XResearch source[2]XResearch sourceIf one elastic band doesn’t do the trick, you can wrap several around the lid for more stubborn jars.Advertisement[3]XResearch sourceOnce you get the lid off, layer plastic wrap over the jar before putting the lid back on. This will make twisting the lid off much easier next time you need to.[4]XResearch source[5]XResearch sourceAdvertisementMethod 2Method 2 of 2:Using Tools to Break the Air Seal[6]XResearch source[7]XResearch source[8]XResearch sourceIf you don’t have a source of constant hot water, you can make a hot water bath instead. Fill a large bowl with hot water. Then, invert a jar and plunge the entirety of the lid into the bath for a full minute. Take the jar off, dry it with a rag, then twist anti-clockwise with your dominant hand to open the lid.[9]XResearch sourceYou may need to smack the bottom of the jar several times to get the desired effect.[10]XResearch sourceDo not tap the jar too hard. You can risk damaging the jar or even breaking it.[11]XResearch sourceMake sure to open the lid with a thick rag or gloves after heating it as you could accidentally burn yourself. Twist the lid counter-clockwise with your dominant hand.Advertisement