Ever noticed the jagged little teeth between your kitchen scissors’ handles and wondered what they’re for? Most people ignore it, assuming it’s decorative—but it’s actually a handy, underappreciated tool.
This toothed section, usually metal or reinforced plastic, sits where the handles curve inward. When the scissors are closed, the ridges form a firm gripping surface. Manufacturers call it a “jar opener,” “nutcracker,” or even a “bone cracker,” and it’s designed to make everyday kitchen tasks easier.
**Open Jars and Bottles:** Struggling with a tight jar lid? Slide it into the toothed area and twist. The grooves provide traction and even pressure, helping open lids, soda bottles, and cooking sauces—especially useful for anyone with limited grip strength.
**Crack Nuts:** No nutcracker? Place a nut in the toothed section and squeeze slowly until the shell cracks. Rotate and press again as needed, but don’t crush the nut inside.
**Handle Poultry Bones:** For heavy-duty poultry or bone shears, the toothed section can break small bones, like chicken wings. Place the bone in the ridges and apply steady pressure. Avoid trying this with lightweight scissors, which could break or injure you.
**Bonus Uses:** The toothed section can grip slippery plastic caps, twist soft corks, hold twist-ties, or even crack crab and lobster shells. Anytime your hands slip, that little ridge can come to the rescue.
**Why It Exists:** Multi-use tools save space. Scissors with a built-in gripper can replace a jar opener, nutcracker, and poultry shears in one—perfect for small kitchens or apartments. You’ll find it in heavy-duty kitchen scissors, poultry shears, or multipurpose utility scissors.
**Safety Tips:** Don’t force unbreakable nuts or thick bones. Keep fingers clear when twisting or pressing, clean thoroughly after contact with raw meat, and avoid using it on non-food items that could damage the scissors.
That tiny toothed section may look like a quirky notch, but it’s a mini problem-solver. Twist, crack, grip, and open with minimal effort—your kitchen scissors are more versatile than you think.
