They’re called “strap wrenches” and are used in plumbing or automotive work among other things.
Lots of the suggestions here require grip strength, and that is tough for people who are elderly, arthritic, or just don’t have it. The “toothed” opening assist devices slip, and require strength to hold it against the toothed surface and twist the jar.
The strap wrenches can be levered against each other, grip harder the more pressure is applied, and can be “pushed” together vs needing grip strength. My 78 year old MIL uses these just fine. A pair can be bought for less than $20.
I just lightly tap the lid with a knife around all edges, side and top. Even if making small indentations, the vibrations separate the lid from the jar. Works every time.
Yes, that does work. It’s not the vibration, the dents change the contact surface pressure of the seal by making it uneven. That makes less surface to fight against.
I was trying to offer an alternative to something that might chip or break glass. Small odds that it will happen, but it could. I’ve probably only ever had 2 jars chip in a lifetime.
FWIW may I suggest these:
They’re called “strap wrenches” and are used in plumbing or automotive work among other things.
Lots of the suggestions here require grip strength, and that is tough for people who are elderly, arthritic, or just don’t have it. The “toothed” opening assist devices slip, and require strength to hold it against the toothed surface and twist the jar.
The strap wrenches can be levered against each other, grip harder the more pressure is applied, and can be “pushed” together vs needing grip strength. My 78 year old MIL uses these just fine. A pair can be bought for less than $20.
I just lightly tap the lid with a knife around all edges, side and top. Even if making small indentations, the vibrations separate the lid from the jar. Works every time.
Yes, that does work. It’s not the vibration, the dents change the contact surface pressure of the seal by making it uneven. That makes less surface to fight against.
I was trying to offer an alternative to something that might chip or break glass. Small odds that it will happen, but it could. I’ve probably only ever had 2 jars chip in a lifetime.