When done to the underside of the cabinet, you will need to mount the thing using screws (if it is new, the screws come with it; if it is used, who knows!). It’s screwed into the bottom of the cabinet – again, you do not want to half-fit it. So just make sure when you take the lid off something it does not wobble off, or rip off. And that’s it. There are no advanced handyman qualifications needed for this job!
Making it fit your jars
For the most part, most of these openers that I have seen are adjustable. Like, they are not one-size-fits-all – ’cause there’s a lot of different oddball diameters when it comes to jar lids. For instance, some have knobs that you turn, others have those weird sliding tooth things. Depending on the type, you basically have to match the grip part to the size of the jar lid to open. It isn’t rocket science, but it does take some adjustments.
The jar opening thing
So, once it is mounted and adjusted, you can actually use it. You take your jar, and ram the lid part up into the opener. The teeth (or rubber or whatever it is) will grip the lid. Then, you hold the jar still with one hand (unless you are coordinated enough to do it with one hand, in which case, ok) and you twist the jar. Or more accurately, you kind of pull and turn at the same time, depending on the model. Some have little levers, or rotating gizmos, but essentially it is just adding enough torque for you to break the seal.
It is pretty impressive how well it works, to be honest. Even jars that I would guarantee require a crowbar, or a phone call to a friend stronger than you, generally pop right open.
And that is basically it!
Once it loosens, you simply twist the rest off by hand. And that’s it! No gadgets on the counter, no fuss, no cursing at a jar of pickles like it personally wronged you.
So, yeah, the lady who wrote about it somewhat inadvertently reminded a lot of people these can openers existed. Now a lot of people will be digging around their cupboards to see if they have inherited one as well. It’s like retro kitchen tech. No flashiness, no intelligence, no Wi-Fi or connectivity. It still does precisely what it is supposed to do. If I am being honest about it? That’s a little scarce these days.
Anyway, if you are lucky enough to find one of these in your new home, don’t rip it out. Just give it a clean, maybe tighten the screws, and leave it there. It may very well save you next time you wheel out the jar of pasta sauce that has a lid on it sealed tighter than a bank vault.
