Have you ever noticed the small toothed section near the handles of your kitchen scissors? Often overlooked, this ridged area isn’t just decorative—it’s a handy built-in tool designed to make everyday tasks easier. Found on many heavy-duty or multipurpose kitchen scissors, it functions as a jar opener, nutcracker, and even a small bone press, all in one compact design.
The toothed section works by locking the ridges together when the scissors close, creating a strong gripping surface. This allows you to open stubborn jar lids with minimal effort. Simply slide the lid into the ridges, hold the scissors in one hand, and twist the jar with the other. The grooves provide extra traction and help distribute pressure evenly, making it easier to open jars or small bottles without straining your wrists.
Beyond jars, the toothed section can also crack nuts. Place the nut in the ridged area and gently squeeze until the shell cracks. It’s also useful for gripping slippery caps, twist-ties, or small plastic seals. Some heavy-duty kitchen or poultry shears even use this feature to help break chicken wings or other small bones safely. The design essentially combines multiple kitchen tools into one, saving space and simplifying meal prep.
Manufacturers include this feature to make scissors more versatile and practical, especially for small kitchens. While it’s powerful, users should exercise caution, avoiding overly hard items and keeping fingers clear of the teeth. With proper care, this small but clever feature turns ordinary scissors into a mini multi-tool, helping you twist, grip, and crack with ease in your everyday cooking.
