Ever noticed the jagged, toothy section tucked between the handles of your kitchen scissors—the one hiding just behind where your fingers rest? You’ve probably wondered, what the heck is that thing even for? If you’ve never used this odd little feature, you’re not alone. Many people don’t recognize it as functional at all. It just sits there, mysterious and overlooked.
But here’s the truth: that toothed part is actually an incredibly handy built-in tool. It’s not a design accident or a gimmick—it’s a clever, multi-purpose addition that can save you frustration in the kitchen. Let’s break down what it does, how to use it, and why it’s worth paying attention to the next time you grab your scissors.
First Things First: What Is It?
That ridged section is most often called a jar opener, nutcracker, or bone gripper, depending on the brand. But in plain terms, it’s a gripping device.
You’ll find it where the handles curve inward. On some scissors, it’s metal; on others, reinforced plastic. When you close the scissors just enough, the grooves interlock, forming a powerful gripping surface that keeps objects from slipping out of your hands.
Think of it as the quiet sidekick of your kitchen shears—ready to step in whenever you need extra traction or pressure.
Trick #1: Open Stubborn Jars and Bottles
We’ve all been there—standing in the kitchen, wrestling with a jar lid that absolutely refuses to budge. You’ve tried tapping it, wrapping it in a dish towel, even pleading with it. Nothing works.
That’s when the built-in gripper shines. Here’s how:
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Close the scissors just enough so the teeth meet.
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Slip the jar lid between the ridges.
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Hold the scissors with one hand, the jar with the other.
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Twist.
The grooves give you traction, and the leverage spreads pressure evenly. Suddenly, that impossible lid isn’t so impossible anymore. This trick works on smaller caps too, like soda bottles, tonic water, or sauce containers.
If you have limited grip strength or arthritis, this feature can be a real game-changer.
Trick #2: Crack Nuts Without a Nutcracker
No nutcracker? No problem. That same toothed grip can handle walnuts, pecans, and hazelnuts—basically any nut that doesn’t require a jackhammer.
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Place the nut in the ridged slot.
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Squeeze the handles gently until you hear the shell crack.
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Rotate the nut and repeat until the shell is loose enough to peel off.
The key here is patience—don’t crush it like the Hulk. You just want to break the shell, not pulverize the nut inside. It may not be as elegant as a dedicated nutcracker, but in a pinch, it works beautifully.
Trick #3: Snap Poultry Bones
If your scissors are heavy-duty (poultry or bone shears), you can use the ridged section to grip and break small bones—like chicken wings, thighs, or drumsticks.
Grip the bone in the toothed area, apply steady pressure, and let the scissors do the work without slipping. Just remember: not all scissors are created equal. A sturdy pair will handle this; a flimsy $5 pair might not survive the attempt.
Bonus Uses You Might Not Have Tried
That little gripper is more versatile than most people realize. A few clever extras:
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Cracking crab legs or lobster shells for your seafood feast.
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Opening stubborn plastic caps on juice jugs or milk cartons.
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Twisting out synthetic corks (not the fancy ones, but it works in a pinch).
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Holding twist ties or plastic seals steady so you can slice them cleanly.
Basically, if it’s slippery, tough, or just frustrating, that hidden feature can help.
Why Do Manufacturers Include It?
Because it adds value. In a world where kitchen space is precious, multi-use tools are king. With this one built-in feature, your scissors can double as a jar opener, nutcracker, and even a poultry tool.
It saves you from buying (and storing) three separate gadgets. For apartment dwellers or anyone with a crowded kitchen drawer, that’s a big win.
Do All Scissors Have It?
Not always. You’re most likely to find the toothed section on:
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Heavy-duty kitchen scissors
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Poultry or bone shears
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Multipurpose utility scissors
Take a look at your pair. If you see notched or ridged grooves between the handles that align when the scissors close—you’ve got a built-in gripper waiting to be put to use.
A Few Safety Reminders
Before you go wild with your new discovery:
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Don’t force it. If something is too hard (like rock-solid nuts or thick bones), forcing it could damage your scissors or your hands.
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Keep fingers clear. Those teeth can pinch if you’re not careful.
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Clean it thoroughly. Especially after raw meat or sticky jobs—food residue loves to hide in those grooves.
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Stick to kitchen tasks. It may look like it could open paint cans or twist wires, but that’s a one-way ticket to ruined scissors.
The Hidden Power of a “Goofy Notch”
At first glance, that toothy section looks like an afterthought—a strange little design quirk. But in reality, it’s a clever, multi-use tool hiding in plain sight.
With it, your ordinary scissors become a mini multi-tool: a jar gripper, a nutcracker, a bone snapper, and more. It’s one of those quiet kitchen helpers that, once you start using it, you’ll wonder how you ever overlooked it.
So next time you reach for your scissors, don’t ignore that “goofy notch.” Put it to work. You’ll be surprised at how much it can do.