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eppur_se_muova

(41,492 posts)

5. No guarantees, but worth a try -- hit the upside-down jar on a semi-hard surface a couple of times.

Reply to quaint (Original post)

Thu Feb 12, 2026, 12:23 PM

Feb 12

Turn the jar over and hit downwards as evenly as possible against a semi-hard (wood, not metal) surface. Worth repeating twice, then give up before something breaks. You can even put a towel over a hard surface like Formica, but just don't use bare metal or stone. They're not elastic enough to prevent breakage.

What you're hoping for is for the lid to briefly flex outward enough that the threads can 'jump the track' and get back in alignment. Needs the plastic to be fairly flexible, even soft.

It might help to run the lid under very hot water first.

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quaint

16 replies

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eppur_se_muova solution was successful. Thanks for all suggestions. [View all] quaint Feb 12 OP

I would imagine a good amount of force could do it Alpeduez21 Feb 12 #1

I've tried everything except cutting. Off now. quaint Feb 12 #2

Hot water could expand the lid and loosen it Blues Heron Feb 12 #3

Thank you. quaint Feb 12 #10

Take it back to the store! MyOwnPeace Feb 12 #4

Retired now but that has actually happened at the grocery store where I used to work Lifeafter70 Feb 12 #7

No guarantees, but worth a try -- hit the upside-down jar on a semi-hard surface a couple of times. eppur_se_muova Feb 12 #5

Success!!! Channelled my frustration, banged the lid fairly hard on a towel covered wood table. quaint Feb 12 #13

If you have no children in your household, tell your pharmacist you don't need those. eppur_se_muova Feb 12 #14

Try a butterknife Marthe48 Feb 12 #6

Been working that method, wishing I had used a butter knife, duh. quaint Feb 12 #11

Give it to my husband mercuryblues Feb 12 #8

Strap wrench, rubber gloves, hot water, bottle opener, break the plastic lid! Floyd R. Turbo Feb 12 #9

Never heard of a strap wrench before. quaint Feb 12 #12

In a pinch a belt will do! Floyd R. Turbo Feb 12 #16

Wrap an rubber elastic band around the lid. applegrove Feb 12 #15