Quck answer
To remove a tightly screwed on wrong plastic lid, you can try the following steps:
1. Use a rubber glove or rubber band for better grip.
2. Place the container on a flat surface to provide stability.
3. Hold the lid firmly and try turning it counterclockwise to loosen it.
4. If the lid is still stuck, tap the edges gently with a spoon or a rubber mallet to break any seal or suction.
5. Apply heat to the lid using hot water or a hairdryer to expand the plastic and make it easier to remove.
6. In extreme cases, use a strap wrench or pliers to provide extra leverage and twist the lid off.
Remember to be cautious and not use excessive force to prevent damage to the container or yourself.
In many households, there is usually someone designated as the lid opener, typically the person with the strongest hands. Their role is to open lids that are too tight, screwed on incorrectly, or simply stuck. This person is appreciated for their ability to open lids without any external aids. However, even they encounter lids that are resistant to brute force.
When dealing with new, unopened jars, the lid may be difficult to remove due to the vacuum created during sealing. In the case of partially used jars, particularly honey jars, the lid may be stuck because the contents have spread inside and act like glue, or because someone tightened the lid too much or screwed it on the wrong way.
If you are having trouble removing the lid of your Magic Bullet blender, it is often because you hurriedly placed the lid without aligning it properly. This is usually the same issue with NutriBullet lids getting stuck.
Improve Grip with a Rubber Glove on a Plastic Lid
Some plastic lids are too wide to grip comfortably, causing your hand to slip before applying enough torque. Enhance your grip by wearing a heavy-duty rubber glove, which also provides hand protection. If you need an even stronger grip, wear a rubber glove on both hands to hold the jar and the lid simultaneously.
Use Hot Water to Loosen a Stuck Lid
If a partially used jar’s lid is stuck, it may be sealed shut. If gripping it with a rubber glove doesn’t work, run hot water until it reaches its maximum temperature. Hold the lid under the hot water for approximately 30 seconds. Fortunately, the rubber gloves will protect you from burns.
The hot water typically melts any hardened sugars that are holding the lid, making it easier to twist off. If this doesn’t work, try turning the jar or blender upside down and allowing the water to seep under the lid. This can help loosen the threads if the lid was screwed on incorrectly.
Resorting to Technological Assistance
Using hot water usually solves the issue, but in rare cases, you may need a tool to remove the lid. Tapping the lid or the jar won’t help, as there is no vapor lock to break. Freezing the jar, which is often suggested as a remedy, takes too long and may not be effective.
The tool you can use is a pipe wrench due to its wide jaws. Depending on the lid size, locking pliers may also work. For very small lids, such as copper bottle caps, conventional pliers may be sufficient.
Strap Wrench vs. Pipe Wrench: The Battle of the Lids
In certain cases, removing a stubborn lid can pose a challenge even for the mighty pipe wrench. Fear not, for there is a solution – the strap wrench. This specialized tool, commonly employed by plumbers when dealing with large pipes, can come to your rescue. In the event that you don’t possess a strap wrench, fear not, for a strong companion can serve as a suitable alternative. Here’s how it works: both individuals don rubber gloves, with one person securing the jar firmly with both hands, while the other takes hold of the lid. By combining your collective strength, the desired outcome can be achieved.
