You know those kitchen scissors you’ve owned for years? The ones you grab for snipping herbs, cutting open bags, and occasionally threatening to cut pizza when you can’t find the wheel? Take a closer look. Right there, nestled between the handles where your fingers rest, is a mysterious jagged section you’ve probably dismissed as decorative—or simply ignored entirely.

Here’s the truth: that serrated feature is one of the most cleverly disguised multitools in your kitchen. And once you know what it does, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

First Things First: What Is That Thing?

That ridged, tooth-like area is officially called a jar opener, nut cracker, bottle opener, or bone gripper—depending on the brand and its specific design. But in plain language, it’s a built-in grip device.

It’s strategically positioned where the handles curve inward, exactly where your thumb and forefinger naturally rest. When you partially close the scissors, the grooved surfaces on each side interlock, creating a powerful, non-slip clamping mechanism.

Think of it as your scissors’ silent partner: always ready to provide instant traction exactly when you need it most.

Tip #1: Open Stubborn Jars and Bottles Instantly

We’ve all been there. That pasta sauce jar. That pickled jalapeño bottle. That honey jar that’s been sitting untouched since last summer. You’ve tried tapping the lid, running it under hot water, wrapping it in a dish towel, even asking someone with “stronger hands” to try. Nothing.

Here’s where your scissors become a hero:

1. Close the scissors just enough so the teeth meet, creating a firm grip.

2. Clamp the ridged section onto the edge of the stubborn lid.

3. Twist. That’s it.

The interlocking teeth bite into the metal or plastic, giving you mechanical advantage and slip-proof traction. No more screaming at jars. No more asking for help. Just you, your scissors, and a satisfying pop.

Tip #2: Crack Nuts Without a Nutcracker

Hosting a last-minute gathering and realize you don’t own a nutcracker? Your scissors have your back.

Position the stubborn walnut or pecan between the serrated grips and squeeze gently but firmly. The teeth provide just enough pressure to crack the shell without pulverizing the nut inside. It’s not elegant, but it works—and it feels remarkably satisfying.

Pro tip: Place the nut in a dish towel first to contain the shell shrapnel.

Tip #3: Remove Stubborn Staples and Fasteners

That oversized staple on a bag of coffee beans? The plastic fastener on a new pair of kitchen shears (the irony!)? The security tag on a garment? Your scissors’ gripper can often grab and twist these off with far less struggle than your fingernails.

This is especially useful for:

• Opening bags of pet food with those reinforced, folded-top seams

• Removing heavy-duty staples from cardboard boxes

• Untwisting stubborn wire twists on champagne cages

Tip #4: Pull or Grip Slippery Items

Sometimes you just need a better hold. The serrated grip can help you:

• Pull out stripped drawer knobs or small nails

• Grip and twist off stuck bottle pumps

• Remove splinters (sanitize first!)

• Hold small, slippery objects steady while you work on them

Why Most People Never Use This Feature

Kitchen scissors are one of those tools we use on autopilot. We grab them, snip what needs snipping, and toss them back in the drawer. The jar opener lives in the other drawer, right? Except it’s been in your hand all along.

The real reason we miss it: It’s not obvious. Unlike a dedicated tool with one clear job, this feature hides in plain sight, disguised as part of the handle. Once someone points it out, it feels like discovering a secret room in a house you’ve lived in for years.

A Word on Quality

Not all kitchen scissors are created equal. The best ones feature:

• Full tang construction — the metal extends continuously through the grip area, not just plastic-covered handles

• Stainless steel serrated sections — these last longer and grip better than plastic

• Comfortable ergonomics — the gripper should align naturally with your grip

If your current scissors have flimsy plastic handles or the gripper feels loose, consider upgrading. A quality pair of kitchen shears with this feature can replace half a drawer of single-purpose gadgets.

The Bottom Line

That strange toothy part on your kitchen scissors isn’t a design quirk or a forgotten afterthought. It’s a thoughtful, multifunctional tool waiting to be used. Jar opener. Nut cracker. Grip enhancer. Staple remover. All of it, built right into a tool you already own and use.

So the next time you reach for your scissors, take a moment to appreciate that humble serrated section. It’s been there all along, quietly ready to make your life just a little bit easier.

Did you know about this hidden feature? Have you been using it for years, or are you just discovering it now? Share your “aha!” moment in the comments below—and maybe check your scissors drawer to see what other secrets are hiding in plain sight. If this saved you from a jar-related meltdown, pass it along to someone who needs to know.