You’ve used your kitchen scissors for herbs, cutting open packages, maybe even spatchcocking a chicken.
But have you ever looked at that strange toothed notch between the handles—the jagged little ridge near the pivot—and wondered…
“What is this thing… and why does it look like a tiny dragon’s jaw?”
You’re not alone.
Most people ignore it, assuming it’s just a design quirk or grip texture.
But guess what?
That little toothed section is actually a hidden kitchen tool—quietly sitting in your drawer, ready to save you from stubborn lids, slippery bones, and sealed packages.
Let’s unlock the secret of this underused genius feature.
Meet the Hidden Hero: The Built-In Gripping Tool
That rugged, toothed section between the handles is intentional engineering, not an accident.
Depending on the brand, it might be called:
A jar opener
A nut cracker
A bottle grip
Or even a bone gripper
And while it won’t replace a dedicated can opener, it’s shockingly useful in a pinch.
Here’s how it works:
When you close the scissors halfway, those interlocking metal teeth lock together, creating a powerful gripping surface with serious bite.
It’s essentially a mini vise built into your shears—activated by hand strength and leverage.
Now, let’s put it to work.
5 Clever Ways to Use That Mysterious Toothed Notch
1. Open Stubborn Jar Lids (No More Hand Strain!)
Stuck pickle jar? Sealed spice lid? No problem.
How to use:
Place the toothed notch over the edge of the lid.
Squeeze the handles together firmly.
Twist the scissors—the grip gives you extra torque to break the seal.
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