35 replies to this topic

[groo12]

I have a few paint jars which I cannot open. I can loosen the lid with a small screwdriver.

Is there a better way. (I am assuming there is)

Thanks.

[martinfan5]

You can run it under hot water for a little bit, I just use a pair of pilers to get the ones that are stuck , works every time

[George]

For ones that are really tight,I hold the jar with channelocks and use pliers to twist the lid.Try running hot water on the lid and see if that helps.

[Fat Brian]

I hold the jar with an adjustable wrench if it's a squarish shape so I don't bear on it while turning the lid with pliers or channel locks.

[Pete J.]

Turn it upside down and drip a little lacquer thinner between the lid and the treads so it fills the area between. Give it a minute or so and don't let it dry. By the way the easiest way is to clean the top and threads throughly with thinner everytime after you open it. I now, it is more work that way, but it is easier than struggling with a jar that just won't open.

[modelmike]

Use your teeth.... I do...

[sjordan2]

Use your teeth.... I do...

This is Mike today.

[Deathgoblin]

Channel locks and bear strength.

[Danno]

12 guage.

[Ace-Garageguy]

12 guage.

Or a big hammer if you're not into firearms. Either way, it makes the paint a little difficult to use.

[cobraman]

Desert Eagle 50 AE. Messy but works everytime. : )

[crazyjim]

Righty tighty. Lefty loosey.

[Foxer]

Pliers and hot water works for the worst stuck caps, but I got this jar opener tool that keeps me from running upstairs for the hot water tap a lot It really was worth getting.

[Harry P.]

For the small square Testors bottles, pliers on the cap, adjustable wrench on the bottle. No stuck cap can resist the force. For round bottles, run the cap under hot water for 30 seconds. Metal expands faster than glass, the cap will come right off.

[groo12]

Some awesome ideas there.

I think I'll be purchasing a jar opener, way easier to get than firearms in Australia (sadly!) and I have spent way too much on dental to risk my teeth. In the meantime it's off to the sink for me.

I like the idea of opening jars with a pistol, reminds me of a Simpsons episode where Homer does that and turns out lights with it. Would be an interesting paint effect!

Thanks to everyone for the great ideas and quick feedback.

[eizzle]

Hell yeah, a Simpsons fan! I like the .50 idea Myself, if you catch the edge of the cap just right, it will spin it right off... Catch it wrong and you better close your eyes!

[Joker]

What ever you do ...try it outdoors..

major paint spillage if jar shatters

Don't ask me how I know

[Terry Sumner]

I use the upside down lacquer thinner method too...works like a charm!

[Joe Handley]

Depends, usually I just twist harder, if that don't work I tap the cap on the edge of a counter or something like that, and if that don't work I break out the Robogrip pliers.............not many stuck caps stay stuck

[jcbigpaw]

I've found that a hammer works really well unless you actually want to use the contents. Lol
If I can't twist it off with a good set of pliers I tip it upside down in a shallow small dish and put just a few drops of thinner around the seal of the lid. Tends to work it's way in. Usually you just need more elbow grease on the pliers though.