What Is That Weird Toothed Part on Kitchen Scissors For? (You’ve Been Ignoring a Genius Tool)
Look at your kitchen scissors.
You use them to cut herbs, open packages, or trim chicken.
But have you ever noticed that mysterious toothed ridge between the handles?
It’s not a design flaw.
It’s not leftover metal from manufacturing.
It’s a hidden multi-tool — one of the most underused, underrated features in your kitchen.
And once you know what it does, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Let’s uncover the secret function of that toothed part — and how it can make cooking easier, safer, and even a little more fun.
🤔 What Is That Toothed Section?
Located where the two handles meet — just above the pivot point — this ridged, jagged surface is intentionally built into most high-quality kitchen shears.
It’s made of metal or reinforced plastic, designed to grip, crush, and open — not cut.
And while it doesn’t look like much, it’s actually four tools in one.
🔧 4 Clever Uses for the Toothed Part on Kitchen Scissors
1. Jar Opener (For Stubborn Lids)
How to use: Place the ridged edge over the lid of a stuck jar
Squeeze the handles — the grip helps break the seal
Works on pickle jars, jam, sauces, and spice bottles
✅ Especially helpful for people with weak grip or arthritis.
2. Nut Cracker (For Almonds, Walnuts, or Pecans
How to use: Place a nut in the groove and gently squeeze
Cracks shells without crushing the inside
Perfect for quick prep when you don’t want to find the nutcracker
🥜 Try it with walnuts for baking or snacking.
3. Bottle Opener (For Metal Lids)
Some scissors have a notch on one side of the teeth
Slide it under the edge of a bottle cap (like beer or soda)
Lift up to pop the cap off
✅ A party trick that actually works.
4. Grip Enhancer (For Slippery Tasks)
Use the toothed section to hold down slippery items while cutting
Great for securing plastic packaging, foil, or stubborn herb stems
The ridges act like mini non-slip pads
✂️ Keeps your fingers safe and your food steady.
✅ Why This Design Is Genius
Kitchen scissors with this feature are often labeled as “kitchen multitaskers” — and for good reason.
Saves counter space
