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.
💡 Works especially well on small jars or vacuum-sealed tops.
2. 🥜 Crack Nuts Without a Nutcracker
No nutcracker? No problem.
✅ How to use:
Position a walnut, pecan, or almond in the teeth.
Gently squeeze until the shell cracks.
Pop out the meat—no messy fingers or missing tools.
Perfect for holiday baking emergencies.
3. 🍗 Grip Slippery Bones When Cutting
Ever tried cutting through poultry or ribs, only for the bone to slip away mid-cut?
✅ How to use:
Use the toothed notch to grip the bone firmly.
Hold it steady while you slice with the blades.
Keeps things safe and precise.
Think of it as a built-in second hand for messy jobs.
4. 🧃 Break Plastic Seals & Shrink Bands
Those annoying plastic rings around bottle caps? The sealed wrap on yogurt lids?
✅ How to use:
Slide the toothed edge under the seal.
Squeeze and pull—snaps right off.
No more digging with your nails or hunting for scissors.
5. 🐟 Scale Small Fish (In a Pinch)
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