What Is That Weird Toothed Part on Kitchen Scissors For?

Ever notice the random jagged section between the handles of your kitchen scissors—the little metal teeth housed behind your fingers? You’ve probably wondered, *what the heck even is this?* If you’ve never used this portion of your scissors, you’re not alone. Many people don’t even recognize this part as functional. It just… is there.

But here’s the thing: it’s actually quite helpful. That little gripping part is an integrated tool you’ve probably been ignoring for years. Let’s talk about what it is and how to use it.

**What Is This Toothed Part?**

It’s usually called a “jar opener,” “nutcracker,” or sometimes even “bone cracker” depending on the brand—but it’s essentially a gripping device. It enhances traction and control when your hands aren’t cutting it.

**Trick #1: Open Jars and Bottles Without the Struggle**

Let’s say you have a jar lid that won’t budge. Here’s how:

1. Close the scissors enough that the teeth touch.
2. Slide the jar lid inside that ridged area—make it snug.
3. One hand holds the scissors, the other twists the jar.

The grooves give you traction, and the shape gives you even pressure, so you’re not wrestling with a slippery lid. This works especially well if you have limited grip strength or arthritis.

**Trick #2: Cracking Nuts Without a Fancy Gadget**

Don’t have a nutcracker? Place the nut gently in the toothed area and squeeze the handles slowly until you hear the shell crack. Rotate and apply pressure again until you can peel the shell off. Not as smooth as a proper nutcracker, but it works in a pinch.

**Trick #3: Breaking Small Bones**

If they’re heavy-duty scissors, you can use the ridged portion to assist in snapping through small bones—think chicken wings or thighs. Just be mindful: this isn’t for cheap scissors.

**Bonus Uses:**

– Gripping slippery plastic caps
– Cracking crab legs or lobster shells
– Twisting soft corks out of bottles
– Holding a stubborn twist-tie or stuck plastic seal

**The Bottom Line**

That toothed part? It’s quietly capable of a lot. You just have to actually use it.