What Is That Weird Toothed Part on Kitchen Scissors For? (Spoiler: It’s a Secret Multi-Tool!)

 

What Is That Weird Toothed Part on Kitchen Scissors For? (Spoiler: It’s a Secret Multi-Tool!)

You’ve probably used your kitchen scissors a hundred times—to snip herbs, open packaging, or cut chicken pieces—but have you ever noticed that weird toothed or ridged section between the handles? Most people don’t give it a second thought, but that mysterious feature actually hides a secret: your kitchen shears are a built-in multi-tool!

Let’s unlock the mystery of what those little teeth can do—and why they might just make your kitchen life a whole lot easier.

1. It’s a Jar Opener (Yes, Really!)

That toothed grip isn’t just decorative—it’s designed to help you open stubborn jars or bottles.
Here’s how it works: the ridges create traction on slippery lids. Simply place the toothed section around the lid (usually smaller jars work best), squeeze the handles gently, and twist. The grip helps break the seal without straining your hands. It’s especially handy for anyone with limited hand strength or arthritis.

Pro tip: Use it on soda bottles or sauce jars when your hands are wet or greasy—it saves the day!

2. It Doubles as a Nutcracker

Those metal teeth can also crack nuts or shellfish. The serrated texture gives you the perfect grip on walnuts, pecans, or crab claws.
Just be sure to apply even pressure—no need to crush it all the way through. It’s surprisingly strong for such a small feature!

3. Perfect for Opening Bottle Caps

Some kitchen shears come with a slightly curved toothed section that works like a bottle opener. If you spot a small groove near the teeth, that’s your clue! Hook it under a metal cap, lift, and pop—it’s a convenient backup if your regular bottle opener goes missing.

4. Gripping Slippery Items

Ever tried to twist open something with wet hands and felt it slip right through your fingers? The toothed part of kitchen scissors acts as a non-slip grip for small, round, or slick objects—like twisting off twist caps, holding onto corn cobs while buttering, or even cracking seafood shells.

5. Designed for Everyday Utility

That weird section isn’t an afterthought—it’s intentionally engineered to make your shears a true multitasker. Combined with their cutting power, kitchen scissors can:

Cut herbs, meat, or packaging

Crack nuts or shells

Open bottles or jars

Grip and twist lids

Basically, they’re part scissors, part wrench, part nutcracker, and part bottle opener—all in one compact tool!

Bonus: Easy Cleaning

Most high-quality kitchen shears come apart for easy cleaning. So if you use that toothed section on sticky or oily lids, just separate the blades and wash both halves thoroughly to keep them hygienic.

The Takeaway

Next time you reach for your kitchen scissors, take a closer look at that strange toothed ridge—it’s not just there for looks. It’s a built-in multi-tool designed to help you open jars, crack nuts, pop bottles, and handle tough kitchen jobs with ease.

So go ahead—give your trusty shears the credit they deserve. They’re doing a lot more work than you think!