Ever notice that random jagged section between the handles of your kitchen scissors—the little metal teeth right behind your fingers? You’ve probably wondered, what the heck is this for? If you’ve never used it, you’re not alone. Many people don’t even recognize it as functional. It just… exists.
What you should know is that it’s actually very useful. It’s not a design accident or some weird feature thrown in by the manufacturer. That little gripping section is an integrated tool you’ve probably been ignoring for years. Let’s explore what it is, how to use it, and why this tiny piece is one of the most underappreciated components of your kitchen gear.
First: What is this toothed section?
You’ll find it where the handles start to curve inward—sometimes metal, sometimes reinforced plastic, always rugged-looking. If you close the scissors slowly, the ridges meet and lock, forming a gripping surface that clearly has a purpose beyond sitting idly in your drawer.
It’s usually called a “jar opener,” “nutcracker,” or sometimes a “bone cracker” depending on the brand—but at its core, it’s a gripping tool. It improves traction and control, especially when your hands alone aren’t enough.
Trick #1: Open jars and bottles without struggling
Imagine a jar lid that refuses to budge—a tightly vacuum-sealed jam that won’t loosen. You tried the dish towel, tapped the lid on the counter… nothing works. This is where the built-in gripper comes in handy.
Here’s how:
Close the scissors enough so the teeth just touch.
Slide the jar lid into the ridged area so it fits snugly.
Hold the scissors with one hand, twist the jar with the other.
The grooves provide traction, and the shape distributes pressure evenly, so you’re not wrestling a slippery lid or straining your wrists. This works for small bottle caps too—soda, sauces, tonic water. Limited grip strength or arthritis? This helps a lot.
Trick #2: Crack nuts without a special tool
No nutcracker? No problem. Walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts—any nut with a shell that isn’t concrete-like—can be cracked with your scissors.
Place the nut gently in the toothed section.
Slowly squeeze the handles until the shell cracks (don’t crush the nut inside).
Rotate and apply pressure again until the shell comes off.
Not as convenient as a proper nutcracker, but effective in a pinch. Take it slow—you just want to crack, not destroy.
Trick #3: Break poultry bones
This depends on the scissors’ quality. Heavy-duty poultry or bone shears can use the ridged section to snap small bones like chicken wings or thighs.
Grip the bone in the ridges, apply steady pressure, and it helps cut without slipping. Caution: don’t attempt this with cheap scissors—they can bend or break.
Bonus uses
That toothed area isn’t just for jars and nuts. It can also help with:
Gripping slippery plastic caps (like juice jugs)
Cracking crab legs or lobster shells
Pulling soft corks from bottles (synthetic)
Holding stubborn twist-ties or seals for clean cutting
Basically, whenever your hands slip and frustration rises, that little grip can save the day.
Why include it?
Manufacturers love multi-use tools. Instead of buying separate jar openers, nutcrackers, and poultry scissors, a good pair of kitchen scissors with this gripper does all three. It’s a small, quiet space-saver that performs big tasks.
Does your pair have it?
Not all scissors include this. It’s most common in:
Heavy-duty kitchen scissors
Poultry or bone shears
Multipurpose utility scissors
Check between the handles—if there’s a ridged or notched area that aligns when closed, that’s your built-in gripper.
Safety reminders
Don’t force it—if something is too hard, leave it. These aren’t pliers.
Keep fingers clear of the teeth when pressing or twisting.
Clean thoroughly, especially after raw meat or sticky foods.
Don’t use on non-food items—scissors aren’t invincible.
That random ridge is a hidden powerhouse
At first glance, it seems useless. But that little toothed section transforms ordinary scissors into a multi-tool, letting you twist, crack, grip, and open with ease.
Next time you grab your kitchen scissors, remember—they’re not just for cutting. They can open jars, crack nuts, press bones, and more. You just have to use them.