What is that strange toothed part on kitchen scissors for?

Have you ever noticed that jagged, toothy part hidden between the handles of your kitchen scissors, the one that hides right behind your fingers? You’ve probably wondered  what the point is?  If you’ve never used this strange little feature, you’re not alone. Many don’t perceive it as functional. It just sits there, mysterious and overlooked.

But the truth is, that serrated part is actually an incredibly handy built-in tool. It’s neither a design fluke nor a gimmick: it’s a clever and versatile addition that can save you a lot of frustration in the kitchen. Let’s take a look at what it’s for, how to use it, and why it’s important to pay attention to it the next time you reach for your scissors.

First of all: what is it?

This ridged part is often called  a jar opener, nut cracker, or bone tongs  , depending on the brand. But in simple terms, it’s a  gripping device  .

You’ll find it where the handles curve inward. On some scissors, it’s made of metal; on others, it’s made of reinforced plastic. When you close the scissors just enough, the grooves interlock, forming a powerful gripping surface that prevents objects from slipping out of your hands.

Think of it as the silent companion to your kitchen scissors, ready to step in whenever you need extra traction or pressure.

Tip #1: Open stubborn jars and bottles

We’ve all been there: in the kitchen, struggling with a jar lid that absolutely refuses to budge. We’ve tried tapping it, wrapping it in a cloth, even begging it. Nothing works.

That’s where the built-in gripper comes in. Here’s how:

1. Close the scissors just enough so that the teeth meet.

2. Slide the jar lid between the ridges.

3. Hold the scissors in one hand, the pot in the other.

4. Twist.

The grooves provide grip, and the leverage distributes pressure evenly. Suddenly, that impossible-to-open lid isn’t so difficult anymore. This trick also works on small caps, like soda, tonic, or sauce bottles.

If you have limited grip strength or suffer from arthritis, this feature can be a real game-changer.

Tip #2: Cracking nuts without a nutcracker

No nutcracker? No problem. This same serrated handle can crush walnuts, pecans, and hazelnuts—in short, any nut that doesn’t require a jackhammer.

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