What Is That Toothed Part on Your Kitchen Scissors For?

Ever notice that jagged section between the handles of your kitchen scissors—the little metal teeth right behind your fingers? Most people ignore it or assume it’s decorative. But that small, underappreciated feature is actually a handy tool hiding in plain sight. Let’s break down what it does and how to use it effectively.

What Is That Toothed Section?

You’ll find it where the handles start to curve inward. Sometimes it’s metal, other times reinforced plastic, but it always looks rugged. Close the scissors slowly, and the ridges lock together, forming a gripping surface.

This feature often goes by names like “jar opener,” “nutcracker,” or even “bone cracker,” depending on the brand. Essentially, it’s a built-in gripping tool that enhances traction and control when your hands alone aren’t enough.

Open Jars Without Straining

Struggling with a stubborn jar lid? That little toothed section can rescue you.

1. Close the scissors until the teeth just touch.

2. Slide the lid into the ridged area snugly.

3. Hold the scissors with one hand and twist the jar with the other.

The grooves provide grip, the shape distributes pressure evenly, and your wrists won’t suffer. This trick also works for small bottle caps—perfect for soda bottles, sauce jars, or anyone with limited hand strength.

Crack Nuts Easily

No nutcracker? No problem.

1. Place the nut in the toothed section.

2. Squeeze the handles slowly until the shell cracks.

3. Rotate and repeat until you can remove the shell.

Take it slow—you want to crack the shell, not smash the nut inside.

Assist With Poultry Bones

Heavy-duty kitchen or poultry shears can use the ridged section to help break small bones, like chicken wings or thighs.

• Grip the bone in the toothed area.

• Apply firm, controlled pressure to snap it.

Warning: Don’t attempt this with lightweight grocery-store scissors. You could damage them or injure yourself.

Bonus Uses

The toothed section has even more tricks:

• Grip slippery plastic caps

• Crack crab legs or lobster shells

• Twist soft corks from bottles

• Hold stubborn twist-ties or plastic seals

Basically, if your hands slip or struggle, the built-in gripper steps in.

Why Manufacturers Include It

Kitchen scissors with a built-in gripper replace multiple tools. Instead of buying a jar opener, nutcracker, and poultry scissors separately, one pair can do it all. Perfect for small kitchens or apartment living.

You’ll find this feature mostly in:

• Heavy-duty kitchen scissors

• Poultry or bone shears

• Multipurpose utility scissors

Look between the handles for a ridged or notched section that aligns when you close the scissors—that’s your hidden tool.

Safety Tips

• Don’t force it on uncrackable nuts or thick bones.

• Keep fingers away from the teeth while pressing or twisting.

• Clean it thoroughly, especially after raw meat or sticky foods.

• Avoid non-food uses; your scissors aren’t pliers.

A Small Feature, Big Power

At first glance, it seems like a silly design quirk. In reality, that toothed section turns ordinary kitchen scissors into a mini multi-tool. Twist, crack, grip, and open with minimal effort.

Next time you reach for your scissors, remember: beyond cutting, they can be a jar opener, nutcracker, mini bone press, and more. You just have to use that hidden power.