I can't open some of my mason jars

[rhoda_bruce]

Grandmother told me not to keep the rims on the mason jars, but I didn't listen. Unfortunately I didn't keep a good inventory of what I had and when I canned either, so now the rims of a few are stuck tight. I've soaked them in hot water and was able to unstick a few. I hit the rims, denting them, and was able to get in a few like that, but I have about 7 jars to empty and I can't get the food out because its trapped. I'd like to empty the jars, even if I lose the rims.
I have a big organized pantry now and I'd like to start getting serious with preserving and keeping good records and rotating the jars and such, so I need to do away with whatever food might not be worth saving......some of them have been pushed to the back of the pantry for close to 20 years and its time to go. HELP!!!!

 

[ORChick]

Are you planning to eat what is in the jars? If not you could try spraying with some WD40 to see if that might loosen the rings. Actually, if the seals are still good, I would think you could try the WD40, and wash the jar and lid really well before breaking the seal, and still eat the contents. Good luck.

 

[Wannabefree]

Even better than WD-40 is PB Blaster...it doesn't smell as good but it works a bit better believe it or not. I was suprised too I'd take some of that to them, let them sit for about 3-4 hours, and then try to take the rims off.

 

[rhoda_bruce]

I'm afraid I don't know what PB Blaster is, but I'll ask DH. I can try WD40 in the meantime. I wouldn't think I should eat the food inside. A few years old...Okay, but when we talking hidding away in the back for decades....I don't think so. Oh well...live and learn. I'll see what I can do. And thanks. To be continued.

 

[Tatter]

I hate it when that happens...I normally use a few different methods...running warm water over the lid while working it with rubber gloves, or that of gentling pounding the side of the lid on the floor. I'd stay away from wd-40 or any chemicals just because all it takes is for a little of the seal to break and get that crap inside the jar

 

[Joel_BC]

There are actually some "wrenches" made to fit the canning-jar lids, and these give your hands extra leverage. Trouble is, the ones I've seen are antiques... I'm not sure they're made these days (or if they are still made, what they're called and who sells them).

Here's a link to a page that gives a method:
http://www.foodinjars.com/2011/04/canning-101-how-to-unstick-a-stuck-ring/
It's a soak it and come back and try every five minutes or so kind of method. Possibly better than just holding the jar top/lid under the hot-water tap, because people probably only have the patience to do that for a minute or so before moving to the next stuck jar!

 

[Beekissed]

Tin snips....gets 'em every time.

 

[ORChick]

There are actually some "wrenches" made to fit the canning-jar lids, and these give your hands extra leverage. Trouble is, the ones I've seen are antiques... I'm not sure they're made these days (or if they are still made, what they're called and who sells them).

Here's a link to a page that gives a method:
http://www.foodinjars.com/2011/04/canning-101-how-to-unstick-a-stuck-ring/
It's a soak it and come back and try every five minutes or so kind of method. Possibly better than just holding the jar top/lid under the hot-water tap, because people probably only have the patience to do that for a minute or so before moving to the next stuck jar!

I have a gadget to help unscrew tight lids - useful for me, as my hands just don't have the strength anymore that they used to. Unfortunately, I don't know the make - just went and looked, and there is nothing on it about the manufacturer, but you can find things like that in any kitchen store (WD40 is undoubtedly cheaper ). My old standby used to be a rubber band wrapped around a tight lid; it usually gave enough purchase that the lid could be opened. These days my hands/wrists often aren't up to it, even with this help, but it might be worth a try. Although it sounds as though what you have is very, very tight.

Tin snips might work, but getting a purchase on a tight lid might also scratch the glass too much for it to be safely used later.

 

[rhoda_bruce]

I did lose one of the jars I managed to open. I've had an interesting week, to say the least. But today is a new day, so lets see what all I can accomplish. There is one store in particular I think might have some interesting tools I might be able to use. But I don't think I'll be going against Mawmaw too much in the future.

 

[Beekissed]

Tin snips might work, but getting a purchase on a tight lid might also scratch the glass too much for it to be safely used later

As the surfaces of the glass that affect good seal are underneath the lid, the ring is safely cut by inserting the tips under the rolled edge of the band and working your way up from there. The lid isn't affected by this and can be safely popped off later when the ring is snipped off. The glass under the lid is never scratched or touched by the tin snips.