What Is That Weird Toothed Part on Kitchen Scissors For? (Spoiler: It’s a Secret Multi-Tool!)
You’ve probably used your kitchen scissors hundreds of times — to snip herbs, open stubborn packaging, or cut through chicken. But if you’ve ever noticed that strange toothed ridge between the handles and wondered what it’s for, you’re not alone. Most people assume it’s just part of the design — maybe a bit of texture for grip or decoration. But here’s the secret: that tiny jagged section is actually a hidden multi-tool built right into your scissors.
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What Is That Weird Toothed Part on Kitchen Scissors For? (Spoiler: It’s a Secret Multi-Tool!)
You’ve used your kitchen scissors for herbs, cutting open packages, maybe even spatchcocking a chicken.
But have you ever looked at that strange toothed notch between the handles—the jagged little ridge near the pivot—and wondered…
“What is this thing… and why does it look like a tiny dragon’s jaw?”
You’re not alone.
Most people ignore it, assuming it’s just a design quirk or grip texture.
But guess what?
That little toothed section is actually a hidden kitchen tool—quietly sitting in your drawer, ready to save you from stubborn lids, slippery bones, and sealed packages.
Let’s unlock the secret of this underused genius feature.
Meet the Hidden Hero: The Built-In Gripping Tool
That rugged, toothed section between the handles is intentional engineering, not an accident.
Depending on the brand, it might be called:
A jar
opener
A nut cracker
A bottle grip
Or even a bone gripper
And while it won’t replace a dedicated can opener, it’s shockingly useful in a pinch.
Here’s how it works:
When you close the scissors halfway, those interlocking metal teeth lock together, creating a powerful gripping surface with serious bite.
It’s essentially a mini vise built into your shears—activated by hand strength and leverage.
Now, let’s put it to work.
5 Clever Ways to Use That Mysterious Toothed Notch
1. Open Stubborn Jar Lids (No More Hand Strain!)
Stuck pickle jar? Sealed spice lid? No problem.
How to use:
Place the toothed notch over the edge of the lid.
Squeeze the handles together firmly.
Twist the scissors—the grip gives you extra torque to break the seal.
Works especially well on small jars or vacuum-sealed tops.
2. Crack Nuts Without a Nutcracker
No nutcracker? No problem.
How to use:
Position a walnut, pecan, or almond in the teeth.
Gently squeeze until the shell cracks.
Pop out the meat—no messy fingers or missing tools.
Perfect for holiday baking emergencies.
3. Grip Slippery Bones When Cutting
Ever tried cutting through poultry or ribs, only for the bone to slip away mid-cut?
How to use:
Use the toothed notch to grip the bone firmly.
Hold it steady while you slice with the blades.
Keeps things safe and precise.
Think of it as a built-in second hand for messy jobs.
4. Break Plastic Seals & Shrink Bands
Those annoying plastic rings around bottle caps? The sealed wrap on yogurt lids?
How to use:
Slide the toothed edge under the seal.
Squeeze and pull—snaps right off.
No more digging with your nails or hunting for scissors.
5. Scale Small Fish (In a Pinch)
If you’re cleaning trout or panfish and don’t have a scaler…
How to use:
Run the toothed edge along the fish’s skin in short strokes.
It may not be perfect—but it’ll get the job done when you’re outdoors or unprepared.
Camping hack unlocked.
Why This Design Is Genius
Kitchen scissors with this feature are designed for maximum utility in tight spaces—think T.ap the p.hoto to v.iew the full r.ecipe.
